Discover top virtual assistant companies: Find your match

If your to-do list feels more like a novel and you're drowning in admin tasks, you're not alone. We've all been there—juggling high-impact strategy with the daily grind of inbox management, scheduling, and research. It can stall even the most ambitious people. The solution isn't another productivity app; it's getting smart about delegation. Finding the right support can completely change your workflow, freeing you up to focus on what really matters instead of getting lost in the weeds. If you're still on the fence, check out these 5 reasons why you need to delegate more to get your business moving.

This guide dives into the world of virtual assistance, offering a no-fluff roundup of the top virtual assistant companies** that can give you back your most valuable asset: time. We get straight to the point, giving you a clear look at the best platforms out there so you can make a good decision without wading through pages of filler.

Whether you're an entrepreneur who needs flexible project-based help, a busy executive who needs a dedicated assistant, or a team looking for specialized support, this article is for you. We'll explore a curated list of leading services, from freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr to fully managed solutions like Prialto and Boldly.

Inside, you'll find:

• Detailed profiles for each company.
• Clear pros, cons, and pricing structures.
• "Best for" recommendations to match what you need.
• Screenshots and direct links to get you started quickly.

Our goal is to help you find the exact support you need to get your focus back and drive real growth. Let's find the right virtual assistant service for you.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the biggest and most recognized freelance marketplaces in the world, making it a go-to for finding individual virtual assistants. Instead of a managed service, Upwork is a platform where you can post a job, browse profiles, and hire VAs for specific tasks or ongoing work. This direct-access model gives you a ton of flexibility, letting you find assistants with niche skills in everything from executive admin and bookkeeping to social media management and customer support.

The platform’s real strength is its massive global talent pool and the solid tools it provides to check out candidates. You can filter potential VAs by their Job Success Score, skills, experience level, hourly rate, and location. This level of control means you can find a perfect match for your budget and what you need done.

Key Features and User Experience

Upwork's platform is built for secure and transparent collaboration. The user interface makes it easy to post jobs, search for candidates, and chat through its built-in messaging system.

• Vetting and Verification: Each freelancer profile has a detailed work history, client reviews, and a portfolio, so you get a full picture of their qualifications before you even reach out.
• Payment Protection: Upwork’s Escrow service holds your money for fixed-price projects until you approve the work. For hourly projects, the platform's Work Diary and time-tracking software provide a verifiable record of hours, ensuring you only pay for productive time.
• Flexibility in Hiring: You can hire for short-term, one-off tasks (like, "organize this 500-contact spreadsheet") or build long-term relationships with a dedicated virtual assistant. This makes it one of the top virtual assistant companies for anyone who needs adaptable support.

Maximizing Your Success on Upwork

Since Upwork is a marketplace, you're in charge of the recruiting and management. To find the best talent, you'll need to write a detailed job post that lays out exactly what you're looking for. Be prepared to screen applicants and do a few short interviews. The process can take more time than a managed service, but the direct relationship and cost savings can be huge. For a deep dive on how to do this right, you can find some great advice on how to effectively hire a virtual assistant on platforms like Upwork.

Best For: Entrepreneurs, startups, and managers who want total control over the hiring process and access to a vast, competitive global talent pool.

Website: https://www.upwork.com/hire/virtual-assistants/

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a massive gig-based marketplace that has a pretty unique, project-based way of hiring virtual assistants. Instead of posting a job and waiting for people to apply, you browse pre-packaged services, or "gigs," offered by freelancers for specific tasks. This model is perfect if you need quick, well-defined help—think data entry, email management, market research, or CRM updates—with clear deliverables and upfront pricing.

The platform’s best feature is its simplicity and speed. You can find and hire a VA for a specific project in minutes, which is super efficient for one-off tasks or for testing out a freelancer before committing to something bigger. The huge selection of services includes niche categories like real estate VAs and specialized admin support, so you can find the exact expertise you need without a long hiring process.

Key Features and User Experience

Fiverr's user experience is all about clarity and speed, focusing on getting projects started quickly and securely. The interface makes it easy to compare providers based on their offerings, reviews, and seller level.

• Fixed-Price Gigs: VAs package their services into clear, fixed-price tiers (like Basic, Standard, Premium) that spell out exactly what you get for your money. This gets rid of negotiating hourly rates and wondering about the final cost.
• Powerful Filtering: You can sort through thousands of VA gigs by budget, delivery time, seller level (which is based on performance and reliability), and specialty. This helps you narrow down the options to find the perfect fit for your needs and timeline.
• Secure and Simple Payments: All payments go through Fiverr's secure system. Your money is held in escrow and only released to the freelancer after you approve the work, which gives you a solid layer of protection.

Maximizing Your Success on Fiverr

Being successful on Fiverr really comes down to defining your project scope clearly from the start. Since the platform is built around pre-packaged gigs, any work that goes beyond the description ("scope creep") will require a custom offer and an extra payment. Make sure you read a VA’s gig page carefully, paying attention to their delivery times, number of revisions, and what past clients have said.

For ongoing needs, many VAs offer subscription packages or are open to creating custom, long-term arrangements. To get a better handle on how these packages stack up, checking out a guide on what to expect from virtual assistant pricing structures can be really helpful. While you handle the vetting and management, the platform's structure makes it one of the top virtual assistant companies for getting small, specific jobs done fast.

Best For: Individuals and businesses needing quick, affordable help for well-defined, one-off tasks or short-term projects with clear deliverables.

Website: https://www.fiverr.com/categories/business/virtual-assistant-services

3. Time etc

Time etc is a managed virtual assistant service that matches you with a dedicated, U.S.- or U.K.-based assistant. This model is great for professionals who want a consistent, long-term relationship but don't want to deal with the hassle of recruiting, vetting, and training. The company handles all the backend work and presents you with a hand-picked assistant based on your needs, industry, and work style. This hands-on approach makes for a super smooth integration into your workflow.

The platform’s biggest strength is its focus on quality and reliability. By using only experienced assistants from the U.S. and U.K., Time etc guarantees a high level of professionalism, communication, and cultural fit for its clients. This makes it one of the top virtual assistant companies for executives and business owners who need dependable support for critical admin, marketing, or operational tasks.

Key Features and User Experience

Time etc makes delegation easy with its intuitive platform and dedicated support. Once you're matched, you work directly with your assistant, managing tasks and communication through their client dashboard or whatever tools you prefer.

• Dedicated Assistant Model: You get matched with one main assistant to build a strong, ongoing working relationship. This consistency means your VA gets to know you, your business, and your long-term goals.
• Flexible Hour-Based Plans: You buy plans in monthly blocks of hours (from 10 to 60), and on most tiers, any unused time rolls over to the next month, so you don't lose out during slower periods.
• Team Collaboration: You can share your assistant with your team members at no extra cost, making it a resource for your whole organization.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: The company offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, promising to find you a better-suited assistant if the first match isn't perfect.

Maximizing Your Success with Time etc

To get the most out of Time etc, treat your assistant like a real part of your team from day one. Clearly document your processes and give constructive feedback to help them get in sync with your expectations. Because it's a managed service, you can focus on delegating effectively instead of playing HR. For more ideas on delegation, check out these helpful tips on how to use a virtual assistant effectively. The higher per-hour cost is balanced by the quality of the talent and the time you save on hiring, making it a solid investment for busy professionals.

Best For: Executives, business owners, and teams who need a reliable, U.S.- or U.K.-based assistant and prefer a managed, hands-off hiring process.

Website: https://www.timeetc.com/plans-and-pricing

4. Prialto

Prialto offers a managed, team-based virtual assistant service designed for executives, sales teams, and small to mid-sized businesses. Unlike freelance marketplaces, Prialto gives you a fully managed solution where they handle the hiring, training, and process documentation. The model is built to provide seamless, enterprise-level support with a focus on business continuity and efficiency, making it one of the top virtual assistant companies for organizations that need reliable, integrated help.

The service’s real strength is its team structure. Each client gets a primary assistant who is supported by backup assistants and an Engagement Manager. This ensures tasks are always covered, even if your main VA is out, and that your internal processes are properly documented for long-term consistency. This approach takes the management burden off of you, so you can focus on your core business.

Key Features and User Experience

Prialto’s model is built to feel like an extension of your own team, emphasizing security, process design, and scalability right from the start. The onboarding process is structured to be quick, often getting you up and running within three to five business days.

• Managed Team-Based Model: You get a primary VA, a team of trained backup VAs, and a dedicated Engagement Manager. The manager helps document your workflows and ensures quality, providing a layer of oversight that's rare in the industry.
• Process Design and Continuity: Prialto doesn’t just do tasks; they help you build and document repeatable processes. This ensures high-quality, consistent work and means you never have to worry about losing operational knowledge if a VA leaves.
• Enterprise-Grade Security: The platform follows strict security protocols to protect sensitive client information, making it a trusted choice for businesses that handle confidential data.
• Flat “Unit” Pricing: Prialto’s pricing is based on "units" of service, with each unit providing about 55 productive hours per month. This transparent, flat-rate model has no overage fees for occasional overflow, which simplifies budgeting.

Maximizing Your Success with Prialto

To get the most out of Prialto, it’s best to see them as a strategic partner, not just a task-doer. Be ready to invest some time during the initial onboarding to work with your Engagement Manager. Clearly communicating your goals and how you work allows them to effectively design and document the best processes for your business. The more you empower them to understand your operations, the more proactive and valuable their support will become. While there is a three-month initial commitment for monthly plans, this period is key for building a foundation for a long-term, high-impact partnership.

Best For: Executives and SMBs who need a reliable, fully managed support system and want to offload the responsibilities of hiring, training, and process management.

Website: https://www.prialto.com/pricing

5. MyOutDesk

MyOutDesk has been around for a while, specializing in full-time, dedicated virtual assistants, mostly from the Philippines. The company built a strong reputation in the real estate world and has since branched out to cover healthcare, finance, legal, IT, and general admin roles. Unlike a freelance marketplace, MyOutDesk offers a fully managed service—they handle recruitment, background checks, training, and ongoing management, making it a great choice for businesses looking for a more hands-off, integrated staffing solution.

The platform's key strength is its structured approach to finding and managing talent. They provide U.S.-based account managers who act as a bridge between your business and your virtual assistant, ensuring smooth communication and alignment with your goals. This comprehensive support system is designed to help you build a scalable, reliable back-office team without the usual overhead of hiring in-house.

Key Features and User Experience

MyOutDesk focuses on providing highly vetted, industry-specific talent with a structured framework for productivity and security. The experience is designed to feel like you're extending your team, not just hiring a contractor.

• Rigorous Vetting and Training: The company runs FBI-grade background checks and puts candidates through a multi-step screening process. VAs often get domain-specific training, like real estate transaction coordination, so they can be effective from day one.
• Proprietary Productivity Tracking: MyOutDesk uses its own software, MyTimeIn, to monitor productivity and ensure accountability. This tool gives you transparency into your VA's work hours and activities, providing peace of mind.
• Predictable Monthly Pricing: The service runs on a flat monthly fee, which covers the VA's salary, benefits, and the company's management support. This simplifies budgeting and gets rid of the complexities of international payroll and HR.

Maximizing Your Success with MyOutDesk

Success with MyOutDesk really depends on embracing their full-time model and being ready to delegate significant, ongoing responsibilities. The process starts with a consultation to define what you need, after which they present you with qualified candidates to interview. Since the commitment is typically for a full-time assistant (40 hours per week), it's important to have a clear list of tasks and processes ready to hand off. The dedicated U.S. account manager is a key resource for solving problems and optimizing workflows, so be sure to lean on their expertise. This model makes it one of the top virtual assistant companies for businesses aiming to scale their operations methodically.

Best For: Real estate professionals, small to medium-sized businesses, and established companies looking to build a dedicated, full-time offshore team with a fully managed service.

Website: https://www.myoutdesk.com/pricing/

6. Boldly

Boldly is a premium subscription staffing service that provides highly experienced, U.S. and Europe-based executive assistants. The company caters to demanding founders, executives, and senior leaders who need more than just someone to check tasks off a list. Instead of a marketplace, Boldly offers a managed, fractional model where you're matched with a dedicated senior assistant for an ongoing partnership. This approach is designed to provide high-level, proactive support for complex administrative, operational, and strategic needs.

What really sets Boldly apart is the caliber of its talent. Assistants typically have over a decade of experience in corporate executive support roles. This ensures they're not only great at standard admin tasks but are also equipped to handle stakeholder coordination, complex calendar management, and confidential projects with total professionalism.

Key Features and User Experience

Boldly’s service is built around creating a stable, long-term relationship between you and your assistant. The entire process, from matching to ongoing support, is managed to ensure a seamless and high-quality experience.

• Curated Senior Talent: Every assistant is a W-2 employee of Boldly and has gone through a tough vetting process. This guarantees a consistent standard of quality and professionalism that's hard to find on open marketplaces.
• Personalized Matching: You can meet your proposed assistant before committing to a plan, ensuring a strong personality and skill fit right from the start. This takes the guesswork and risk out of direct hiring.
• Fractional Subscription Model: Boldly offers multi-tier monthly plans, typically ranging from 40 to 80 hours per month. This fractional model gives you access to enterprise-level executive support without the cost and headache of hiring a full-time employee.

Maximizing Your Success with Boldly

To make the most of a Boldly subscription, it’s essential to treat your assistant as a core part of your team. Delegate high-value responsibilities like inbox management, scheduling, and project coordination. Their experience allows them to operate with a high degree of autonomy, so empower them to be proactive in managing your workflow. The premium price point is justified by the strategic value a senior EA can provide, so focus on offloading tasks that free you up for your main business activities. This model makes it one of the top virtual assistant companies for established businesses seeking a reliable, executive-level partnership.

Best For: C-suite executives, founders, and senior managers who need a highly experienced, dedicated executive assistant and are willing to invest in premium, long-term support.

Website: https://boldly.com

7. Zirtual

Zirtual provides a premium, U.S.-based dedicated virtual assistant service for entrepreneurs, executives, and small business teams. The platform focuses on taking the friction out of hiring by assigning college-educated, background-checked assistants who are ready to jump into your workflow. Their model is built on providing reliable, high-quality support with transparent, subscription-based plans.

The company’s key differentiator is its commitment to U.S.-based talent and a streamlined onboarding process, often matching clients with a dedicated assistant within 48 hours. This focus makes Zirtual a strong contender among the top virtual assistant companies for leaders who value domestic talent and want to skip the complexities of offshore management and hiring.

Key Features and User Experience

Zirtual’s service is designed for simplicity and immediate productivity, with clear plan structures that take out the guesswork. The platform also offers specialized tracks on top of general administrative support.

• U.S.-Based, Vetted Assistants: Every Zirtual assistant is a college-educated professional based in the United States. They go through a rigorous vetting process, including background checks, to ensure they're reliable and high-quality.
• Transparent, Published Pricing: Zirtual offers several subscription plans with a fixed number of monthly hours. The plans are clearly published on their website, making it easy to budget and scale. Higher-tier plans also let you share an assistant, so a team can benefit from a single pool of hours.
• Specialized Support Tracks: Beyond standard admin tasks, Zirtual provides specialized plans for legal/paralegal support and dedicated outbound calling campaigns. This lets businesses tap into niche skills without hiring a full-time, in-house employee.

Maximizing Your Success on Zirtual

Success with Zirtual comes from treating your assistant as a true team member. Because the plans operate on a "use-it-or-lose-it" monthly hour basis, proactive delegation is key to getting the most out of your investment. Prepare a list of recurring and one-off tasks before your assistant even starts. Clearly communicate your preferences for communication, deadlines, and feedback to build a strong, productive relationship quickly. The faster you integrate them into your daily operations, the more value you'll get.

Best For: Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams who prioritize U.S.-based, college-educated talent and prefer a managed service with predictable, transparent pricing.

Website: https://www.zirtual.com/plans-pricing/

Top 7 Virtual Assistant Companies Comparison

Beyond the List: A Smarter Way to Delegate with AI and Human Expertise

Navigating the world of the top virtual assistant companies can feel like a big project, but it's a critical step toward getting your time back and focusing on high-impact work. We've looked at a range of powerful options, from flexible freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr, to dedicated managed services like Prialto and Zirtual that provide structured, enterprise-level support. Each platform fills a specific need, whether you're a startup founder needing specialized skills from MyOutDesk or a busy executive looking for a long-term partner from Boldly.

The main takeaway here is that there's no single best solution for everyone. Your ideal choice really depends on your specific workflow, budget, and how you like to delegate. The key is to move from fuzzy ideas to concrete, actionable tasks. Before you sign up for anything, take some time to audit your daily and weekly responsibilities. Pinpoint the bottlenecks, the repetitive admin work, and the tasks that are outside your zone of genius. That clarity will be your best friend when you're weighing your options.

Your Action Plan for Effective Delegation

Making the right choice requires a smart approach. Don't just pick a service and hope it works out. Instead, follow a deliberate process to make sure you have a successful and productive partnership right from the start.

Here are the essential steps to take next:

1. Define Your Scope: Make a detailed list of tasks you plan to delegate. Are you looking for someone to manage your calendar and inbox, handle customer service, do market research, or run your social media? The more specific you are, the better you can match your needs to a company's strengths.
2. Set a Realistic Budget: Figure out what you're willing to invest. Do you prefer the predictable cost of a monthly retainer from a company like Time etc, or the pay-per-project flexibility of a freelancer from Upwork? Your budget will immediately narrow down your list of options.
3. Evaluate Onboarding and Management: Think about how much time you can spend on training and managing your VA. Managed services like Prialto handle the HR, training, and backup support, which is perfect if you're short on time. If you prefer a hands-on approach and want to build a direct relationship, a platform like Boldly might be a better fit.

The Emerging Role of AI in Delegation

As you think about these options, it's also important to recognize how technology is changing the game. The best delegation strategies in the future won't just involve human assistants. They'll use artificial intelligence to streamline workflows before a task ever gets to a person. AI can act as a powerful first filter, organizing requests, automating simple replies, and prepping complex tasks for a human to handle.

This hybrid model, where AI handles the structure and a human expert does the nuanced work, is the next frontier of efficiency. For anyone interested in seeing how AI can make delegation better, platforms like Parakeet AI show just how sophisticated these systems are becoming. By using AI, you can make sure your virtual assistant’s time is spent on what really matters, maximizing your return on investment. The future of productivity isn't about choosing between a human or a tool; it's about making them work together seamlessly.

Ready to experience a more flexible, cost-effective approach to delegation? Fluidwave combines intelligent AI workflow automation with on-demand access to skilled human assistants, so you only pay for completed tasks. Ditch the monthly retainers and unlock ultimate efficiency by visiting Fluidwave to see how our hybrid model can transform your productivity.