As pop legend Sir Cliff Richard once sang while rollerskating with a Sony Walkman: I appreciate speakers of all shapes and sizes. However, I wish some were more visually appealing in addition to delivering great sound. Currently, I have three sets of rectangular speakers in my room, all available in the same uninspiring black.
Fortunately, several brands decided to make a splash at CES 2026 with speakers that stand out visually compared to the usual monochrome stereo pairs.
From classic design elements to playful aesthetics, there were some truly captivating speakers for those of us whose budgets can't quite accommodate the stunning B&O Atelier models that likely cost more than my home. Here are six highlights from CES.
Samsung Music Studio 5 and 7
I was particularly impressed by Samsung's latest Music Studio speakers, especially the Music Studio 5 in white. They reminded me of Braun's Dieter Rams designs, resembling a long-lost relative of the Braun clocks I own. And being a Samsung product, they promise not just style but substance: the Music Studio 5 is designed to deliver impressive bass with Samsung's AI Dynamic Bass control. While it lacks Hi-Res Audio, the larger Music Studio 7 does support it and is optimized for spatial audio.
IKEA Solskydd
Given their compact size, I doubt the new IKEA Solskydd speakers will fill a room with audiophile-quality sound. However, with three size options and a cute design, especially in the vibrant orange variant, they are perfect for casual listening.
Cambridge L/R Active Bookshelf Speakers
Which speaker caught your eye first in the previous image? If it wasn't the striking orange one, I would be surprised. Cambridge Audio's recently unveiled L/R Series features an eye-catching orange option, a departure for the brand, alongside more subdued colors.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi
Seeing the latest generation of Harman Kardon SoundSticks took me back to my earlier days with a colorful Mac. This new version is modern, featuring wireless capabilities, integrated lighting, and HDMI ARC.
IKEA Kallsup
As a playful note, I can't help but giggle at the name of IKEA's adorable $10 Bluetooth speakers. These stackable, brightly colored cubes with Bluetooth 5.3 can be played simultaneously, making them a fun addition to any space.
Eversolo SE100
In addition to IKEA's offerings, we also saw the innovative Eversolo SE100 speakers, designed to fit perfectly in the popular IKEA Kallax shelves. This thoughtful design caters to vinyl enthusiasts, providing a stylish and functional audio solution.