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IFA, Europe’s answer to CES, once again took over Berlin over the last week. Like CES, the scale and scope of
the technology conference is massive, with everything from smart toothbrushes to sex toys to a flying car.
But IFA, unlike CES, is open to the public, rather than just trade and media. As a result, it has a slightly more democratic air than its Vegas counterpart, and its September timing comes ahead of the holiday shopping season. And the slightly more laid-back atmosphere included nighttime concerts, a hall with bumper cars, and, since this is Germany, no shortage of places to buy beer.
It has a much larger presence of appliance manufacturers, too. The first, and most packed, halls were dedicated to brands like Miele, Siemens, Midea, and Bosch, which showcased products like washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, and fridges.
Of course, many of the same excesses you would expect to see in Vegas were present. I saw a woman walking a robot dog on a leash, which must be a metaphor for something. And even amidst growing backlash to AI, it’s inescapable. Robots were everywhere this year, ranging from the handy (robot vacuums) to the dubiously useful (I’m not sure I really want a backflipping bipedal butler).
Still, even as the AI-driven techlash has dampened enthusiasm while tariffs and the memory shortage drive up prices, it’s surprisingly easy to get excited about some of the latest innovations. There are still brands striving to make products that are useful, like OTC hearing aids that can better separate voices from background noise; fun, like a display-worthy CD player; or both, like a ceiling-mounted light that mimics natural daylight.
The Best of IFA 2026: Our Favorite Tech
From headphones to projectors, these are some of the coolest products that were on display at Messe Berlin.
BEST PROJECTOR
XGIMI Aura 3 Max
XGIMI’s latest projector is the Aura 3 Max, a powerful short-throw projector with a 120hz refresh rate for sports and gaming. The display is startlingly bright and crisp, with a 4K UHD & RGB triple-laser projection. It also features crisp audio from Harman Kardon. And since a short-throw projector will be directly in front of your line of sight, XGIMI made sure the Aura 3 Max looks as good on movie night as it does when it’s powered off.
BEST HEALTH TECH
Anker RIC Hearing Aids Pro
Anker’s new hearing aids use technology from its wireless earbuds and are a welcome reminder that technology can still be used to improve people’s lives in everyday ways. Pricing and availability details are scant, but Anker is using the tech from its Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, which feature the best call quality in a pair of earbuds I have tested. Like Anker’s Liberty 5 earbuds, the earbuds have a built-in touchscreen case, with a rechargeable battery and a discreet design.
BEST SMARTPHONE
TCL P80 Ultra
A smartphone that can turn into an ereader has obvious appeal, and TCL’s Nxtpaper is as close as any manufacturer has been to getting it right. On the surface, it’s an Android phone, but pressing the dedicated button activates a low-glare e-ink-like display that’s ideal for reading and note-taking.
BEST RETRO TECH
Fosi Audio Disc Nano
In case you missed it, the CD is in the midst of a major resurgence, and Fosi Audio has some of the best CD players to meet the moment. The latest is Disc Nano, which Fosi has been showing off at trade shows this year. The statement-making player is smaller than a CD itself, with part of the disc sticking out of the top as it spins. It’s part statement piece, part practical home-audio equipment. Just keep the cats away.
BEST KITCHEN TECH
Ooni Volt 2
Many home pizza makers are built exclusively for those with ample backyard space, but Ooni thankfully spared a thought for the apartment-bound among us. The brand’s latest countertop pizza maker is barely larger than a toaster oven, but still safely tops out at 850 degrees. And since countertop space is always a premium, Ooni’s Volt 2 can also be used for baking, too.
BEST HOME TECH
Govee Sky Ceiling Light
Do you also hate the “big light?” If you’re the type who avoids overhead lighting because of how unnatural and harsh it is, but you still want the benefits of a well-lit room, Govee’s Skylight might be the answer. The brand, known for its innovative lighting solutions, had a busy IFA, unveiling a slate of new lamps, LED strips, and more. But the cleverly designed skylight might be the most interesting of the bunch; it emulates natural light, adjusting throughout the day whether you’re waking up or winding down.
BEST HOME THEATER SYSTEM
Ultimea Skywave X70
There was plenty of home-theater gear on display at IFA, but Ultimea stood out with its affordable soundbars and subwoofers. The Skywave X70 is an all-in-one home theater system, including a soundbar, subwoofer, and wireless surrounds for less than you’d pay for just a soundbar in many cases. The soundbar itself has four up‑firing speakers and Dolby Atmos, so you can get surprisingly immersive sound in a renter-friendly package.
BEST E-READER
Boox Picco
The latest trend in e-readers is tiny, and Boox is getting in on the action with the miniature Picco, which has a screen roughly the size of the first iPhone. The compact e-reader is truly streamlined; you’ll have to load books using a microSD card, rather than relying on internal storage. But if you want a distraction-free way to read books on the go, the Boox Picco, which should release in November, is as practical as it is adorable.
BEST HEADPHONES
OneOdio Fusion A70 GEN 2
Versatility is the name of the game with OneOdio’s A70 Gen 2 headphones. They can be used wired or wirelessly, with support for 3.5mm and 6.35mm cables, making them suited for use with professional and DJ equipment. Unplugged, you get up to 72 hours of battery life, all in a stylish, affordable package. They’re a solid choice from an up-and-coming audio brand.
BEST SPEAKERS
Edifier XR6 Studio Monitor
Edifier marked 30 years in business this year, and in that relatively short time (at least by the standards of the audio world), they have become one of the most trusted brands for affordable hi-fi. The brand had a slate of new releases at IFA, including the XR6 speakers, a pair of professional studio monitors. And since not every artist records in a professional studio setting, the integrated room calibration system lets you make the most of any room.
BEST STORAGE SOLUTION
Lexar Muse
Whether you’re a photographer, content creator, or you just take backing up your data seriously, Lexar’s latest portable SSD is the kind that you’ll actually want to take on the go. At just 1mm thick at its thinnest point, the Lexar Muse will boast up to 512GB or 1TB of storage, and it’s available with a MagSafe storage sleeve for attaching to your phone. Pricing data is not available, but Lexar expects to release the Muse this year.
BEST TRAVEL TECH
Beyerdynamic Aventho Y
Beyerdynamic is best known for its wired Hi-Fi headphones, but the Aventho Y marks the brand’s most compelling push into the world of portable wireless audio. The Bluetooth headphones feature active noise canceling and customizable EQ. They’re also built to last, in more ways than one — they feature a replaceable battery and swappable ear cushions, and the battery offers up to 90 hours of playback on a single charge. If you take audio quality seriously, but are the type to forget to charge your headphones, then Beyerdynamic’s Aventho Y might be the one to buy.
BEST TV
LG Micro RGB evo
LG had one of the largest showcases at IFA, with appliances, TVs, and home theater equipment on display. The wave of RGB TVs continues to grow, with the brand showcasing Mini and Micro RGB TVs (which it previously displayed at CES), plus a TV with a movable stand. LG’s big push was to showcase its AI, which is designed to upscale picture quality and make it easier to find content.
BEST ROBOT VACUUM
Roomba Duo
Even though Roomba struggled to maintain its market share and manufacturer iRobot went bankrupt last year, the name is still synonymous with robot vacuums. Now the company is continuing to mount its comeback with Duo, a model that combines a robot vacuum and mop into one unit. The larger unit carries a small robot vacuum, almost like a kangaroo, which can detach to roll under low surfaces or tackle large messes as a mop.
BEST CAMERA
Insta360 Luna Ultra
Insta360 teamed up with storied camera brand Leica for its latest action and content creation cameras, including the dual-lens Luna Ultra, featuring a telephoto lens, a detachable touchscreen display, and three-axis stabilization. The Luna Ultra’s 1” 8K sensor captures strikingly crisp video, all in a package that’s built for life on the go. Insta360 will also follow up the Luna Ultra with the single-lens Luna Pro, which also brings Leica’s legendary quality to a compact package.
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