Beats Powerbeats Pro are a sportier alternative to AirPods

At first glance, Beats' new Powerbeats Pro look just like Powerbeats 3, but with the cord connecting the two earbuds together snipped off.

But take a closer look and you'll see there's a lot more than meets the eye. Yes, the new $249.95 Powerbeats Pro are cord-free at last (finally) and pricier than the $199.95 Powerbeats 3, but they also fit better, have improved sound, and faster connectivity thanks to the same Apple H1 chip it shares with AirPods 2.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods 2 review: Still the best wireless earbuds you can buy

First things first: The Powerbeats Pro aren't replacing the Powerbeats 3. Beats told me Powerbeats Pro will still be sold alongside the Powerbeats 3 when it's available in May. So if you still like having wireless earbuds with a cable — maybe you like dangling them around your neck after a run — you'll still be able to get the old model. Read more...