The most useful smart home gadgets I've seen at CES 2026

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• CES 2026 showcases smarter, more autonomous home tech.
• AI-driven features are becoming standard across home devices.
• Battery-free power and quieter operation stood out.

CES makes this smart home reviewer happy each year. There are numerous amazing, innovative, and compelling smart home devices that debut at the show, making it challenging to keep track of them all. As I comb through press releases and walk the halls, demoing the different devices, I start narrowing down a list of the most attractive ones in my mind.

Also: CES 2026 live updates: Biggest news on TVs, smart glasses, robots and more for Day 2

With CES 2026 in full swing, I thought it's as good a time as any to share this list. Below, you'll find my choices for the coolest, most eye-catching yet ...