Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 3, if you are buying new. The Vifa Helsinki ranks higher than it (#1 vs #18 of 115 large speakers, 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Xtreme 3 is still sold new at $269.95.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is the longer-running, tougher choice. A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 8 for the Vifa Helsinki. It is rated IPX7, while the Vifa Helsinki has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Vifa Helsinki cannot. The catch: Boosted bass.
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 JBL Xtreme 3 at 4 lbs (1.83 kg). It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. Watch for: 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 JBL Xtreme 3 new; the Vifa Helsinki is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices.
A superb sounding battery powered speaker, with exceptionally clean mids and treble, now discontinued but worth buying used.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 3 | Vifa Helsinki | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $449.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 48Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (shared woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| App | No | No (official app is broken, 3rd party android app only) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | aptX, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 6.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (156 x 210 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 50mm fullrange, 2x 66mm woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 50W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
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