CES 2026 Smart Home Trends: Why Better Features and Lower Prices Dominate

According to The Verge, the show floor at CES 2026 revealed a significant shift in the smart home industry. Rather than chasing entirely new product categories, manufacturers are doubling down on refining staples like smart lighting, locks, and cameras, while making them more affordable for the average consumer.

Standout Gadgets in CES 2026 Smart Home Trends

Among the gazillions of gadgets, Aqara's Smart Lock U400 and Roborock's Saros Rover robot vacuum emerged as the overall favorites. Additionally, a massive version of Lockin’s V7 smart lock—boasting wireless charging capabilities—turned heads as a major showstopper.

The Matter Effect: Practical Innovation Over Novelty

This year’s practical focus is largely credited to the maturity of the Matter interoperability protocol. By reducing the resources previously spent on integrating with multiple platforms, companies have been able to redirect their efforts toward improving hardware features and reducing price tags for consumers. It's the outcome many hoped for when the protocol first launched.