The 8 Best Virtual Assistant Services

Time Etc

When you need the cream of the crop in virtual assistance, Time Etc delivers exactly that. They’ve been around since 2007 and focus on providing top-tier US and UK-based assistants to businesses of all sizes.

What sets them apart is their rigorous selection process. They only accept the top 2% of applicants, which means almost 98% get rejected. The VAs who make it through have an average of 12 years of verified experience. You’re not getting someone fresh out of training; you’re getting seasoned professionals who know what they’re doing.

The best part? They offer a free $50 credit so you can test their service risk-free. Over 22,000 entrepreneurs have already discovered how Time Etc can free up their time. If you need help with tasks outside your current VA’s skill set, they’ll provide another specialist at no extra cost.

Here’s what you can do with Time Etc:

• You can delegate administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, and research to experienced professionals
• You can access US or UK-based assistants depending on your preference and time zone needs
• You can scale your hours from 10 to 60 per month, with rates decreasing as you commit to more time
• You can get a dedicated Client Happiness Manager who oversees your experience and ensures everything runs smoothly

But that’s not all. Time Etc offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. This takes the risk out of trying their service.

The thing is, their premium quality comes with premium pricing. Starting at $38 per hour, they’re more expensive than offshore options. Some business owners find the cost steep, especially if they only need a few hours each month.

Time Etc works best for established businesses that value quality over cost savings. If you need reliable, experienced assistance and have the budget for it, they’re a solid choice. But if you’re bootstrapping or need very basic tasks done, you might find better value elsewhere.

Wishup

If you’re looking for virtual assistants who are actually full-time employees rather than freelancers juggling multiple clients, Wishup delivers exactly that. They pride themselves on offering the top 1% of global talent through an intense screening process that includes aptitude testing and comprehensive training programmes.

What sets Wishup apart is its pricing structure. At $999 per month for 80 hours, you’re paying about $9.99 per hour. Compare that to Zirtual’s entry plan at $599 for just 12 hours, and you’re getting nearly 6 times more assistance for a similar price point. Wishup even offers up to 160 hours per month if your workload demands it.

But that’s not all; there’s more:

• You get a dedicated account manager who oversees your VA relationship from day one
• Every VA is a 100% full-time employee managed by Wishup, not a freelancer working multiple gigs
• They offer a 7-day risk-free trial so you can test their service before fully committing
• If you’re not satisfied with your VA, they’ll arrange a replacement at no extra cost
• You can find specialised talent like bookkeepers, content writers, and even software developers

The company has solid reviews on Trustpilot, with clients praising their professionalism and the quality of support. The structured approach with time tracking, screen monitoring, and weekly performance checks gives you peace of mind that work is getting done properly.

While Wishup offers great value compared to some competitors, the monthly commitment might feel steep if you only need occasional help. Their plans work best for businesses with consistent workloads that want dedicated, reliable support rather than on-demand freelancers. The $999 minimum might be too much for very small operations just starting out.

Upwork

When you need a virtual assistant from a particular country or region, Upwork gives you that precise control. It’s a global freelancer marketplace where you can filter candidates by location, language, hourly rate, and specific skills. The platform’s advanced search tools let you narrow down exactly what you’re looking for.

What’s interesting is Upwork’s AI screening tool called Uma. This AI assistant helps draft job posts, screens candidates with video interviews, and even suggests project milestones based on your needs. It’s like having an extra hiring manager working alongside you.

You can look for VAs with high job success scores. This is like a freelancer’s credit score. The scores reflect their track record of completing projects successfully. Client reviews give you real feedback about what it’s actually like to work with someone. This combination helps you spot reliable candidates faster.

The location filtering is what really sets Upwork apart. You can search for VAs in specific cities, countries, or time zones. 

But here’s the thing about platform fees. Upwork charges 3-5% for basic plans and 8-10% for Business Plus plans on all payments to freelancers. These fees cover payment protection and dispute resolution services. Virtual assistant rates on Upwork typically range from $10 to $190 per hour, with a median of around $13, according to their data.

While Upwork gives you incredible location control, the platform can feel overwhelming with so many options. You’ll need to invest time in screening candidates properly.

Zirtual

When you specifically need a virtual assistant based in the United States, Zirtual connects you with college-educated professionals who work in your time zone. The service starts with a specialist consultation where you describe your business needs, and they recommend the right plan for you.

What sets Zirtual apart is its focus on US-based talent. All their assistants are college-educated Americans who go through careful selection and continuous in-house training. You can start with just 12 hours per month and scale up to 50+ hours as your workload grows. The pricing is straightforward: $549/month for 12 hours, $849 for 24 hours, $1249 for 36 hours, and $1699 for 50 hours.

But here’s what makes it work for busy professionals:

• You get matched with a dedicated account manager who provides personalised support throughout your relationship
• There are no setup fees or long-term contracts to worry about. You can adjust your plan as needed
• The hiring process is quick, with assistants typically available within 24-48 hours
• They handle all the hiring and management overhead, so you just work with your VA

The continuous training programmes mean your assistant stays current with best practices and tools. Plus, having someone in your time zone makes communication and collaboration much smoother.

The thing is, Zirtual’s pricing puts it at the premium end of the market. At $549 for just 12 hours, you’re paying over $45 per hour, which is significantly more than offshore options. While the quality of US-based, college-educated assistants justifies the cost for some businesses, smaller operations might find it hard to justify the expense. The service works best for established businesses that need reliable, professional support and can afford the premium pricing.

Prialto

When you need more than just a virtual assistant but a complete managed service with enterprise-level reliability, Prialto stands out as the only truly managed virtual assistant service on the market. What makes them different is that all their virtual assistants are full-time Prialto employees, not contractors. This means they come with internal managers, QA support, and full benefits.

The pricing is straightforward at $1,500 per month for what they call a Prialto Unit. That’s 55 hours of support each month with free episodic overflow time. You get a dedicated assistant plus backup support, an engagement manager, and a full team working behind the scenes.

But that’s not all; there’s more:

• You get enterprise-level security and continuity that individual contractors can’t match
• With over 15 years of experience and millions of hours of professional support, they’ve been recognised on the Inc. 5000 list for four years running
• When your assistant is unavailable, another Prialto assistant with existing knowledge steps in seamlessly

The thing is, this level of service comes at a premium price. At $1,500 per month, it’s more expensive than most fractional VA services. You’re paying for the full management infrastructure, not just assistant hours. This makes it less flexible for smaller workloads or businesses that don’t need consistent 55-hour monthly support.

Prialto works best for executives, small businesses, and large enterprises that value consistency, security, and not having to manage their virtual assistant directly. If you want to scale your admin needs with guaranteed continuity and enterprise-level support, their managed model delivers. But if you’re looking for occasional help or have a tighter budget, other options might fit better.

Belay Solutions

If you’re looking for a virtual assistant who really gets your company’s vibe and fits right in with your team, Belay Solutions has been figuring this out since 2010. They’ve served over 10,000 clients across more than 50 industries, and they’ve got this matching process down to a science.

What sets Belay apart is how they focus on personality and culture fit, not just skills. You’ll work with a Client Success Consultant who digs into what makes your business tick. Like your communication style, your values, and even how you like to work day-to-day. 

Then they use that insight to match you with a US-based VA who’s not just qualified but actually feels like part of your team.

The numbers back this up, too. Belay has a 93% first-match success rate, which means most clients get it right on the first try. But if things don’t click, they offer a Right-Fit Guarantee. They’ll rematch you within 30 days at no extra cost.

Here’s what you get with Belay:

• You can work with a dedicated Client Success Consultant who guides you through the entire process, from onboarding to ongoing support
• You get matched based on personality, working style, and industry experience, not just technical skills
• You have access to US-based assistants who understand American business culture and time zones
• You benefit from their 14+ years of experience matching thousands of clients with the right support

The thing is, this level of personalised matching comes at a premium. At $38-$45 per hour, Belay sits at the higher end of the virtual assistant market. For some businesses, that’s worth it for the cultural alignment and reduced onboarding time. But for startups or smaller operations watching every dollar, the cost might feel steep compared to other options.

Belay really shines when you need someone who’ll anticipate your needs rather than just react to tasks. They’re looking for long-term partnerships where the assistant becomes an extension of your team. If that’s what you’re after, and you’re willing to invest in the matching process, Belay could be exactly what you need.

Virtual Gurus

When you need virtual assistants based in North America and want smart technology to handle the matching process, Virtual Gurus has you covered. Their Talentplace platform uses machine learning and AI algorithms to pair you with the right virtual assistant from their pool of US and Canadian professionals.

What’s interesting is how they combine technology with human insight. The AI analyses your needs and the VAs’ skills, then makes recommendations that get refined by their team. This approach helps you start working with a VA about 87% faster than traditional hiring methods.

But here’s the cool part:

• They give a complimentary 24/7 AI receptionist service for your first three months. 
• This VG Connect feature handles calls, texts, emails, and chat support automatically, giving you breathing room while you get settled with your human VA.

You can choose from flexible subscription plans starting at 20 hours per month, or go with pay-as-you-go if you need occasional help. Their pricing is based on support hours, so you only pay for the time your VA actually works.

The platform works well for businesses that want North American-based assistants without the hassle of traditional hiring. The AI matching saves you time, and the complimentary receptionist service adds immediate value.

However, the pricing tends to be higher than offshore options, and you’re limited to US and Canadian VAs. If you need specialised skills from other regions or have a tight budget, you might want to explore other platforms.

Boldly

If your business is growing but you’re not quite ready for a full-time executive assistant, Boldly offers that sweet spot of fractional support. They provide premium US-based virtual assistants who work as W2 employees, which means you get the stability of employment without the compliance headaches of independent contractors.

What sets Boldly apart is its focus on experienced professionals. Their VAs typically have 10-15 years of experience, so you’re not getting someone fresh out of training. These are people who’ve handled complex tasks and can represent your business professionally. The matching process is thorough – you actually get to speak with the recommended assistant before committing, which gives you that extra confidence in who you’ll be working with.

But that’s not all; there’s more:

• You can start with 40 hours per month and scale up as your needs grow
• Their subscription staffing model means your assistant is employed by Boldly, giving you long-term stability
• The pricing structure is straightforward – you pay for the hours you need without hidden fees
• They handle all the employment compliance stuff, so you don’t have to worry about contractor regulations

While Boldly is great for businesses that need reliable, experienced US-based support, the minimum 40-hour monthly commitment might be more than some very small businesses need. At $35-$60 per hour, the cost adds up quickly, making it better suited for established businesses rather than early-stage startups on tight budgets.

The fractional aspect is perfect, though – you get executive-level support without the full-time salary commitment. It’s that middle ground where you need more than occasional help but aren’t ready to hire someone full-time.

Each service has its own strengths. Some focus on premium US talent, others offer more budget-friendly international options, and several specialise in specific industries or working styles. The key is finding which approach matches what your business actually needs right now.