The Verge Awards for CES 2026

Each year at the dawn of January, Las Vegas becomes the epicenter for the latest in consumer electronics. The first week is dedicated to CES, where a torrent of new gadgets captures the attention of innovators and enthusiasts alike. The 2026 event has proven to be no different, unveiling products that range from groundbreaking innovations to those that may never see the light of day.

With vigilant eyes and a relentless pace, The Verge's team absorbed the full scope of the exhibition. Some gadgets were truly impressive, while others simply puzzled us—an integral part of what makes CES exhilarating. As the event concluded, a number of standout devices captured our notice by either reimagining existing technologies or introducing entirely new concepts that deserved recognition. Here are the top picks from CES 2026.

Top Monitor

In the category of displays, LG Display edged out its longstanding rival, Samsung. Although both companies unveiled dazzling high-refresh-rate OLED panels at CES, LG's 27-inch 4K screen, which offers a versatile 240Hz in 4K or 480Hz in 1080p modes, emerged as the leader. It combines sharp text clarity and vivid visuals, making it ideal for both work and play, despite not being the brightest screen on show.

Outstanding Keyboard

Among an impressive array of keyboards, Corsair's $350 Galleon 100 SD stood out. This full-size wired mechanical keyboard uniquely integrates a Stream Deck. It merges the standalone functionality of a Stream Deck into the keyboard itself, preserving its aesthetic appeal. Configurable with various plugins and adorned with knobs and buttons, it’s a versatile tool at your fingertips.

Leading Television

TCL's bold strategy of employing blue LED with reformulated quantum dots in its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV distinguishes it in the display market. Capable of displaying vivid colors and reaching up to 10,000 nits of brightness, the X11L, while sustaining an elevated price at launch, is anticipated to drop.

Top Laptop Innovation

Asus returned with its ROG Zephyrus Duo, a dual-screen marvel that combines gaming power and productivity. Featuring two pristine 16-inch OLED displays and a suite of high-end specifications, this laptop adapts seamlessly from intense gaming sessions to efficient workflows. While pricing has yet to be announced, the anticipation runs high.

Smart Home Highlight

The Aqara U400 smart lock emerged as a notable smart home device, embodying the principles of open standard interoperability. By providing seamless hands-free unlocking with your smartphone, the U400 paves the way toward a more interconnected home ecosystem.

Best Automotive Innovation

Mercedes-Benz introduced a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving feature, utilizing a comprehensive network of sensors and an Nvidia-powered supercomputer. Its performance during a test in the bustling streets of San Francisco was nothing short of impressive, navigating complex urban dynamics with ease.

Superior Health Technology

At the intersection of health and technology, the Withings Body Scan 2 positioned itself as a comprehensive 'longevity station.' Beyond just weight monitoring, this device tracks over 60 health metrics focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health, enhancing the concept of personal wellness.

Top Wearable

L’Oréal redefined LED face therapy with its user-friendly mask, made from flexible material for a comfortable fit and regulatory transparency. It promises both efficient wearable design and effective skincare applications, pointing toward a brighter future for beauty tech.

Most Innovative Gaming Device

Samsung's tri-folding phone is a testament to pushing boundaries. Despite not being the first, it sets a new standard with its large double-folding screen that seamlessly transitions between phone and tablet modes, opening new possibilities for mobile technology.

Best Audio Experience

The Fender Mix headphones made a significant impact with their superior sound quality, comfortable fit, and unique battery design that allows for replacement, ensuring longevity. These headphones cater to audiophiles with their high-res audio capabilities and smart design.

Top Concept for Robotics

Roborock unveiled a cutting-edge stair-climbing vacuum prototype named Rover at CES. Its transformative design could revolutionize household cleaning by removing one of the last hurdles for robotic vacuums: stairs.

Unexpected Joy

Among the array of sophisticated gadgets, an unexpected winner emerged: the Lego Smart Brick. Bringing LEGO creations to life with NFC-tagged interactivity provided a unique, immersive experience that resonated strongly with visitors, securing its place as the most memorable unveiling at CES 2026.