Forget Boring Black Boxes: 6 Stylish Speakers from CES 2026

Explore the fresh wave of designer speakers at CES 2026, where style meets sound innovation in captivating colors and retro vibes.

Tired of the Same Old Speaker Look? CES 2026 Breathes New Life Into Audio Design

Walking into a room dominated by the usual black, boxy speakers can be a drag. It’s like your eyes have nowhere to rest — just a sea of dreary rectangles. But CES 2026 turned that tired trope on its head. This year, the spotlight shines on speakers that don’t just sound great but look like works of art. Think vibrant hues, retro-futuristic charm, and clever design nods to legendary industrial aesthetics.

If you’re as fed up as I am with the “mourning” tech vibe, you’re going to love this roundup. From budget-friendly cubes to serious Hi-Fi beasts, here are six standout speakers that make you want to press play and admire their looks.

Samsung Music Studio 5 and 7: Retro Charm Meets Cutting-Edge Tech

I was instantly smitten with Samsung’s Music Studio series — especially the little 5 model dressed in crisp white. If you’re even a little into design history, you’ll spot the loving homage to Dieter Rams’ iconic Braun gadgets from the 1960s. It’s like holding a vintage gem, but inside, it’s all modern wizardry.

The Studio 5 packs a punch with AI Dynamic Bass, making it sound way bigger than its size suggests. The bigger sibling, Studio 7, goes full pro with Hi-Res Audio and immersive spatial sound. These speakers don’t just play music; they elevate the entire listening experience.

IKEA Solskydd: Bright, Cheerful, and Ready to Play Anywhere

Let’s be honest: IKEA isn’t the first name you think of when hunting for audiophile-grade sound. But their new Solskydd line surprises with personality. Available in three sizes and a palette of joyful colors, these speakers are perfect wherever you want a splash of cheer — be it background music for podcasts or a lively pop of color on your shelf.

The orange model, in particular, feels like a happiness booster. It’s not about booming bass or studio fidelity here; it’s about cozy vibes and fun.

Cambridge Audio L/R: A Splash of Color in the Staid World of Hi-Fi

UK’s Cambridge Audio shook up the conservative Hi-Fi scene with these L/R bookshelf speakers, sporting a bold orange color that demands attention. Some might say they resemble KEF’s style, but honestly, who cares? They look stunning and bring life to any dull setup.

For those worn out by the typical gray and black landscape of audio gear, these speakers are a must-have splash of personality and sound quality.

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi: The Return of the Transparent Icons

Ah, the beloved “jellyfish” speakers are back! If you lived through the era of translucent iMacs and candy-colored gadgets, the SoundSticks 5 will hit you right in the nostalgia. Harman Kardon keeps the classic see-through look but modernizes everything under the hood.

These babies now boast full Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in lighting effects, and even an HDMI ARC port for your TV. More than just speakers, they’re a real piece of audio art that makes you want to show them off.

IKEA Kallsup: LEGO for Your Ears

Here’s where your inner child wakes up. These tiny, colorful cubes feel like LEGO blocks you can build with—only for your ears. At a wallet-friendly price (around $10 each), they’re delightful little companions.

The real magic? You can stack them up, build towers, and link up to 100 units in a single chain. Sound-wise, they won’t dethrone premium brands like Audio Pro, but the fun factor and eye-catching lime color make them a blast.

Eversolo SE100: Perfect Fit for Your IKEA Kallax Shelves

This one’s a stroke of genius for all you vinyl collectors with IKEA Kallax shelves (which, let’s admit, is a big chunk of us). The Eversolo SE100 speakers are designed to slide right into those square compartments — no gaps, no fuss.

Unlike assembling IKEA furniture, you won’t need even a hex key here: just pop them in and enjoy. It’s smart, sleek, and speaks directly to anyone who loves organized, stylish audio setups.

Pricing and Availability Insights

Most of these gems are expected to reach the local market by spring 2026 through parallel import channels. Here’s what to expect:

• IKEA (Kallsup and Solskydd): No official local stores carry them, but you’ll find these popping up on marketplaces like Yandex Market and Ozon, often labeled as shipments from Turkey or China. The price is a bit steeper locally, with the $10 cubes selling for around $15-$20.
• Samsung and Harman Kardon: These brands are well-distributed via big retailers and gray-market sellers. Expect the SoundSticks 5 around $450-$520.
• Hi-Fi models (Cambridge Audio, Eversolo): Specialized audio shops usually import these directly and promptly, so keep an eye on stores like Dr.Head or Pult.ru for updates.

Important Tips for Using These Speakers Locally

When considering an import, keep a few things in mind:

• Power plugs and voltage: If you order from the US, remember the voltage is 110V. Speakers with built-in power supplies (like Harman Kardon or Cambridge Audio) may need a step-down transformer, or risk frying. European or Chinese versions compatible with 220V and just a plug adapter are safer bets.
• Smart features: Samsung’s AI bass and voice assistant setups might demand a VPN during initial setup if local IPs are blocked.
• Streaming services: Services like Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect may require network tweaks to work, as official support isn’t available in some regions. Bluetooth connections, however, remain hassle-free.

“Music Studio 5 takes the crown with smart bass, making it sound bigger than its size.” – CES 2026 Highlights

Final Thoughts: Style and Sound, Finally United

For years, home audio systems have been stuck in their black-box rut — functional but uninspiring. CES 2026 marks a refreshing turn where speakers are designed to be as beautiful as they are powerful. Whether you crave retro vibes, bold colors, or clever modular fun, this year’s lineup proves that your speakers can be joyful companions, not just background noise.

Which one has you tempted to upgrade your setup? Are you ready to ditch the black boxes for good?

FAQ

• What makes Samsung Music Studio 5 unique?
  It features AI Dynamic Bass, enhancing its sound depth beyond its compact frame, blending retro design with modern sound tech.
• Can IKEA speakers deliver good audio quality?
  While not audiophile-grade, IKEA’s Solskydd and Kallsup focus on fun, portability, and bright aesthetics, perfect for casual listening.
• Are Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 compatible with modern TVs?
  Yes, they include HDMI ARC support, making them an excellent choice for TV sound enhancement.
• Is voltage compatibility an issue when importing these speakers?
  Yes, especially for US versions that use 110V; a transformer might be needed unless you get European or Chinese variants.
• Can you connect many IKEA Kallsup speakers together?
  Absolutely! You can chain up to 100 units for a customizable and playful soundscape.

Love the blend of retro style and modern sound? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store to complete your music sanctuary: Architeg Prints.