Top 50 Best Alternatives to Hire Assistants Online

Finding the right assistant can be a turning point for your business. Whether you’re looking to lighten your workload, delegate routine tasks, or bring structure to your operations, choosing to hire a virtual assistant or executive assistant online is one of the smartest moves you can make.

With dozens of platforms and agencies now offering remote support, it’s easier than ever to find talented professionals who fit your exact needs. But with so many options available, where do you start? And how do you know if you’re getting the best value for your investment?

Virtual assistant pricing can vary widely depending on location, experience, and service type—ranging from affordable overseas support to premium, white-glove executive assistance. That’s why we’ve created this guide: a curated list of the Top 50 Best Alternatives to Hire Assistants Online, featuring trusted companies and platforms that offer everything from general admin support to high-level executive services.

Whether you need part-time help, project-based work, or a dedicated long-term assistant, this list will point you toward the best options out there—no guesswork needed.

What to Look for in a Virtual Assistant or Outsourcing Company

Before you dive into hiring, it’s important to know what separates a great assistant or outsourcing company from the rest. The right fit can save you time, money, and stress—while the wrong one can create more work than it solves. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Experience and Skill Set

Look for assistants with relevant experience in your industry or with the specific tasks you need help with. Whether it’s email management, customer service, bookkeeping, or executive support, having a skilled assistant means faster results and fewer errors.

2. Communication and Responsiveness

Clear and prompt communication is non-negotiable. Choose companies or platforms that prioritize responsiveness and provide assistants who are fluent in your preferred language and time zone.

3. Virtual Assistant Pricing and Transparency

Compare pricing models—hourly, monthly, or task-based—and make sure the provider is upfront about what’s included. Transparency in virtual assistant pricing ensures you’re not hit with surprise costs later.

4. Flexibility and Scalability

Whether you need support for a few hours a week or full-time coverage, the service should be flexible enough to scale with your business. Look for companies that allow you to adjust hours or switch assistants as needed.

5. Vetting and Onboarding Process

Reputable companies have a strong screening process. Ask how they vet their assistants, what training they provide, and how they ensure quality. A strong onboarding process will also help you get started quickly and efficiently.

6. Tech and Tools Compatibility

Ensure your assistant is comfortable using your preferred tools—whether it’s Slack, Trello, Google Workspace, or CRM software. A tech-savvy VA can integrate seamlessly into your daily workflow.

7. Specialization or Niche Support

Some assistants specialize in specific industries (e.g., real estate, e-commerce, SaaS) or roles (e.g., executive assistants). If you have niche needs, prioritize platforms that cater to your industry.

Top 50 Best Alternatives to Hire Assistants Online

1. BELAY

• Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.)

• Core Services: Executive assistance, bookkeeping, social media, and web support

• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: BELAY pairs clients with U.S.-based, college-educated assistants who bring solid corporate experience to the table. Their hands-on approach and dedicated support make them a go-to for executive-level assistance.

2. Boldly

• Headquarters: Remote (U.S. and Europe-based assistants)

• Core Services: Executive assistance, project management, marketing support, bookkeeping

• Ideal For: Established businesses and high-level executives

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Boldly offers premium subscription staffing, placing seasoned professionals into long-term roles. Their assistants integrate deeply into your team, often acting as full-fledged operations partners.

3. Stealth Agents

• Headquarters: New Jersey, U.S. (Global team)

• Core Services: Virtual assistants, executive assistants, lead generation, customer support, data entry, and back-office solutions

• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, startups, agencies, and scaling companies

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Stealth Agents offers reliable, affordable, and fully managed virtual assistant services designed for growth. Whether you need help with admin tasks, customer service, or specialized roles, Stealth’s flexible model allows businesses to scale without the overhead of hiring in-house. Their U.S.-based management ensures quality, while offshore talent delivers excellent value.

4. Time Etc

• Headquarters: Birmingham, UK & U.S.

• Core Services: Admin tasks, writing, research, scheduling, and email management

• Ideal For: Solo founders and small business owners

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: With experienced assistants and scalable pricing, Time Etc is a popular choice for entrepreneurs who want consistent support without committing to a full-time hire.

5. Prialto

• Headquarters: Portland, Oregon (U.S.)

• Core Services: Executive admin, CRM management, scheduling, research

• Ideal For: Executives, consultants, and sales teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Prialto takes a team-based, fully managed approach. Every assistant comes with backup support and systems that ensure continuity and quality, making it a great fit for professionals who need consistent, organized help.

6. Zirtual

• Headquarters: U.S.-based

• Core Services: Calendar and inbox management, travel coordination, research

• Ideal For: Busy professionals, consultants, and small businesses

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Zirtual matches clients with dedicated U.S.-based assistants who specialize in admin support. It’s a streamlined service for those who want simple, reliable virtual assistance without hiring offshore.

7. MyTasker

• Headquarters: Kolkata, India

• Core Services: Admin support, IT help, digital marketing, content writing

• Ideal For: Budget-conscious businesses and 24/7 support needs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: With affordable pricing and round-the-clock service, MyTasker offers a wide talent pool and versatility for businesses that want both technical and admin support under one roof.

8. Virtual Staff Finder

• Headquarters: Cebu, Philippines

• Core Services: General VA support, eCommerce, SEO, digital marketing

• Ideal For: Business owners hiring directly

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Virtual Staff Finder helps you recruit long-term virtual assistants from the Philippines. It’s a one-time fee model where you retain full control over your assistant, perfect for those who want to build their own remote team.

9. The VA Hub

• Headquarters: Philippines

• Core Services: Executive support, real estate VA, customer service

• Ideal For: Real estate professionals, agencies, and SMBs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: The VA Hub provides proactive Filipino assistants trained in a variety of business functions. Their focus on quality assurance and ongoing training makes them a dependable choice.

10. Fancy Hands

• Headquarters: New York, U.S.

• Core Services: On-demand task assistance, scheduling, research

• Ideal For: Individuals and small tasks

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Fancy Hands is known for its task-based model—you can submit small requests via app or desktop without needing a full-time VA. Great for entrepreneurs who need flexible, lightweight help on the go.

11. 24/7 Virtual Assistant

• Headquarters: U.S. and India

• Core Services: Admin, customer service, data entry, web support

• Ideal For: Businesses needing hybrid U.S./offshore assistance

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Offers flexibility with both U.S.-based and overseas assistants, depending on your budget and preference. A practical option for teams that need round-the-clock coverage.

12. TaskBullet

• Headquarters: U.S. and the Philippines

• Core Services: Admin tasks, market research, social media, customer support

• Ideal For: Businesses with fluctuating workloads

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: TaskBullet uses a “bucket” system where you purchase hours upfront and use them as needed—no recurring fees or long-term contracts. Ideal for project-based support.

13. Wing Assistant

• Headquarters: U.S.

• Core Services: Admin, executive assistance, sales support, outreach

• Ideal For: Startups and small teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Wing offers full-time, dedicated assistants for a flat monthly rate. Their managed service includes a dashboard, team leads, and regular updates—great for scaling companies.

14. Magic

• Headquarters: U.S.

• Core Services: Personal tasks, scheduling, research, business admin

• Ideal For: Busy professionals who want a “text-based” VA experience

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Magic is built for on-demand support. Just text what you need, and a team of assistants takes care of it—perfect for people who need quick, flexible solutions without formal structure.

15. Elite Virtual Assistants (EVA)

• Headquarters: U.S.-based

• Core Services: Executive admin, legal assistant support, operations

• Ideal For: Law firms, executives, and solopreneurs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: EVA focuses on pairing clients with U.S.-based professionals who often have legal or executive admin backgrounds. Great for high-touch, sensitive work that requires top-tier professionalism.

16. ProAssisting

• Headquarters: New York, U.S.

• Core Services: Fractional executive assistant support

• Ideal For: C-level executives and senior professionals

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: ProAssisting offers high-level executive support by former in-office executive assistants. Ideal for professionals who need more than just admin help—think strategic scheduling, gatekeeping, and discreet coordination.

17. Base HQ

• Headquarters: U.S.-based

• Core Services: Executive assistant placement, remote EA services

• Ideal For: Founders and executives

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Base HQ offers a tech-powered solution that connects top-tier EAs with busy leaders. Their platform also helps track task progress and collaboration, adding structure to the working relationship.

18. Persona

• Headquarters: U.S. (with global sourcing)

• Core Services: Executive assistants, remote team staffing

• Ideal For: Startups, investors, and tech companies

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Persona carefully curates remote talent for clients looking for long-term EA support. Their assistants are skilled in operations, customer service, marketing, and more—making them valuable for growing teams.

19. Great Assistant

• Headquarters: U.S. and Canada

• Core Services: Executive assistants for entrepreneurs

• Ideal For: Coaches, consultants, small business owners

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Great Assistant specializes in helping entrepreneurs hire their first EA. Their hiring process is streamlined and focused on culture-fit, which results in long-lasting working relationships.

20. Bottleneck Distant Assistants

• Headquarters: Missouri, U.S.

• Core Services: Admin support, executive assistance, operations

• Ideal For: Small businesses looking for dedicated VAs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Bottleneck offers dedicated distant assistants (DDAs) with full support and onboarding. Their focus is on long-term engagement, not just task completion.

21. OkayRelax

• Headquarters: Florida, U.S.

• Core Services: Personal and business assistant tasks

• Ideal For: Busy professionals and solopreneurs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: OkayRelax provides affordable, task-based VA services with flexible monthly plans. It’s ideal for those who want to offload smaller, repetitive tasks without the need for full-time help.

22. UAssist.Me

• Headquarters: El Salvador

• Core Services: Executive admin, bilingual support, marketing

• Ideal For: Businesses needing bilingual (English/Spanish) support

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: UAssist.Me is known for its highly educated virtual assistants who can serve clients in both English and Spanish, making it a great fit for international businesses.

23. VA Staffer

• Headquarters: U.S. and Philippines

• Core Services: Admin, content creation, CRM management, real estate support

• Ideal For: Agencies, real estate pros, and content teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: VA Staffer offers a mix of services from creative work to admin and project management. Their managed service includes team-based support and workflow optimization.

24. Virtalent

• Headquarters: United Kingdom

• Core Services: Executive assistance, marketing, project support

• Ideal For: UK-based professionals and teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Virtalent pairs UK businesses with experienced virtual assistants who understand the local market and expectations. They’re known for professionalism, consistency, and excellent client care.

25. Remote CoWorker

• Headquarters: Florida, U.S. (Philippines-based talent)

• Core Services: Admin tasks, customer service, sales support

• Ideal For: Startups and growing businesses on a budget

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Remote CoWorker provides trained Filipino virtual assistants at competitive rates, supported by U.S.-based account managers. A solid choice for cost-effective, reliable help.

26. Ossisto

• Headquarters: New Jersey, U.S. (with operations in India)

• Core Services: Admin support, IT services, digital marketing, bookkeeping

• Ideal For: SMBs and solo entrepreneurs needing all-in-one outsourcing

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Ossisto combines technical, creative, and admin services under one roof. Their flexibility and affordable pricing make them a strong option for companies looking to scale up without adding overhead.

27. Byron

• Headquarters: U.S.-based

• Core Services: Admin tasks, data entry, research, scheduling

• Ideal For: Companies needing task-based virtual support

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Byron is a task-based platform that allows teams to delegate quick jobs to vetted assistants. Great for startups and busy professionals who need a no-commitment solution.

28. CalendarHero (formerly Zoom.ai)

• Headquarters: Canada

• Core Services: AI-powered scheduling, meeting coordination

• Ideal For: Teams and individuals managing lots of meetings

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: CalendarHero is not a human assistant service but an intelligent scheduling tool that automates meeting coordination. A great complement to human assistants.

29. Outsourcing Angel

• Headquarters: Australia (with remote global team)

• Core Services: Virtual assistance, marketing, customer support

• Ideal For: Coaches, creatives, and purpose-driven brands

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Outsourcing Angel emphasizes values-based hiring, social impact, and creating long-term VA-client matches. Ideal for brands that care about people as much as performance.

30. Efficise

• Headquarters: Pakistan

• Core Services: Personal tasks, data entry, research, business support

• Ideal For: Professionals and entrepreneurs on a tight budget

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Efficise offers affordable personal assistant services with a team-based approach. Great for solo founders or freelancers looking for light, task-based help.

31. Aristo Sourcing

• Headquarters: South Africa (with global reach)

• Core Services: Virtual assistance, project management, HR, creative services

• Ideal For: Companies needing remote staffing across various roles

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Aristo Sourcing offers a wide array of VA services and is known for its high-touch client support. Ideal for agencies and businesses that need more than just basic admin help.

32. Pepper Virtual Assistants

• Headquarters: Philippines

• Core Services: Admin, marketing, content, eCommerce support

• Ideal For: Online businesses and eCommerce brands

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Pepper VA offers flexible staffing solutions with experienced virtual assistants who specialize in digital business needs.

33. Remote Bob

• Headquarters: United Kingdom

• Core Services: Admin support, project coordination, marketing assistance

• Ideal For: UK startups and tech founders

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Remote Bob offers friendly, startup-savvy assistants based in Europe and the UK. Perfect for founders who want structured, proactive help.

34. TaskArmy

• Headquarters: Australia

• Core Services: Task outsourcing for writing, marketing, admin

• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs looking for freelance-style help

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: TaskArmy is a task marketplace where you hire virtual professionals to complete specific jobs. No long-term contracts—just get things done quickly.

35. Upwork Talent Marketplace

• Headquarters: U.S.-based (global freelancer platform)

• Core Services: Virtually everything—from VAs to developers

• Ideal For: Businesses needing flexible, freelance-based virtual help

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Upwork gives you access to thousands of freelance virtual assistants across all industries. It takes more time to vet, but the talent pool is vast and global.

36. Fiverr Business

• Headquarters: Israel (Global marketplace)

• Core Services: Admin tasks, graphic design, content, marketing

• Ideal For: Small businesses and agencies that need quick-turnaround tasks

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Fiverr Business allows teams to manage freelance VAs and other professionals from one dashboard. It’s flexible, fast, and ideal for businesses that need task-based work done without long-term commitments.

37. Work Better Now

• Headquarters: U.S. and Latin America

• Core Services: Virtual executive assistants, admin, operations

• Ideal For: Business owners and executive teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Work Better Now offers dedicated assistants from Latin America with strong English skills and business backgrounds—perfect for U.S. time zone alignment and consistent support.

38. Freelancer.com

• Headquarters: Australia (Global talent network)

• Core Services: Admin, design, IT, writing, customer service

• Ideal For: One-off projects or long-term outsourcing

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Freelancer.com is a flexible freelance marketplace where you can post jobs and hire VAs from around the world. It’s best suited for teams that can manage talent directly.

39. Hubstaff Talent

• Headquarters: Indiana, U.S. (Global platform)

• Core Services: Admin support, marketing, sales, tech

• Ideal For: Businesses wanting remote contractors without fees

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Hubstaff Talent is a 100% free directory of remote talent. You can connect directly with assistants and freelancers—no markups or commissions.

40. Magic Dedicated Assistants

• Headquarters: U.S.

• Core Services: Full-time assistants for admin, operations, and personal tasks

• Ideal For: Busy entrepreneurs needing always-on support

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Unlike Magic’s on-demand model, their dedicated assistant service pairs you with a full-time VA trained to anticipate your needs. A smart option for those who want consistent and proactive help.

41. Virtual Gurus

• Headquarters: Canada

• Core Services: Admin, bookkeeping, social media, tech support

• Ideal For: North American startups and nonprofits

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Virtual Gurus provides diverse, trained Canadian virtual assistants with an emphasis on inclusion and social impact. Their assistants are thoroughly vetted and supported by a strong management team.

42. Cloudstaff

• Headquarters: Philippines and Australia

• Core Services: Admin, IT, customer service, finance

• Ideal For: Medium to large businesses building remote teams

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Cloudstaff offers full-service outsourcing with a scalable model. Ideal for companies looking to build long-term offshore teams with strong infrastructure and support.

43. OnlineJobs.ph

• Headquarters: Philippines (Online platform)

• Core Services: Admin, marketing, content, design, programming

• Ideal For: Businesses looking to hire direct and long-term

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: OnlineJobs.ph is a job board that connects employers with Filipino virtual assistants. You handle recruiting and management directly—ideal for companies that want cost savings and control.

44. SupportShepherd

• Headquarters: U.S. and Philippines

• Core Services: Executive assistants, sales support, creatives

• Ideal For: U.S.-based businesses and tech companies

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: SupportShepherd specializes in hiring vetted remote workers from Latin America and Southeast Asia. Their focus is on finding talent that matches your team’s culture and workflow.

45. Outsource Access

• Headquarters: U.S. and Philippines

• Core Services: Admin, digital marketing, operations, customer support

• Ideal For: Growth-focused businesses

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Outsource Access offers managed VA services with a focus on SOPs, systems, and scaling. They work closely with clients to embed VAs into operations for long-term success.

 

46. Taskmo

• Headquarters: India

• Core Services: Gig-based virtual assistance, lead generation, admin tasks

• Ideal For: Startups and businesses in need of flexible, task-based help

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Taskmo offers microtask outsourcing powered by a large gig workforce. It’s a great match for companies that want to outsource simple, repeatable jobs without committing to long-term hires.

47. GetFriday

• Headquarters: Bangalore, India

• Core Services: Personal and business virtual assistance, travel booking, research

• Ideal For: Busy professionals and entrepreneurs

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: One of the oldest VA services around, GetFriday is known for its dependable support and affordable pricing. Their team-based model ensures availability and consistent delivery.

48. Workana

• Headquarters: Argentina (serving Latin America and beyond)

• Core Services: Virtual assistance, marketing, design, development

• Ideal For: Spanish-speaking businesses and Latin American markets

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: Workana connects businesses with freelancers across Latin America. It’s a great platform for companies that want native Spanish speakers and cultural alignment.

49. MyOutDesk

• Headquarters: U.S. (with VAs in the Philippines)

• Core Services: Real estate VAs, marketing, administrative support

• Ideal For: Real estate professionals and sales-driven businesses

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: MyOutDesk is a go-to for real estate companies needing specialized help. Their assistants are trained in CRM tools, lead follow-up, and industry-specific tasks.

50. PeoplePerHour

• Headquarters: UK

• Core Services: Freelance virtual assistants, designers, marketers, developers

• Ideal For: UK-based businesses and freelancers

• Why It’s a Great Alternative: PeoplePerHour is a freelancer platform with strong European talent. Ideal for businesses looking to hire VAs who align with UK time zones and cultural preferences.

Final Thoughts

Hiring an assistant online has never been easier—or more impactful. Whether you’re looking for general virtual support, a highly-skilled executive assistant, or a full back-office outsourcing solution, there’s a service on this list that aligns with your goals, workflow, and budget.

From premium agencies offering U.S.-based professionals to global platforms connecting you with top-tier talent from around the world, the options are both diverse and scalable. The key is to focus on what matters most to your business: flexibility, communication, reliability, and of course, virtual assistant pricing that fits your financial plan.

As you evaluate these Top 50 best alternatives, take the time to reflect on your immediate needs, long-term goals, and the type of relationship you want to build with your assistant. Whether you’re delegating inbox management, customer service, or strategic executive tasks, the right assistant can become one of your most valuable assets.