Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Vifa Helsinki is the better pick: it ranks #1 of 115 large speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5), against #57 (rated 3.5/5) for the Sony SRS-XB43. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 5 replaces the Sony SRS-XB43 and is rated 3.5/5 at $268.
The Sony SRS-XB43 is the longer-running, tougher option. A waterproof party speaker with lights, a long battery and an Extra Bass mode for heavier low end. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the Vifa Helsinki. It is rated IP67, while the Vifa Helsinki has no water resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Vifa Helsinki lacks. Watch for: Not as loud as others in the category.
The Vifa Helsinki is the better-sounding, lighter choice. 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 much less than the Sony SRS-XB43 at 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg). 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 Vifa Helsinki only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony ULT Field 5, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB43.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof party speaker with lights, a long battery and an Extra Bass mode for heavier low end.
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
| Sony SRS-XB43 | Vifa Helsinki | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 Discontinued | $449.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #57 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 | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | No |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) | No (official app is broken, 3rd party android app only) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (shared woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 12.8” x 4.8” x 4.6” (325 x 123 x 117 mm) | 6.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (156 x 210 x 70 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 32W RMS | 50W |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange, 2x 66mm woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in strap) |
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