Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max, if you are buying new. The Vifa Helsinki ranks higher than it (#1 vs #17 of 115 large speakers, 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Bose SoundLink Max is still sold new at $399.
The Bose SoundLink Max is the longer-running, tougher option. A rugged waterproof speaker with deep bass, a very long real world battery and a port that charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 8 for the Vifa Helsinki. It is rated IP67, while the Vifa Helsinki has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
The Vifa Helsinki is the better-sounding, lighter option. A superb sounding battery powered speaker, with exceptionally clean mids and treble, now discontinued but worth buying used. At 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose SoundLink Max at 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg). It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Bose SoundLink Max lacks. The tradeoff: No TWS pairing, looks like a purse, requires a hacked Vifa app (Android only post #48) to enable night mode to sound good.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max new; the Vifa Helsinki is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A rugged waterproof speaker with deep bass, a very long real world battery and a port that charges your phone.
A superb sounding battery powered speaker, with exceptionally clean mids and treble, now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Vifa Helsinki | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $449.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No (official app is broken, 3rd party android app only) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 48Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | Partially (shared woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | aptX, SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 10.4” x 4.7” x 4.1” (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 6.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (156 x 210 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter | 2x 50mm fullrange, 2x 66mm woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W |
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