CES 2026 Buys: 7 Showstoppers Worth Buying Now (and What to Wait For)

Hook: Stop Hunting — Buy the CES 2026 Winners That Actually Save You Money

You love new gadgets, but you hate wasting hours hunting for verified coupons and sifting through expired promo codes. At CES 2026 the biggest risk isn’t missing a feature — it’s buying a buzzy launch at full price when discounts are just weeks away. Based on ZDNET’s CES picks, this guide curates seven showstoppers that are either already worth buying or should be parked on your wishlist until the smart deals hit. For each item you get a clear verdict: Buy now or Wait (and how long), plus concrete tactics to lock the lowest price.

From ZDNET’s roundup of “7 products at CES 2026 I’d buy as soon as they’d take my money,” these are the ones we think deserve your wallet — and a shopping strategy.

Quick Take: 7 CES 2026 Showstoppers — Buy Now vs Wait

1. AI-on-device ultraportable laptop — Buy now (if you need on-device AI today)
2. Rollable OLED TV (4K/120Hz) — Wait (Q1–Q2 2026 discounts likely)
3. All-in-one home robot (vac + mop + assistant) — Buy now (early adopters, verified firmware)
4. AR smart glasses with prescription inserts — Wait (first-gen premium, expect bundles later)
5. 200W GaN fast-charger with USB4 passthrough — Buy now (small-ticket, immediate ROI)
6. Affordable mixed-reality headset for gaming & work — Wait (price drops after first reviews)
7. Swappable-battery electric commuter (e-scooter/e-bike) — Buy now (if you commute, look for local rebates)

Why this matters in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 accelerated two retail realities: on-device AI features are shifting value from raw specs to usefulness, and retail channels are leaning into limited-time drops and localized flash deals to move inventory. That means buy/wait decisions must consider not just product quality but timing: a prime-first-gen device may be worth buying now for productivity gains, while premium display and AR hardware often follow a classic price erosion curve as supply ramps and bundles appear.

How I evaluated the picks (experience & expertise)

This curation uses ZDNET’s hands-on impressions as the starting point and overlays market signals we track across retailers, manufacturer launch schedules, and coupon/flash-deal patterns. I also looked at late-2025 trend data: component-cost easing for displays, growing margins on AI silicon, and stronger manufacturer discounting windows in Q1–Q2 as vendors clear demo units from stores and trade-show inventory.

The 7 CES 2026 Showstoppers — Deep Dives and Buying Playbooks

1. AI-on-device ultraportable laptop — Buy now if you need AI today

Why it impressed: CES 2026 highlighted ultraportables with dedicated AI accelerators that run large language models locally for offline transcription, fast image editing, and private assistant workflows. For creators and professionals who value latency and privacy, these deliver immediate utility.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Buy now if on-device generative AI would change your workflow today — e.g., video editors using instant captions or coders using local copilots. Expect modest discounts in spring 2026 once OEM channels saturate, but the time-savings often justify early adoption.

Deal tactics:

• Shop manufacturer sites first — many vendors offer trade-in or student discounts at launch.
• Stack 0% APR financing from retailer + cashback portal (2–5%) for double savings.
• Set alerts on price trackers (keepa, CamelCamelCamel) and retailer pages; early patches can add value without price drops.

2. Rollable OLED TV — Wait for Q2 discounts

Why it impressed: The CES rollable OLEDs are technically dazzling — thin, nearly bezel-less, and premium for living-room design. But these are high-ticket, early-production displays, and manufacturers typically launch at premium MSRP to recoup R&D.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Wait. These typically follow a 6–12 month cycle before significant discounts, and the best deals often appear when manufacturers bundle soundbars or trade-in promotions in Q2–Q3.

Deal tactics:

• Track refurbished and open-box inventory — demo units from CES often hit certified-refurb channels within 3–6 months.
• Use local appliance retailers for in-store bundles; local flash deals sometimes undercut online prices by 5–10%.
• Watch for holiday-adjacent promotions (Memorial Day or back-to-school 2026) which historically compress premium TV pricing.

3. All-in-one home robot (vac + mop + assistant) — Buy now

Why it impressed: The newest robots combine advanced LiDAR mapping, room-aware mopping, and built-in voice/AI assistants that execute multi-step home routines safely. ZDNET flagged these as practical upgrades — not just concept demos.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Buy now if you’re replacing older models — the efficiency gains and improved navigation are immediate. Firmware updates are frequent post-launch, so buying early nets improved performance over the first quarter.

Deal tactics:

• Check manufacturer bundles that include extra brushes, filters, or extended warranties — these are often the best long-term value.
• Look for retailer open-box inventory after CES demo events (local outlets sometimes run same-week clearance).
• Sign up for manufacturer newsletters for 10–15% early-adopter coupons; loyalty programs matter here.

4. AR smart glasses with prescription-ready optics — Wait for bundles

Why it impressed: CES 2026 pushed AR toward daywear with thinner optics and prescription inserts. The functionality is promising — notifications, navigation overlays, and contextual assistant prompts — but first-gen devices lean premium.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Wait unless you’re a developer or must-have user. Expect meaningful bundles (frames + lens credits, accessory packs) and carrier promotions within 3–6 months that lower effective cost.

Deal tactics:

• If you need prescription lenses, wait for bundled optical partnerships — they often drop the total cost by 20–30%.
• Monitor carrier and insurance discounts for assistive tech; some health plans added wearable subsidies in 2025.
• Use price-drop trackers and set local pickup alerts; brick-and-mortar optical chains often run limited-time trade-in credit.

5. 200W GaN fast-charger with USB4 passthrough — Buy now

Why it impressed: Small-ticket, high-impact tech keeps getting better. High-power GaN chargers that safely push 200W — plus integrated USB4 hubs — are the kind of upgrade that returns value immediately: fewer adapters, faster charging, and easier travel packing.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Buy now. Competition has driven entry prices down in late 2025; prime retail deals and coupons remain common, so snag one when you see a 10–20% off limited-time promo.

Deal tactics:

• Combine credit-card statement credits (many cards reimburse electronics) with coupon codes for stacking.
• Use coupon aggregators and browser extensions to auto-apply verified codes at checkout.
• Check manufacturer warranty registrations — some register-for-warranty offers include small gift cards or accessory credits.
• For portable power and travel-ready setups, pair a GaN charger with a compact power bank for true travel packing convenience.

6. Affordable mixed-reality headset (gaming + work) — Wait for post-review pricing

Why it impressed: CES 2026 highlighted headsets that blend higher-fidelity displays with lighter ergonomics and better controllers. However, real-world battery life and content ecosystems usually determine value after third-party reviews arrive.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Wait for the first wave of in-depth reviews and bundle deals. Historically, a 6–12 week window after launch is when discounted accessory bundles and trade-in programs appear.

Deal tactics:

• Hold until performance reviews and developer support are clear; then hunt for bundled game/content credits which add tangible value.
• Local flash sales at gaming retailers sometimes include controller/stand bundles cheaper than online offers.
• Look for retailer open-box returns after initial holiday returns cycle; they’re often like-new at 20–30% off.
• When shopping accessories, check an accessory roundup so you don’t miss essential add-ons like cooling cases and portable displays.

7. Swappable-battery electric commuter (e-bike / e-scooter) — Buy now (if you commute)

Why it impressed: At CES 2026, several manufacturers focused on modular batteries and safety upgrades — easier replacements, longer lifecycles, and compliance-ready designs for urban riders. With rising local incentives for low-emission transport, total ownership cost can be quite compelling.

Buy vs Wait verdict: Buy now if you commute: local rebates, tax credits, and employer commuter programs often reduce out-the-door cost immediately. If you’re just curious, wait for next-season price cycles and winter-to-spring incentives.

Deal tactics:

• Check municipal rebate programs and utility incentives — many expanded in late 2025 to include swappable battery vehicles.
• Buy from local dealers to secure post-sale support and firmware updates; local flash-deal events often include free safety gear or servicing.
• Stack manufacturer promos with dealership finance offers and seasonal trade-in credits to maximize savings.

Practical Deal Strategies for CES Launches and Limited-Time Drops

Don’t rely on luck. Use these actionable, repeatable strategies to convert a product verdict into real savings.

1. Price-Tracking + Alerts: Create alerts on multiple trackers (retailer plus secondary price trackers). For big items, a 3% to 10% drop is common within 60–90 days post-launch.
2. Stack Savings: Combine manufacturer coupons, retailer promo codes, cashback portals, and credit-card benefits. Use browser extensions to reveal verified codes — but check timestamps to avoid expired ones.
3. Local Flash Deal Radar: Some of the best deals are local — in-store clearance of CES demo units often happens within weeks. Follow local retailers on social and set geo-notifications for flash events; think like a micro-event organizer and use a micro-event sprint mindset to catch a limited run.
4. Refurb & Open-Box: For premium hardware like TVs and VR headsets, certified refurbished units offer the fastest route to 20–40% off with warranty coverage.
5. Timing Windows: Q1–Q2 2026 looks set for early discounts on displays and AR hardware as manufacturers clear inventory. Small electronics (chargers, accessories) usually discount faster.

How to Avoid Expired or Fraudulent Coupons

• Use established coupon aggregators with timestamped, user-verified codes.
• Cross-check codes in the browser console only if you understand the process — otherwise rely on reputable extensions.
• Prefer coupon codes from brand newsletters or major retailers to unverified forums.
• When in doubt, contact retailer support to confirm a promotion’s terms.

Case Study: Turning a CES Pick into a Real Savings Win

Example: An AI laptop listed in ZDNET’s CES picks launched at a $1,799 MSRP. Here’s a conservative savings playbook that worked for similar late-2025 launches:

1. Manufacturer 10% launch coupon (newsletter) = $180 off
2. Trade-in credit for older laptop = $200
3. Cashback portal (3%) = $41
4. 0% APR 12-month financing from retailer reduced immediate cash burden

Net effective cost = $1,378 — a 23% reduction from launch MSRP. That kind of stacking is repeatable for many CES 2026 picks if you move quickly and use verified coupons.

Final Recommendations — A Quick Checklist Before You Buy

• Does the product change your daily workflow? If yes, favor buying early.
• Is it expensive and likely to be bundled soon? If yes, wait 6–12 weeks.
• Can you stack coupons, trade-ins and cashback? If yes, shop now.
• Are local rebates or demo clearances available? Check locally before committing online.

Closing — Act Smarter, Not Faster

CES 2026 unveiled many tempting gadgets, and ZDNET’s picks highlight what’s exciting and practical. Use the buy-now vs wait framework above to decide with confidence. Remember: the best deal is the one that solves a real problem for you at the lowest total cost of ownership. Whether you’re an early adopter chasing day-one productivity gains or a value shopper hunting for bundles and flash deals, the strategies here will help you lock a verified, timely discount.

Call to Action

Ready to act? Bookmark this page, sign up for our verified coupon alerts, and set price watches on the seven CES picks you care about. Join our email list for curated flash-deal alerts and local clearance intel so you never pay full price for tech you actually use.

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