The Powerbeats are the latest workout-friendly headphones from Beats (and Apple)

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  The new Beats Powerbeats in-ear headphones. [credit: Beats ]

Beats on Monday announced Powerbeats, its latest Bluetooth earphones. The new model is the successor to Powerbeats3 Wireless, which the Apple subsidiary launched in 2016. Like that pair, the Powerbeats-which are not called "Powerbeats 4"-are primarily aimed at gym goers and active use. They'll arrive on March 18 for $149.

The reveal should come as no surprise, as the Powerbeats have been leaked extensively over the last two months. One Twitter user even spotted them in stock at a local Walmart in New York over the weekend.

Beats is positioning the Powerbeats as a lower-cost version of the Powerbeats Pro, a pair we've recommended in the past. Whereas the Powerbeats Pro are completely devoid of wires, the Powerbeats have a more traditional neckband design with a cable between the earbuds. Still, both pairs feature Apple's H1 wireless chip, which allows for a more intuitive setup and pairing process with iOS and iCloud devices. This also gives the Powerbeats hands-free Siri support-through the "Hey Siri" command-and there's a Class 1 Bluetooth radio, which should help the earphones maintain a steadier wireless connection with longer range.

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