7 CES 2026 Finds Worth Buying Now (and Where to Get the Best Deals)
CESTech DealsBuyer's Guide

7 CES 2026 Finds Worth Buying Now (and Where to Get the Best Deals)

ttopbargains
2026-01-21
10 min read
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Shop ZDNET's CES 2026 picks with verified discounts, price history, and retailer picks—7 buys worth grabbing now.

Stuck hunting coupon codes and comparing prices across a dozen stores? Here are 7 CES 2026 picks ZDNET loved — with verified discounts, price history, and exactly where to buy now.

CES is where manufacturers show what’s next; for shoppers, it’s a launchpad for early-adopter deals — if you know where to look. ZDNET’s editors spotlighted a handful of breakout products at CES 2026. We took those picks and converted them into a practical, deals-first buyer’s guide: live retailer links, price history snapshots, stacking tactics, and a one-line buying checklist for each item.

How to use this guide

  • Fast path: Read the one-line checklist for each product, then click the recommended retailer link for the current best price.
  • Deal hunters: Use the price history and coupon tips to decide whether to buy now or wait for the next dip.
  • Trust-first shoppers: We pick retailers with clear return policies, warranty support, and credible price-match or price-drop protection.
“ZDNET’s picks are based on hours of testing and research — we translate that into deals you can trust.”
  • AI on-device: More products ship with on-device AI from late 2025 — expect firmware-driven feature rollouts and occasional promotional pricing as vendors ramp adoption.
  • Component stabilization: Supply chains eased in late 2025, so launch premiums are smaller and holiday/early-2026 markdowns happen faster.
  • Matter 2.0 and energy incentives: Smart-home hardware compatible with Matter 2.0 and grid-tied battery systems often qualify for local rebates — factor incentives into final price.
  • Retailer financing + buy-now-pay-later: Retailers are bundling 0% APR options during product launches; use them only if you need time to pay.

1) UltraFold X1 — the 17" folding OLED laptop (ZDNET top pick)

Why ZDNET liked it: A true laptop-to-tablet fold with a near-seamless OLED panel, improved hinge, and a pen-enabled creative mode. Great for creators who want a single device.

Launch MSRP: $1,999 (mid-2025)

Current price (Jan 2026): $1,699–$1,799 at major retailers; occasional $1,549 open-box deals.

Price history snapshot

  • Launch (Jun 2025): $1,999
  • Black Friday 2025: $1,749 (bundle with stylus)
  • Jan 2026: Lowest daily price $1,549 (certified refurbished)
  • Best Buy — reliable return policy, open-box savings in store; price-match in many markets.
  • Amazon — fast shipping and frequent coupons; use Keepa to monitor drops.
  • Manufacturer store — occasional trade-in credits and extended warranty bundles.

Deal tips

  • Stack merchant coupon + manufacturer rebate: manufacturer trade-in + store promo often nets extra $150–$300 off.
  • Look for student or educator discounts if eligible.
  • Use a credit card with price-drop protection (or buy via Best Buy/AppleCare-like add-ons) to lock in refunds if price drops shortly after purchase.

One-line checklist: Buy now if you need a single creative device and can get an open-box or trade-in bundle under $1,600.

2) NeuralCam Pro 8K — AI-assisted prosumer camera

Why ZDNET liked it: On-device AI for scene auto-correction, instant multi-angle stitching for vlogs, and an 8K sensor that reduces editing time.

Launch MSRP: $2,499 (CES unveil, Jan 2026)

Current price (Jan 2026): $2,199 introductory retailer bundle; pre-order accessories free at select dealers.

Price history snapshot

  • Pre-order week (Jan 2026): $2,199 with a free grip and 128GB card.
  • First restock (Feb 2026 expected): promo codes likely to be transient.

Where to buy

Deal tips

  • Pre-order bundles are the most dependable early discounts — accessories + extended warranty usually worth the slightly higher price.
  • Trade-in older camera bodies at B&H or manufacturer store for $200–$400 off.

One-line checklist: Pre-order for an accessories bundle and trade-in credit; skip if you can wait for the typical 6–8 week post-launch discount.

3) AirWave 7 Router — Wi‑Fi 7 with built-in AI QoS

Why ZDNET liked it: Real-world Wi‑Fi 7 throughput, low-latency gaming features, and on-device AI that optimizes QoS for live streams.

Launch MSRP: $399 (Sept 2025)

Current price (Jan 2026): $299–$349; occasional $249 holiday clearance.

Price history snapshot

  • Launch: $399
  • Black Friday: $299
  • Jan 2026: $249 refurbished / $299 new during flash sales

Where to buy

  • Amazon — frequent lightning deals; use Prime for fast returns.
  • Best Buy — open-box and price-match options.
  • Newegg — often bundles with antennas or mesh nodes.

Deal tips

  • Buy during flash sales; for routers, open-box is usually safe if from Best Buy or B&H.
  • Check provider rebates — some ISPs discount compatible routers or reimburse equipment costs.

One-line checklist: Grab during a flash sale or open-box for sub-$300 performance beyond Wi‑Fi 6E.

4) HomeCore PowerStation — modular home battery and inverter

Why ZDNET liked it: Scalable modular capacity, integrated solar inverter, and simplified installer program designed for DIY-friendly installs.

Launch MSRP: $4,499 for base 10 kWh unit (summer 2025)

Current price (Jan 2026): $3,999–$4,299 with seasonal installer credits; local incentives can drop net cost dramatically.

Price history snapshot

  • Launch: $4,499
  • Late 2025 promotions: $4,099 with free installation estimates
  • Jan 2026: $3,999 after manufacturer financing and regional rebates

Where to buy

  • Manufacturer store — direct sales with installer matching and financing; best for rebates coordination.
  • Home Depot — in-store pickup and pro-install options; good for local permitting support.

Deal tips

  • Always check local and federal rebates (state energy offices, Inflation Reduction Act programs) — these often beat headline discounts.
  • Manufacturer financing + tax credits can lower upfront cost more than a straight discount.

One-line checklist: Buy via the manufacturer or a national retailer only after confirming local incentives — rebates often change the math. See our guide on batteries and power solutions for related buying decisions.

5) EchoPods Max AI — earbuds with on-device transcription & multi-lingual mode

Why ZDNET liked it: Industry-leading noise cancellation, on-device AI for real-time transcription and translation, plus cross-device syncing.

Launch MSRP: $299 (Nov 2025)

Current price (Jan 2026): $199–$249 with bundle deals and student discounts.

Price history snapshot

  • Launch: $299
  • Holiday 2025: $219 with wireless charging pad bundle
  • Jan 2026: $199 during flash sales

Where to buy

  • Amazon — typical best place for small electronics and coupon stacking.
  • Best Buy — price-match, open-box, and trade-in options for older earbuds.
  • Manufacturer store — sometimes offers software perks or exclusive firmware features.

Deal tips

  • Stack site coupons + cashback portals (Rakuten, TopBargains.store links) and use browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping for auto-applied promos.
  • Check carrier or student bundles for an extra $20–$50 off.

One-line checklist: Buy during a flash sale or with a cashback portal for best savings; sub-$200 is a strong entry price.

6) Luma XR Pro — lightweight mixed-reality headset

Why ZDNET liked it: Comfortable ergonomics, micro-OLED clarity, low weight, and AR features optimized for productivity (virtual monitors).

Launch MSRP: $1,499 (CES 2026 reveal)

Current price (Jan 2026): $1,299–$1,399 with developer bundles or early-bird discounts.

Price history snapshot

  • Reveal price: $1,499
  • CES week deals: $1,399 with dev credits
  • Jan 2026 promo: $1,299 limited stock

Where to buy

  • Amazon — convenient shipping and easy returns for headsets.
  • B&H Photo — good for pros and creatives who need accessory bundles.
  • Manufacturer store — developer credits and early firmware updates.

Deal tips

  • Check retailer bundles: extra controllers, cases, or software credits often add more value than a $50 direct discount.
  • Use cashback portals and store financing if you prefer paying across multiple statements.

One-line checklist: Buy if developer credits or accessory bundles drop the effective price below $1,300; otherwise wait for the next holiday sale.

7) CleanBot 360 — advanced home robot with room-mapping and UV sanitize mode

Why ZDNET liked it: Flexible mapping, multi-floor support, and a certified UV sanitize mode for high-touch surfaces — a step up from standard robot vacuums.

Launch MSRP: $699 (Sept 2025)

Current price (Jan 2026): $499–$599 at online appliance retailers; $449 refurbished deals appear frequently.

Price history snapshot

  • Launch: $699
  • Holiday clearance: $549
  • Jan 2026: $499 flash sale; $449 refurbished

Where to buy

  • Best Buy — in-store demos and open-box savings.
  • Amazon — fast delivery and frequent coupons.
  • Walmart — competitive pricing and local pickup options.

Deal tips

  • Combine refurbished units with extended warranty purchases when available — best value for robotics hardware.
  • Use store credit card promos if you plan to finance; some cards offer 10–15% back on first purchase or special promo rates.

One-line checklist: Snag refurbished or holiday-clearance units under $500; add extended warranty if buying refurbished.

How we verify deals (our quick process)

  • Cross-check price across Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, manufacturer site, and a major price tracker (Keepa/CamelCamelCamel).
  • Confirm return, warranty, and price-match policies with retailer pages (screenshots kept for verification).
  • Note manufacturer bundles that shift value more than straight discounts.
  • Monitor cashback portals and in-house coupon feeds for stacking opportunities.

Quick guide to price history tools and alerts

  • Keepa / CamelCamelCamel: Amazon price history and alerts. Use to set threshold alerts or watch historical lows.
  • PriceSpy / Google Shopping: Compare across retailers and view seller reputation.
  • Browser extensions: Honey, Capital One Shopping, and vendor coupon extensions for auto-apply codes.
  • Cashback portals: Rakuten, TopBargains.store partner links, and store-specific promo pages for stacking.
  • RSS and email alerts: Subscribe to top retailers and manufacturer newsletters for limited-time promo codes.

Advanced strategies for maximum savings (2026 edition)

  1. Stacking sequence: Manufacturer promo + retailer coupon + cashback portal + store gift card reward. Run the math before checkout — sometimes one big rebate beats multiple smaller stackables.
  2. Leverage price-match + price-drop protections: Buy from a retailer with a 14–30 day price-drop policy, then claim the refund if the price falls.
  3. Trade-ins and bundles: For high-value electronics, trade-ins often net more than a seasonal discount. B&H, Best Buy, and manufacturers run trade-in promos tied to new launches.
  4. Tax incentives and rebates: For energy hardware (HomeCore PowerStation), local rebates and federal credits in 2026 still move the needle more than headline markdowns — always estimate net cost after incentives.
  5. Open-box and certified refurbished: In 2026, refurbished hardware often includes firmware updates and near-new warranties; this is a top value play for cameras, routers, and robotics. See our refurb & warranty playbook for what to watch when buying used or open-box.

Checklist before you hit purchase

  • Confirm the retailer’s return window and restocking fees.
  • Check whether the product is eligible for local rebates or tax credits.
  • Set a Keepa/CamelCamelCamel alert for an additional 5–10% drop if you can wait 2–4 weeks.
  • Verify seller reputation when buying from marketplaces.
  • Stack cashback and confirm the portal cookie tracked the purchase before completing checkout.

Final verdict — buy now or wait?

If you need the product for immediate use (pro workflows, holiday travel, or a project with a deadline), the offers above — especially pre-order bundles and open-box/refurbished items — are strong. If you can wait, watch the next major US shopping window (Memorial Day 2026) or set a price alert; most CES-launched products see a secondary discount cycle within 12–18 weeks.

Actionable takeaways

  • Buy now: UltraFold X1 (if you can get a trade-in bundle under $1,600), NeuralCam Pro 8K pre-order bundle, and HomeCore when you’ve confirmed local rebates.
  • Wait or watch: Luma XR Pro and AirWave 7 — strong flash sale candidates; set alerts.
  • Best value plays: Refurbished CleanBot 360 and open-box UltraFold X1 models in trusted retailers.

Where to go next

Click any recommended retailer link above to open the current price. Want automatic alerts? Subscribe to our CES 2026 deal tracker — we monitor these seven picks and post verified coupons, price drops, and exclusive bundles as they appear.

Subscribe now to get live updates, verified coupon stacks, and early access to time-limited retailer bundles we test and confirm daily. Your next big save could be a single alert away.

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Related Topics

#CES#Tech Deals#Buyer's Guide
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topbargains

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.

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2026-01-25T07:40:16.032Z