The CNET Group will recognize the most innovative products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, with a larger and more comprehensive awards program than ever before. On January 7, 2026, the group will announce the official “Best of CES” winners, selected by journalists from CNET, PCMag, Mashable, ZDNET, Everyday Health, IGN, and Lifehacker. This marks an expansion from the inaugural 2025 awards, which recognized 11 winners.
What’s New for 2026?
The 2026 awards will feature 23 distinct categories, up from 11 the previous year. This expansion reflects the growing diversity of technology showcased at CES. The categories include:
- Best Age Tech
- Best AI
- Best Audio
- Best Deep Computing Tech
- Best Energy Tech
- Best Future Tech
- Best Gaming
- Best Kitchen Tech
- Best Laptop
- Best Mobile
- Best Parent Tech
- Best Pet Tech
- Best Robot
- Best Smart Home Tech
- Best Startup
- Best Sustainability
- Best Transportation
- Best Travel Tech
- Best TV or Home Theater
- Best Weird Tech
- Best Wellness Tech
- Best Yard or Outdoor Tech
- Best Overall
Each category will have multiple finalists, ensuring that a wide range of groundbreaking products receive recognition.
Coverage and Live Events
The CNET Group will deploy 74 journalists, social media producers, and video professionals to cover CES 2026 live from Las Vegas. Their coverage will include live blogs, social media updates, and exclusive video footage of never-before-seen technology.
The awards ceremony will be held on January 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. PST on the CTA Stage at the LVCC Central Hall Grand Lobby. CNET Editor at Large Bridget Carey and PCMag Mobile Editor Iyaz Aktar will host the event, inviting experts from across the CNET Group brands to review show highlights and announce winners. Finalists will be announced at 8 a.m. PST on CNET, with category winners and the “Best Overall” award revealed at 6 p.m. PST. The winners will also be widely promoted across all partner platforms.
Product Submission Guidelines
Manufacturers and exhibitors interested in having their products considered for the “Best of CES 2026” awards must meet the following criteria:
- Exhibit at CES 2026.
- Demonstrate a compelling new concept or idea.
- Solve a significant consumer problem.
- Present a new product or substantial update that raises industry standards for performance or quality.
The expansion of the “Best of CES” awards underscores the increasing importance of this event as a showcase for emerging technology. The awards themselves are becoming a key signal for industry trends and consumer preferences in the years ahead.
The CNET Group’s commitment to comprehensive coverage and rigorous evaluation ensures that the “Best of CES 2026” will be a trusted benchmark for innovation in the tech world.
