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Why This List Exists
You’re drowning in tasks. I get it. Your inbox has 247 unread messages, you haven’t updated your CRM in two weeks, and someone just asked you to coordinate a meeting across three time zones.
The promise of hiring a virtual assistant sounds great until you start looking. Suddenly you’re comparing 50 companies that all claim to have “top-tier talent” and “seamless onboarding.” They can’t all be telling the truth.
I’ve spent the past few months talking to business owners who actually use these services. Not the testimonials on company websites, but real conversations about what works and what doesn’t. This list reflects what I learned.
What’s Actually Changed in 2026
Here’s what’s different from even a year ago. AI tools are everywhere now, which means the best virtual assistant companies aren’t just finding people who can answer emails. They’re finding people who know how to work alongside automation without being replaced by it.
The pricing models have shifted too. Some companies still do the subscription thing where you pay monthly whether you use all the hours or not. Others moved to direct-hire placements where you pay once and the assistant works for you directly. That second option can save you thousands over a year, but it also means you’re doing more management yourself.
There’s been a consolidation of sorts. The market got flooded during the pandemic with companies promising remote talent. Many of them were just middlemen with a website. The ones that survived into 2026 actually built infrastructure around vetting, training, and support.
The 10 Companies Worth Your Time
1. VoxtenD
What they do: VoxtenD positions itself as a full virtual employee provider, not just assistants. They handle everything from basic admin work to technical support and knowledge process outsourcing.
Who it’s for: Small to medium businesses that need multiple types of support under one roof. If you’re tired of coordinating between three different service providers, this makes sense.
The reality: Their pricing starts remarkably low at $5 per hour, which immediately raises questions about quality. But they’ve been around long enough to build proper processes. The trade-off is you get offshore talent, which works great if timezone overlap isn’t critical for your tasks.
I’ve talked to a marketing agency owner who uses VoxtenD for data entry and chat support. His take? “You’re not getting someone who’s going to proactively solve problems, but for defined, repeatable tasks, it works.” That’s probably the most honest assessment you’ll get.
2. MyOutDesk
What they do: Founded in 2008, they’re one of the veterans in this space. They specialize in matching businesses with virtual assistants, particularly for real estate, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Who it’s for: Companies that want a managed service where someone else handles the training and HR headaches.
The reality: MyOutDesk has been doing this long enough to know what works. They claim 36 of the top 100 real estate teams use their services, which tells you something about their industry knowledge. The pricing isn’t transparent upfront, which is annoying but pretty standard for this tier of service.
Their assistants go through an eight-week training program. Whether that’s enough depends entirely on what you’re asking them to do.
3. BELAY
What they do: US-based virtual assistants exclusively. They’ve built their entire brand around being domestic, which appeals to companies that want minimal language barriers and timezone alignment.
Who it’s for: Businesses willing to pay premium rates for US talent and the peace of mind that brings.
The reality: BELAY’s acceptance rate is around 3%, which sounds impressive until you realize every VA company claims to be incredibly selective. That said, their assistants tend to have more business experience on average. You’re paying for that, obviously. They don’t publish rates, but expect to pay 2-3x what you’d pay for offshore talent.
4. Boldly
What they do: Executive-level support with assistants based in the US and UK. They position themselves at the higher end of the market.
Who it’s for: Executives who need someone who can handle complex scheduling, travel coordination, and actually understand business context.
The reality: Boldly assistants aren’t entry-level. They’ve typically worked in corporate environments before going remote. The minimum engagement is substantial, both in hours and cost. If you’re just looking for someone to manage your calendar, this is overkill. If you need a true executive partner, it’s worth exploring.
5. Wishup
What they do: They’ve built a reputation around fast matching and modern tool expertise. Their assistants are trained on automation tools and AI platforms.
Who it’s for: Startups and founders who want someone tech-savvy without having to teach them every platform.
The reality: Wishup claims you can get matched with a VA in 60 minutes. I haven’t verified that, but their onboarding is definitely faster than most. They focus heavily on tool training, which matters more now than it did even two years ago. Monthly pricing starts around $1,000 for part-time support.
6. Time Etc
What they do: Administrative support primarily, with assistants in the US and UK. They’ve been around since 2007.
Who it’s for: Solopreneurs and small business owners who need reliable admin help without complexity.
The reality: Time Etc keeps it simple. No elaborate packages or tiered service levels. You buy hours, they match you with someone, you communicate what needs done. Forbes has recognized them multiple times, which means something but isn’t everything. Pricing is more transparent than some competitors, starting around $360 for 10 hours monthly.
7. Athena
What they do: High-touch executive assistant services with a focus on the relationship between executive and EA.
Who it’s for: Senior leaders who view an executive assistant as a strategic investment, not a cost center.
The reality: At $3,000-$3,600 per month, Athena isn’t playing in the budget category. They recruit from countries like Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, and the Philippines, focusing on candidates with corporate experience. The company claims to select from the top 0.5% of applicants. Their assistants work full-time hours, which means real availability and continuity.
8. Virtual Wizards
What they do: Direct-hire placement model. You pay them once to find and vet the assistant, then you employ the person directly.
Who it’s for: Companies that want to own the relationship and avoid ongoing service fees.
The reality: The placement fee ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the role’s complexity. After that, you pay the assistant directly. This can save substantial money over a year compared to subscription models. The downside? You’re managing the person yourself. If they quit or don’t work out, you’re starting over.
9. Near (Hire With Near)
What they do: Focuses on Latin American talent for US companies. They recruit across finance, sales, operations, and virtual assistance.
Who it’s for: US businesses that want timezone alignment with cost savings.
The reality: Near’s 45,000+ candidate pool gives them reach. They offer both placement fees and managed payroll options. Their 97% success rate claim is marketing speak, but their client reviews are generally solid. Latin American assistants often work in compatible US timezones while costing significantly less than domestic hires.
10. 20four7VA
What they do: Full-service virtual assistant company with assistants from the Philippines and South Africa. They handle everything including HR and IT support.
Who it’s for: Companies that want a complete outsourcing solution, not just talent placement.
The reality: They’ve made the Inc. 5000 list four years running, which indicates real growth. The matching process is free, and you only start paying when the assistant begins work. They provide dedicated account managers, which matters when issues come up. Pricing varies based on the package, but they’re positioned in the mid-market range.
How to Actually Choose One
Stop trying to find the “best” company. That doesn’t exist. There’s only the best company for your specific situation.
Ask yourself these questions first. How much can you afford to spend monthly? Be honest. Don’t stretch for a premium service if it’s going to stress your budget.
How much management time do you have? Direct-hire models save money but require you to be a manager. Managed services cost more but handle the relationship.
What timezone do you need? If you’re working with clients in real-time or need same-day turnarounds, timezone overlap matters more than you think.
What’s the complexity of the work? Data entry and email management can be done by almost anyone with training. Strategic planning support requires someone with real business experience.
Here’s something nobody mentions. Start small. Don’t commit to a full-time assistant before you even know what you’ll delegate. Most companies offer part-time packages. Use them to figure out what actually gets taken off your plate versus what you keep doing yourself anyway.
Mistakes I’ve Seen People Make
The biggest one? Hiring a virtual assistant before documenting their processes. You can’t delegate what you can’t explain. If you don’t have some basic documentation or at least clear instructions for your recurring tasks, you’re setting everyone up to fail.
Another common mistake is treating the assistant like software. They’re people. They need context, feedback, and reasonable expectations. I watched a business owner get frustrated because their VA “wasn’t proactive enough,” but he never explained the business goals or gave them permission to make decisions.
Price shopping without considering the total cost. A $10/hour assistant might seem like a steal until you factor in the time you spend re-explaining tasks, fixing mistakes, or dealing with turnover. Sometimes paying $25/hour for someone who gets it right the first time is cheaper overall.
There’s also this tendency to dump everything on the assistant at once. Onboarding takes time. Give them one or two clear responsibilities first. Let them master those before adding more. The companies that train their clients on this tend to have better retention rates.
Final Thoughts
The virtual assistant industry isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s becoming more sophisticated. Companies are investing in better training, more robust support systems, and specialized expertise.
But at the end of the day, you’re still working with another human being. The company facilitates the match, but the relationship determines success.
Pick a company that aligns with your budget and management style. Start with a limited scope. Be clear about expectations. Give actual feedback. Most failures in this space come down to unclear communication, not incompetent assistants.
If I had to give one piece of advice? Don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed. By then, you won’t have the time or energy to properly onboard someone. The best time to hire a virtual assistant is before you desperately need one.
Key Takeaways
- The virtual assistant market has matured significantly, with companies now offering specialized services and better infrastructure rather than just basic task support.
- Pricing models vary dramatically between subscription services ($1,000-$3,600/month) and direct-hire placements ($1,500-$3,000 one-time fee). Your choice should depend on how much management you’re willing to do.
- US-based assistants cost 2-3x more than offshore talent but offer timezone alignment and cultural familiarity. Latin American assistants provide a middle ground with compatible hours at lower rates.
- Start small with limited tasks and clear documentation. Most failures happen because expectations weren’t set, not because the assistant lacked capability.
- The “best” company is the one that matches your specific needs around budget, management capacity, timezone requirements, and task complexity.
External Source Suggestions
- Harvard Business Review: Studies on remote work productivity and management
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Data on administrative support roles and salary trends
- G2 and Clutch: For verified client reviews and ratings of VA companies
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