Which Virtual Assistant Company Is Right for You? A Side-by-Side Comparison to Help You Decide.
- Brittany Goldman
- May 28
- 4 min read
When it comes to hiring a virtual assistant, the sheer number of options can be paralyzing! With companies offering everything from task-based help for $5/hour to executive-level support at premium rates, it’s hard to know which provider is right for your needs—and what you’re really getting for your money.
Whether you're a solopreneur, startup founder, or C-suite executive, the success of your delegation strategy hinges on choosing a service that aligns with your workflow, expectations, and values. In this post, we compare several of the most popular virtual assistant companies on the market—breaking down their pricing, assistant quality, service offerings, and business models—so you can make an informed decision.
And while we aim to provide a fair comparison, we’ll also share why Athena Executive Services continues to be a top-tier choice for busy professionals who value competence, consistency, and trust.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Company | Pricing | Max. Hours | Billing Method | Startup Fees | Dedicated Assistant |
Athena Executive Services | $55/hour | No max. Min. 10 hrs/wk | Semi-monthly, in arrears. | None | ✅ Yes |
BELAY | $2,070+/ month | 45 hrs/ month** | Monthly, in advance. | $999 | ✅ Yes |
Prialto | $1,500+/ month | 55 hrs/ month** | Monthly, in advance. | $250 | ❌ Team-based |
Time Etc | $380+/ month | 10 hrs/ month** | Monthly, in advance. | None | ✅ Yes |
Delegated | $1,200+/ month | 25 hrs/ month** | Monthly, in advance. | None | ✅ Yes |
Fancy Hands | $35+ | 3 Tasks/ month*** | In advance. | None | ❌ No |
**More hours available for higher tier subscription/higher price. ***(1 task = 20 min)
Company-by-Company Breakdown
Athena Executive Services
Ideal For: Executives, business owners, and high-performing professionals who want strategic, reliable support
Pricing: $55/hour, weekly minimum of 10 hours, billed semi-monthly in arrears.
Assistant Quality: Highly experienced U.S.-based executive assistants with professional backgrounds in operations, finance, client service, and executive support
Model: Dedicated EA matched based on personality and skill fit; long-term partnership model with option for EA buyout.
Special Features: Assistants work part-time but embedded deeply in your business, functioning like a a trusted right hand with a deep understanding of the executive’s goals.
Client Support: Boutique feel with a Performance Manager who oversees each client-assistant relationship
Why it stands out: No retainers, no startup fees, no risk. Athena prioritizes quality over quantity catering to professionals who value strategy and substance, not just task completion.
**Important to Note: Clients are billed for a minimum 10 hrs/week whether the hours were utilized or not, although clients are not billed until after services have started.
BELAY
Ideal For: Entrepreneurs and small businesses wanting remote, U.S.-based support with a faith-aligned mission
Pricing: $995 Startup/Onboarding Fee. Tiered subscription model, billed monthly in advance.
Tier 1: $2,070/month with a maximum of 45 hours/month
Tier 2: $2,990/month with a maximum of 65 hours/month
Tier 3: $3,910/month with a maximum of 85 hours/month
Assistant Quality: U.S.-based, experienced, especially strong in admin, bookkeeping, and project coordination
Model: Dedicated assistant model with curated matching
Special Features: Offers virtual assistants, bookkeepers, and web specialists
Client Support: Professional onboarding, matching, and account management
Why it stands out: BELAY has a staff of over 4,000 assistants for you to choose from. **Important to Note: Clients pay a startup fee and are billed each month in advance before services are rendered.
Prialto
Ideal For: Mid-sized companies or executives wanting a managed, team-based assistant experience
Pricing: $1,200+/month, includes around 55 hours
Assistant Quality: Assistants are trained in-house, based in Central America/Asia, and supported by backup staff
Model: Team-based model (not 1:1); assistants work U.S. hours
Special Features: Process-driven; clients receive SOPs and backup support
Client Support: High-touch, includes team lead and workflow documentation
Why it stands out: Prialto utilizes a Process-heavy, SOP approach which some clients may benefit from.
**Important to Note: Assistants are based off-shore, typically in the Philippines or Central America
Time Etc
Ideal For: Budget-conscious professionals who want U.S./UK-based VAs for personal and admin tasks
Pricing: Plans start at $360/month for 10 hours ($36/hr), with roll-over hours
Assistant Quality: Mostly U.S.-based, mix of part-time freelancers with strong admin backgrounds
Model: Dedicated assistant model
Special Features: Long-term assistant relationships are encouraged
Client Support: Self-service portal plus optional client support team
Why it stands out: More affordable than premium services like Athena or BELAY.
**Important to Note: The vetting process is not as stringent—clients may have to cycle through a few assistants to find a good fit.
Fancy Hands
Ideal For: Personal users or solopreneurs with light, one-off tasks
Pricing: From $17.99/month for 3 tasks (not hourly)
Assistant Quality: Task pool model; no dedicated assistant
Model: You submit tasks, any available assistant picks it up
Special Features: Text or email in tasks on the go
Client Support: Low-touch, task-focused
Why it stands out: Task based system, often as low as a few dollars per task.
**Important to Note: No continuity, no dedicated assistant, no strategic support - Assistants are anonymous, which limits accountability and rapport.
Delegated (formerly Red Butler)
Ideal For: Professionals needing broad personal and admin support with U.S.-based VAs
Pricing: $1,200/month for 40 hours ($30/hr)
Assistant Quality: Varies, mostly generalist VAs based in the U.S.
Model: Dedicated assistant
Special Features: Wide range of tasks accepted (calendar, email, errands, personal tasks)
Client Support: Account manager included
Why it stands out: Wide task acceptance, from booking travel to personal errands.
**Important to Note: Delegated offers limited visibility into assistant qualifications, they promote flexibility more than deep skill-matching.
Choosing the Right VA Partner
When it comes to virtual assistant services, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Some companies offer affordability and flexibility but fall short on depth and consistency. Others require high upfront commitments that may not make sense for smaller teams or executives looking for lean support. The key is understanding not just what you're paying for—but who you’ll be working with, and how well that relationship will serve your goals.
If you’re looking for a strategic partner—not just a task completer—Athena Executive Services stands apart. With highly experienced U.S.-based executive assistants, no upfront fees, and a truly collaborative model, Athena was built for professionals who want to delegate with confidence and focus on the work that matters most.
Ready to Find the Right Assistant?
If you're exploring your options and feeling overwhelmed by the choices, you're not alone. We’d love to help you clarify your needs and determine whether Athena Executive Services is the right fit for your goals.
👉 Learn more about our unique model and meet some of our exceptional assistants at athenaexecutiveservices.com
📅 Want to talk it through? Schedule a free consultation to see how a part-time, high-caliber assistant could change the way you work.