The coolest audio gear of CES 2026: soundbars, headphones, speakers and more
I spent a week at CES 2026 finding the best audio products. Here's what I found.
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CES 2026 is in full swing, and the electronics show has unveiled an exciting array of audio products, ranging from headphones that fold into a Bluetooth speaker to open-ear earbuds with noise reduction, gaming headphones that can read your mind, and soundbars equipped with the latest Dolby audio technologies.
Also: The best and most useful smart home tech I've seen at CES 2026
Some products are ready for purchase now, while others will be released later this year, and some are still conceptual. Here are the best ones we've seen so far.
Klipsch Atlas HP-1
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Klipsch debuted the HP-1 headphones at CES 2026, and this model is the company's closed-back, wireless ANC headphones within its Atlas lineup. The HP-1 feature coaxial drivers, wood finishes, and USB-C audio support. The company hasn't announced all of the specifics, but the headphones are expected to arrive on the market this summer.
Aside from their expected high-quality sound, I was most impressed by the HP-1's ANC performance, as this is typically an area where hi-fi headphones struggle. I tested the HP-1 in the incredibly busy Las Vegas Convention Center, and the ANC easily subdued the background noise.
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Samsung Music Studio 7
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
Samsung's new Music Studio speakers debut with an incredible and unique design, smart speaker features, and integration with Samsung products. The Music Studio 7 is the premium model in the Music Studio series, offering a 3.1.1-channel speaker configuration that features an internal subwoofer for powerful bass. The Music Studio 7 also features hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Also: Samsung's new Wi-Fi speakers at CES was almost love at first listen for me
Users can purchase a pair of the Music Studio 7 speakers and use them as rear speakers to complement their existing compatible Samsung TV. Pricing and availability are not yet available.
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xMEMS Sycamore-N audio chip
Jada Jones/ZDNET
The xMEMS Sycamore-N audio chip was engineered for smartglasses, replacing the dynamic drivers inside the glasses with an audio chip, which can help future models achieve a thinner and lighter frame. Alongside their benefits regarding form factor, the Sycamore-N sounds incredible, offering a much more enjoyable audio experience for smartglasses enthusiasts.
Also: The xMEMS breakthrough that makes ultra-thin, great-sounding smart glasses possible
I demoed the Sycamore-N in a prototype pair of glasses, and was impressed by their sound. Instead of a traditional stereo audio response that sounds as if it's right at your ears, the Sycamore-N delivers a more spatial and airy audio response, increasing the immersiveness of your smartglasses' audio experience. The Sycamore-N is not yet included in any products on the market, but it is expected to be available within the next year.
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Shokz OpenFit Pro
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Shokz debuted an interesting technology at CES 2026: open-ear earbuds with noise reduction technology. The audio technology is ideal for people who like open-ear earbuds to stay aware of their surroundings, but don't want to hear every single noise in their environment.
Also: Shokz's latest earbuds have a unique trick that puts them above the OpenRun for me
The noise reduction feature is both interesting and puzzling, yet surprisingly useful in real-world scenarios. Despite the OpenFit Pro's innovative nature, they are heavier and more expensive than the company's other options. At $250, some people may look elsewhere.
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LG Sound Suite
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
LG unveiled its Sound Suite, which comprises the H7 soundbar, M5 and M7 surround speakers, and W7 subwoofer. This system is modular, meaning consumers can buy each piece and build their system at their own pace. The standout feature of this home theater lineup is Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, and LG's products are the first to have it.
Also: LG's new Dolby Atmos system promises immersive sound no matter where your speakers are
I demoed the Sound Suite at CES; while the sound is great, FlexConnect is easily the coolest part. With FlexConnect, users can experience Dolby Atmos regardless of their room's dimensions and setup. Instead of needing a perfectly square room to maximize the Dolby Atmos experience, FlexConnect calibrates and compensates for room irregularities.
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Neurable x HyperX gaming headset
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Neurable's latest venture is a partnership with HyperX to incorporate a brain-computer interface into a gaming headset. Although there are few details on when the headset will be available to the public, the company was offering demos at CES to give a sneak peek into what's to come.
Also: I watched a gamer use brain-reading headphones under pressure - and he locked in fast
Neurable's technology enables gamers to wear the headphones and understand how well their mind is prepared to compete. Neurable's technology will offer gamers insights to improve their accuracy, reaction time, and focus.
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Pioneer Sphera
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Pioneer's Sphera debuts as the first aftermarket in-dash receiver to feature Dolby Atmos and Apple CarPlay. Typically, to experience Dolby Atmos in your car, it must be equipped with a system that is compatible with the spatial audio protocol, and these systems are more prevalent in high-end, luxury vehicles. With Sphera, consumers with older, everyday vehicles can upgrade their car's audio system for $1,300.
Sphera utilizes Pioneer's autotuning technology to determine a specific vehicle's cabin size and shape, thereby optimizing the Atmos audio experience. It features a 10.1-inch HD display and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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