Best Virtual Assistant Companies for Growing Businesses 2026
- Princess Villan
- Jan 5
- 7 min read
Table of contents
Top Virtual Assistant Companies for Small and Growing Businesses What Does a Virtual Assistant Do How Much Do Virtual Assistant Services Cost US-Based Virtual Assistants vs Global Remote Teams Virtual Assistant Companies vs Freelancer Platforms How to Choose the Best Virtual Assistant Company How Growing Businesses Scale with Virtual Assistant Support Find the Right Virtual Assistant Partner for Your Business FAQs About Virtual Assistant Companies
Finding the right virtual assistant company can feel like sorting through a crowded marketplace where everyone claims to be the best. The reality is that "best" depends entirely on what your business actually needs, whether that's a US-based executive assistant, a specialized industry expert, or a full-time remote team member who works exclusively for you.
This guide breaks down the top virtual assistant companies for growing businesses, compares pricing models and service types, and walks through what to look for when choosing a provider that fits your operations.
Top Virtual Assistant Companies for Small and Growing Businesses
The best virtual assistant companies vary based on what you're looking for, but the top providers share a few things in common: thorough vetting processes, clear specializations, and reliable support when something goes wrong. For small and medium-sized businesses trying to grow without adding expensive in-house staff, the right virtual assistant company handles tasks ranging from inbox management to lead follow-up, giving you back hours each week. from the 36% of work time entrepreneurs spend on administrative tasks.
Here's how the leading options compare:
Company | Specialization | Best For | Pricing Model |
ClearDesk | Global staffing, industry-trained RTMs | Home care, real estate, solar | Monthly flat fee |
Athena | Executive assistants | Entrepreneurs and founders | Monthly retainer |
Boldly | Premium US-based EAs | High-level executive support | Subscription plans |
BELAY | US-based VAs and bookkeeping | Small business owners | Hourly packages |
Prialto | Managed admin services | Professionals and teams | Monthly retainer |
Time Etc | Experienced US-based VAs | General business support | Hourly packages |
Virtual Latinos | Bilingual Latin American VAs | Businesses needing Spanish | Hourly or full-time |
Equivity | Legal and executive support | Law firms and executives | Hourly packages |
OkayRelax | Personal task delegation | Lifestyle and personal tasks | Task-based credits |
ClearDesk
ClearDesk takes a different approach than most virtual assistant companies. Instead of providing task-based help, ClearDesk places dedicated Remote Team Members who work full-time for your business and become part of your daily operations. The pricing is competitive, you get 40 hours a week starting at just $2,500, making it priced well against other companies. The positions available include schedulers, recruiters, lead generation specialists, marketing coordinators, bookkeepers, and more, all college-educated professionals who have been thoroughly trained.
ClearDesk's vetting process is rigorous: only the top 0.5% of candidates make it past the interview and assessment stages. While ClearDesk serves businesses across all industries, the company focuses heavily on specific sectors like home care, home improvement, real estate, and solar.
That focus means RTMs arrive already familiar with the software and compliance requirements common in those fields. For home care agencies, that includes HIPAA certification and experience with platforms like WellSky and AxisCare. This industry-specific training cuts down on the learning curve significantly.
Athena
Athena pairs entrepreneurs and executives with dedicated executive assistants who handle high-level administrative work. Unlike broader virtual assistant companies that offer support across multiple functions, Athena focuses exclusively on executive assistant services. Plans start at $3,000 per month. This model works well for founders who want consistent, executive-level support from the same person over time rather than support in other specialized roles.
Boldly
Boldly positions itself at the premium end of the market, offering US-based virtual executive assistants with experience at Fortune 500 companies. The subscription model gives you access to senior-level talent, but the pricing reflects that premium positioning: plans start at $2,520 per month for 40 hours and scale to $5,040 per month for 80 hours, with 160-hour plans requiring custom pricing. For businesses needing full-time support, this pricing structure becomes significantly more expensive than dedicated remote team member alternatives.
BELAY
BELAY matches clients with US-based virtual assistants for administrative and bookkeeping work, and they assign account managers to help maintain the working relationship over time. BELAY's hourly packages start around $1,650 per month for 30 hours a month, which positions them in the mid-to-premium range. The model works well for businesses that want US-based support with some management structure built in, though the per-hour cost becomes less competitive when you need full-time coverage.
What Does a Virtual Assistant Do
A virtual assistant is a remote professional who takes on business tasks that would otherwise eat into your time or require hiring someone locally. The range of work varies quite a bit depending on the provider and the role you're filling.
Administrative and Executive Support
Administrative support covers the day-to-day tasks that keep a business running: managing email, preparing documents, booking travel, and entering data. Executive assistants typically handle more complex work like coordinating projects and communicating with stakeholders on your behalf.
Scheduling and Calendar Management
Calendar management involves coordinating appointments, scheduling meetings across time zones, and keeping your daily schedule organized. For busy business owners, this function alone can free up several hours each week.
Bookkeeping and Financial Tasks
Many virtual assistants handle invoice processing, expense tracking, payroll prep, and basic financial record-keeping. More complex accounting work usually requires a dedicated bookkeeper or accountant, but routine financial tasks fit well within a VA's scope.
Marketing and Social Media Coordination
Marketing support includes scheduling content, managing social media accounts, coordinating email campaigns, and handling basic design work. Some virtual assistant companies offer assistants with specific marketing experience, which can be helpful if you're running campaigns regularly.
Recruiting and HR Assistance
Recruiting support covers sourcing candidates, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and coordinating onboarding. This function becomes especially valuable during growth phases or in industries with high turnover.
Customer Service and Sales Support
Virtual assistants can qualify incoming leads, keep your CRM updated, respond to customer questions, and follow up on sales opportunities. This kind of support helps ensure potential customers don't slip through the cracks while you're focused elsewhere.
How Much Do Virtual Assistant Services Cost
Pricing for virtual assistant services depends on where the assistant is located, their
experience level, and how the service is structured. Understanding the different models helps you plan your budget.
Hourly packages: You buy a set number of hours per month, typically somewhere between 10 and 160. Some providers roll over unused hours; others don't.
Monthly retainers: A fixed monthly fee covers ongoing support, often with a dedicated assistant. This model offers predictability but usually comes with minimum commitments.
Full-time dedicated: Salary-based pricing for team members who work exclusively for your business. This option tends to offer the lowest per-hour cost when you have consistent, high-volume work.
US-based virtual assistants generally cost more than global remote team members because of labor market differences. However, the total cost depends on more than just the hourly rate.
US-Based Virtual Assistants vs Global Remote Teams
Both options have real advantages, and the right choice comes down to your priorities.
Factor | US-Based | Global Remote Teams |
Cost | Higher hourly rates | Lower hourly rates |
Time Zone | Same-day overlap | May require coordination |
Language | Native English | English speakers |
Cultural Context | US business norms | May need orientation |
Talent Pool | Smaller | Larger |
US-based assistants offer cultural familiarity and eliminate time zone coordination. Global remote teams open up a larger talent pool at lower costs, which becomes particularly valuable when you're scaling quickly and adding multiple roles.
Virtual Assistant Companies vs Freelancer Platforms
Virtual assistant agencies and freelancer platforms like Upwork serve different purposes, and the distinction matters.
Virtual assistant companies: Pre-vetted talent, managed support, replacement guarantees, and less administrative work on your end. The agency handles recruiting, training, and performance oversight.
Freelancer platforms: Direct hiring with more control over who you select, but you take on responsibility for vetting, managing, and replacing contractors yourself. Quality varies widely.
For businesses without dedicated HR resources, working with a virtual assistant company often saves time and reduces the risk of a bad hire.
How to Choose the Best Virtual Assistant Company
Evaluating virtual assistant providers takes more than reading marketing copy. A few key factors separate the strong options from the rest.
Industry Expertise and Specialization
Industry-specific knowledge matters, especially in regulated fields like healthcare or finance. Ask whether assistants receive training relevant to your sector before they start working with clients.
Vetting and Training Standards
Find out how the company screens candidates and what ongoing development they provide. Strong vetting processes tend to correlate with better long-term outcomes.
Pricing Transparency and Contract Flexibility
Look for clear pricing without hidden fees. Flexible contract terms also matter for growing businesses whose needs may shift over time.
Communication and Time Zone Compatibility
Evaluate working hour alignment and the communication tools the company uses. Misalignment here creates friction that compounds week after week.
Backup Support and Business Continuity
Ask about replacement guarantees and backup coverage. The best virtual assistant companies have systems in place to prevent work from stalling when someone is unavailable.
How Growing Businesses Scale with Virtual Assistant Support
Delegating administrative tasks, sales support, and back-office work lets business owners focus on activities that directly generate revenue, with CEOs who excel at delegating generating 33% higher revenue. Virtual assistant companies help businesses add capacity without the overhead that comes with traditional hiring, including office space, benefits, and payroll taxes.
This approach works especially well during growth phases when workload increases faster than you can hire and train people locally.
Find the Right Virtual Assistant Partner for Your Business
Choosing a virtual assistant company is a strategic decision that affects your daily operations and your ability to grow. Your industry, budget, and the level of support you want all factor into which provider makes the most sense.
ClearDesk helps growing businesses find dedicated remote team members who integrate into existing workflows and bring industry-specific expertise from day one. Book a consultation call to discuss your staffing needs and see whether a dedicated RTM fits your business.
FAQs About Virtual Assistant Companies
How do I know if my business is ready for a virtual assistant?
If repetitive administrative tasks regularly pull you away from core business activities, your business is likely ready for virtual assistant support.
Can virtual assistants handle industry-specific compliance requirements?
Many top virtual assistant companies train their team members on industry-specific compliance, including certifications for regulated industries like healthcare.
How long does it take to onboard a virtual assistant?
Most virtual assistant agencies complete matching and onboarding within two to four weeks, though timelines vary by provider and role complexity.
What happens if my virtual assistant is not a good fit?
Reputable virtual assistant companies offer replacement guarantees, allowing you to request a new match if the initial pairing doesn't meet expectations.
Do virtual assistant companies offer part-time or flexible hours?
Many virtual assistant firms offer both part-time hourly packages and full-time dedicated options depending on your business needs.