CNN Underscored Follow CNN Underscored CNN Underscored is your guide to the everyday products and services that help you live a smarter, simpler and more fulfilling life. The content is created by CNN Underscored. CNN News staff is not involved. When you make a purchase, we receive revenue. The best tablets of 2021 By Jason Cipriani and Jacob Krol, CNN Published 2:56 PM EDT, Fri April 9, 2021 (CNN) — Tablets may have started out as luxury items â something people would break out to stream videos and scroll social media when their phones didnât suffice and laptops were too bulky to take on the go. But more and more, tablets have become full-fledged laptop replacements, with even the most affordable options able to withstand heavy tasks.