How We Evaluated These Companies
We used four criteria that determine what you’re really getting:
- Talent classification: W-2 employee or 1099 contractor. You should care about this distinction as it affects compliance and continuity.
- 100% U.S.-based: Whether the assistants themselves (not just account management) are U.S.-based and native English speakers.
- Pricing transparency: whether rates are published publicly or require you to get on the phone for a sales consultation.
- Flexibility: minimum commitments, hour expiration policies, and contract length.
1. Virtual Assist USA
Model: Dedicated VA, with a supervisor and backup team, all-in-one services
Talent: 100% U.S.-based, W-2 employees
Pricing: Published: 20, 40, 60 hour packages or hourly pay-as-you-go.
Flexibility: True pay-as-you-go, no minimums, no setup fees, hours that never expire
Virtual Assist USA is one of only a small handful of providers in this category that is both 100% U.S.-based and W-2: most competitors are one or the other, not both. Add published, transparent pricing and hours that never expire, and it’s a combination we haven’t found matched elsewhere in the category. With 18 years in business and HIPAA-certified support, it’s built for businesses that want U.S.-based reliability and expertise, without sacrificing flexibility.
2. Belay
Model: Managed placement across defined roles (VA, EA, bookkeeping, marketing, and more)
Talent: U.S.-based team made up of part time freelancers
Pricing: Not published (you must receive a custom quote via consultation. In the $50-60/hour range.)
Flexibility: Reported ~6-month minimum commitment
One of the largest and most established names in the category, Belay has a big bench (2,000 plus assistants) and a good public presence. Its contractor-based talent model and lack of published pricing are worth weighing against its scale. Belay also has a background in and experience working with churches, not necessarily a niche but worth pointing out.
3. Boldly
Model: W-2 subscription staffing, senior executive assistants
Talent: U.S., U.K., and Canada-based, W-2 employees
Pricing: Published, from ~$1,790/month
Flexibility: 40-hour monthly minimum per assistant
A premium option built for clients who want a senior-level executive assistant and are prepared to pay accordingly. Shares the W-2 employment model but at a materially higher price point and with a monthly hour minimum. There is no flexibility in their timing and it is best for someone who knows they will use exactly the same amount per month, so as not to waste money.
4. Time, Etc.
Model: Dedicated assistant on flexible monthly hour bundles
Talent: U.S. and UK-based. contractor-model
Pricing: Published, $390–1,800/month
Flexibility: No long-term contract; plans cap at 60 hours/month
A well-reviewed, accessibly priced option for straightforward admin support. Its 60-hour monthly ceiling and admin-only scope are worth considering if your needs are broader or likely to grow. Additionally, they pay their VAs the lowest in the industry which contributes to their more affordable pricing but worth noting for quality/reliability.
5. Prialto
Model: Managed team with dedicated assistant, engagement manager, and backup
Talent: Employed, but offshore (Philippines, Guatemala)
Pricing: Published, from $1,500/month per 55-hour unit
Flexibility: 90-day minimum, then month-to-month
An enterprise-oriented, process-driven service with strong security credentials. Its talent based offshore, which is worth noting for anyone specifically prioritizing U.S.-based assistance for security reasons or otherwise.
6. Zirtual
Model: Dedicated assistant subscription
Talent: U.S.-based
Pricing: Published, 549–1,699/month
Flexibility: Month-to-month; hours do not roll over
A lower-priced entry point into dedicated U.S.-based support, with team-sharing plans available. Unused hours expire monthly so this is best for someone who knows exactly how many hours they will use and someone who does not need flexibility. Zirtual has been purchased by private equity and acquired some smaller Virtual Assistant agencies so worth noting.
What to Ask Before You Choose
Whichever company you’re evaluating — including us — it’s worth asking directly:
- Are your assistants employees or part-time freelancers?
- Are they actually based in the U.S., or is that just where account management sits?
- What happens to unused hours at the end of the month?
- What’s the minimum commitment if it turns out not to be the right fit?
