7 CES 2026 Gadgets I’d Buy Right Now (and Where to Get Them)

The CES 2026 gadgets you can actually buy now — my editor's wishlist turned into a shopping plan

Stuck between hype and a shopping cart? After a week of hands-on demos at CES 2026, I filtered the flashiest prototypes down to seven devices that are already available or open for preorder. This guide skips vaporware and gives you practical buying advice: who each gadget is for, why it matters in 2026, where to buy it today, and the smart accessories and alternatives to consider.

Why these seven made the cut

Trade shows are full of wild ideas — but not everything is ready to improve your life this quarter. I used three editorial filters to pick the list below:

• Shipping or pre-orderable: I excluded prototypes with vague timelines. Each pick has a buy link (manufacturer, major retailer or carrier) or a clear preorder window.
• Real, repeatable benefit: The device introduces a practical improvement for 2026 — e.g., on-device generative AI, Wi‑Fi 7, better battery tech, or meaningful durability gains.
• Good value for the category: It’s not always the cheapest, but each pick earns its price through features and future-proofing.

Quick take — the 7 CES 2026 gadgets I’d buy right now

1. Hybrid AI smartphone: compact flagship with on-device LLM
2. Foldable phone 3.0: tougher hinge, under-display selfie, and Wi‑Fi 7
3. On-the-go AI earbuds: speech-to-text, real-time translation, and superior battery
4. Portable Wi‑Fi 7 hotspot with 5G‑A modem
5. Lightweight mixed‑reality glasses for commuting
6. High-efficiency flagship laptop with built-in NPU for mobile creators
7. Smart battery pack with integrated satellite messaging and fast charging

Deep dive: 7 CES 2026 devices worth opening your wallet for

1) Hybrid AI smartphone — the compact powerhouse

Why buy now: On-device AI is a 2026 baseline for productivity phones. The models shown at CES with dedicated NPUs now run useful assistants locally: offline summarization, faster photo edits, and private voice agents.

Who should buy: Journalists, students, commuters, and anyone who wants enterprise-level privacy and instant AI features without relying on cloud latency.

Key features to check: size (under 6.3 in), dedicated NPU, 3–4x optical zoom, 60–120W wired charging, Wi‑Fi 7, and at least 512GB storage option for local model caches.

Where to buy: Available for preorder direct from the manufacturer and via major carriers and retailers (manufacturer store, Best Buy, and Amazon). Shipments are scheduled in Q1–Q2 2026 for most models.

Buying tip: Choose the model with user-replaceable security updates (or good OS update promises). With on-device AI, timely firmware is the difference between pleasant speed and creeping privacy risk.

2) Foldable phone 3.0 — durability and usability finally align

Why buy now: The 2026 foldables at CES focus on two things consumers wanted for years: stronger hinges and better gap sealing, plus under-display selfie cameras that actually work. These aren’t fragile showpieces — they’re daily drivers being sold and pre-ordered now.

Who should buy: Power users who want a tablet-sized screen that fits in a pocket, multitaskers, and mobile gamers.

Key specs: IPX or higher water resistance, hinge tech rated for >500k folds, improved crease minimization, Wi‑Fi 7 + 5G‑A support, and battery balancing across the main and cover screens.

Where to buy: Preorders are open at carriers, the OEM’s online store, and major electronics sellers. Expect promotions through trade-in deals to knock hundreds off the sticker price.

Buying tip: If you rely on cameras, compare the foldable’s main sensor performance to a standard flagship. Many new foldables match flagships for image quality, but the right accessory (e.g., a magnetic battery case) can extend runtime without adding bulk. If you want local repair options and kiosks, check new micro-repair & kiosk strategies near you before committing.

3) On-the-go AI earbuds — productivity in your pocket

Why buy now: CES 2026 earbuds are more than ANC and codecs. The latest models offer local speech-to-text, live translation with minimal latency, and multi-device low-power modes. Battery life has improved — many now pass the 10-hour continuous-transcription threshold with the charging case topping 40 hours.

Who should buy: Travelers, hybrid workers, and meeting-heavy professionals who want transcription and live translation without carrying a laptop.

Key features: On-device NPU for voice tasks, robust ANC with ambient-aware modes, multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 or LE Audio, and Qi charging case.

Where to buy: In stock at big retailers and the brand stores; preorder windows have closed for many models but several high-demand versions maintain rolling ship dates. Check Amazon, Best Buy, and the manufacturer's site. For curated field recommendations and packing the right short-form gear, see this On-the-Go Creator Kits field report.

Buying tip: If you rely on transcription, test the language and accent support. On-device models have improved rapidly, but cloud fallback often improves accuracy for obscure dialects — check the app’s hybrid settings.

4) Portable Wi‑Fi 7 hotspot with 5G‑A — futureproof your mobile connectivity

Why buy now: With Wi‑Fi 7 entering mainstream routers in late 2025 and early 2026, portable hotspots that combine 5G‑Advanced (5G‑A) modems and Wi‑Fi 7 radios give you faster backhaul and better local mesh performance. These devices matter for remote work, travel, and as backup home connectivity.

Who should buy: Digital nomads, small-business owners who travel, and households wanting a secondary failover connection.

Key specs: Multi-carrier 5G‑A support, Wi‑Fi 7 (320MHz channels + multi-link operation), 2–3 day battery life under light use, and Ethernet passthrough for local consoles or cameras.

Where to buy: Preorders and stock models at carrier stores, B&H, and direct from OEMs. Some models include carrier-subsidized pricing with data bundles for the first year.

Buying tip: If you need low latency for cloud gaming or remote desktop work, pick a hotspot with multi-link operation (simultaneous Wi‑Fi and 5G aggregation) and a dedicated Ethernet port for tethering into a mesh router.

5) Lightweight mixed‑reality (MR) glasses — commuter-friendly heads‑up computing

Why buy now: CES 2026 showcased MR glasses that ditch heavy headbands and deliver discrete AR overlays for navigation, notifications, and media. Unlike bulky headsets, these glasses are light enough for an hour-plus session and support on-device LLM features for replies and summarization.

Who should buy: Field workers, commuters who want notifications without pulling out a phone, and early adopters of head‑worn computing.

Key specs: Full-color micro-LED displays, local generative AI for private replies, bone-conduction or discreet earbuds, and Matter-ready smart-home controls. For lessons on integrating AR hardware into team workflows, check this AR sports glasses field guide — many of the ergonomic and workflow lessons there apply to commuter MR units.

Where to buy: Many CES 2026 MR models opened preorders at manufacturer stores and select retailers. Look for units shipping in mid‑2026.

Buying tip: Comfort matters more than features for wearable tech. Buy from a retailer with a generous return policy and try them on for at least 30 minutes. Also, check whether prescription lens inserts are available if you wear glasses.

6) Flagship laptop with built-in NPU — mobile creators' best friend

Why buy now: Laptops with integrated NPUs (neural processing units) reduce rendering and AI-accelerated editing time dramatically. At CES 2026, several Ultrabooks and creator-focused laptops balanced battery life, thinness, and on-device AI performance — finally useful for creatives who edit on the go.

Who should buy: Photographers, video editors, and social creators who need fast local rendering, real-time AI encoding, or on-device model inference.

Key specs: Dedicated NPU (for on-device ML), OLED or mini‑LED display, 16–32GB RAM, 1TB+ SSD, Wi‑Fi 7, and battery life of 8+ hours with mixed workloads.

Where to buy: These laptops are available for preorder directly from OEMs (Lenovo, Dell, Asus, HP) and through Best Buy and B&H with configuration options.

Buying tip: If you run specific AI workloads, check software support and SDKs (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime). A great NPU on paper is only as valuable as the apps that support it. If you plan to stream or capture on the go, our compact streaming rigs field test covers lightweight capture workflows and cache-first PWAs that pair well with ultraportable creator laptops.

7) Smart battery pack with satellite messaging and fast charging

Why buy now: CES 2026 made satellite-texting mainstream for accessories. New power banks combine 200W+ pass-through charging with integrated satellite telemetry for emergency text and low-bandwidth data — ideal for travelers and outdoor workers.

Who should buy: Hikers, remote workers, frequent flyers, and anyone who wants a future-ready power solution for phone, laptop, and emergency comms.

Key specs: 10,000–40,000 mAh options, 100–240W USB-C PD pass-through, built-in satellite modem with short-message capability, and OLED status screens.

Where to buy: Direct from OEMs, specialty outdoor retailers, and mainstream outlets. Some models include subscription-based satellite plans through partner networks. For broader perspective on portable power, battery choices and field workflows, see our batteries playbook for events and long sessions: Batteries & Power Solutions for Marathon Concerts and Live Streams.

Buying tip: If you’ll rely on the satellite feature, compare monthly costs and coverage maps first. Satellite is great for texts and location pings — it's not an LTE substitute for heavy uploads.

How to decide which CES 2026 pick is right for you

Here’s a short checklist to match the gadget to your priorities in 2026:

1. Prioritize on-device AI? Pick the hybrid smartphone or NPU-equipped laptop.
2. Need a big-screen mobile experience without a tablet? Choose the new foldable.
3. Record lots of meetings or need travel translation? Get the AI earbuds.
4. Frequent remote work across locations? Buy the Wi‑Fi 7 hotspot plus battery pack.
5. Want a hands-free notifications and mapping experience? Try the MR glasses with a return policy.

2026 trends behind these picks — what matters now

These seven gadgets are tied together by clear 2026 trends:

• On‑device AI is mainstream: Local NPUs reduce latency and protect privacy. Expect more apps to offload LLM tasks to device silicon in 2026.
• Connectivity leaps: Wi‑Fi 7 + 5G‑A combos mean higher throughput and better aggregation for mobile workers and gamers.
• Wearables get practical: Lighter MR glasses and earbuds are increasingly useful daily tools rather than niche toys.
• Durability & sustainability: Manufacturers are prioritizing repairability and recycled materials — an important criteria if you plan to keep a device several years.

From CES 2026 to your pocket: the best gadgets this year are the ones that solve real mobile problems — better battery, smarter local AI, faster networks, and wearables that don’t hurt your ears.

Practical shopping tactics — buy smarter in 2026

• Preorder windows matter: If a model is preorderable, use the preorder to lock in introductory discounts, but confirm return policy and shipping date.
• Check update promises: For AI devices, look for multi-year OS and security update commitments — that’s where value compounds.
• Leverage trade-ins: Many CES launches come with trade-in promos; that’s often the fastest way to reduce up-front cost on a flagship foldable or smartphone.
• Bundle wisely: Hotspots, earbuds, and battery packs are often bundled with data plans or accessory discounts — compare annual costs, not just the device price.
• Try before you commit: For wearables and foldables, buy from retailers with in-store demos or generous return windows. Comfort and daily usability are subjective. See our pop-up and micro-retail coverage for in-person demo tips: How Creator Shops & Micro-Hubs are shaping smart shopping.

Alternatives & comparisons

If one of the picks doesn’t match your needs, consider these trade-show-tested alternatives:

• Instead of a foldable: buy a compact flagship with a large external display if you prefer a durable clamshell experience.
• Instead of MR glasses: pick a convertible tablet with a detachable keyboard — still useful for commuting and focused work.
• Instead of a high-end NPU laptop: get a desktop replacement with GPU acceleration for heavier rendering workloads if you don’t need mobility.

Final verdict — which CES 2026 gadget I’d buy first

If I had to spend money today, I’d prioritize the hybrid AI smartphone first. In 2026, the phone is where I do most of my on-the-go content creation, and local AI that speeds up editing, summary and private prompting is a real time-saver. Close second: the Wi‑Fi 7 portable hotspot if you travel — it keeps every other device in the list useful when you’re off broadband.

Actionable next steps — what to do right now

1. Pick the one device that solves the biggest daily pain (battery, connectivity, translation, or screen size).
2. Check preorder pages at the manufacturer and top retailers (manufacturer store, Best Buy, Amazon, B&H) and compare return policies and bundle deals.
3. Sign up for price-drop alerts and the OEM newsletter; many CES launches have flash discounts in the first 30–60 days.

Where I got this: hands-on coverage and current retail availability

This guide is based on hands-on demos at CES 2026, publisher briefings, and current preorder/retail listings from manufacturers and major retailers in early 2026. For readers who want deep dives, look for specific model reviews on our site where we test battery life, real-world AI performance, and camera output. If you’re building a lightweight capture stack for field testing, our field test of compact streaming rigs is a practical companion to the laptop recommendations above.

Closing — Your buying checklist for CES 2026 picks

• Confirm device ships or has a firm preorder date.
• Compare total cost including data plans or satellite subscriptions.
• Check update and service policies for AI and security updates.
• Test wearables in-store or buy from a seller with a risk-free return window.

Ready to pick one? Visit the product pages at the manufacturer or your preferred retailer to compare prices and pre-order windows today. For ongoing coverage, sign up for our newsletter — we’ll surface the best CES 2026 deals, audited hands-on reviews, and follow-up tests as devices ship.

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