When it comes to hiring a virtual assistant, both Stealth Agents and Zirtual promise business-class support. But behind the branding, the experience and value can be dramatically different.
Zirtual positions itself as a premium U.S.-based virtual assistant service, offering college-educated assistants, fast 2-hour response times during business hours, and dedicated support. Meanwhile, broader VA industry data shows that 67% of users hire VAs primarily to save time, and 53% to delegate tasks, as per a 2025 survey by Invedus / Zirtual.
While Zirtual delivers on quality and reliability, that often comes at higher rates and less flexibility for those needing specialized or high-volume support. With Stealth Agents, you get a strong alternative: top-vetted assistants, flexible plans, cost-effectiveness, and fast onboarding.
Zirtual is known for its polished U.S.-based assistants, but that premium pricing often comes with strict limitations: limited hours, limited flexibility, and a VA who may not grow with your business. You’re paying more but still doing the heavy lifting.
That’s where Stealth Agents comes in.
With 10–15+ years of experience, industry-specific assistants, and a dedicated account manager, Stealth Agents delivers fully managed VA support without the premium cost. Whether you need a tailored virtual assistant package or a reliable general virtual assistant to handle day-to-day tasks, Stealth Agents has you covered.
From onboarding to performance tracking, it’s built for business owners who want results, not more responsibilities. Plus, the wide range of services ensures you’ll always have the right support, whether scaling operations or streamlining processes. It’s time to leave the stress behind and partner with a team that grows with you. Stealth Agents vs Zirtual shows how the right choice makes a difference.
Platform Overview: Zirtual vs Stealth Agents at a Glance
Both Zirtual and Stealth Agents offer virtual assistant services, but how they’re delivered makes a big difference in cost, flexibility, and long-term value.
How Fast Can You Get Matched With a Virtual Assistant?
When you’re ready to delegate and need help yesterday, speed matters. This is one of those areas where not all VA services are created equal. If time is of the essence, some providers have a clear edge.
Stealth Agents stands out by connecting you with a dedicated virtual assistant in as little as 24 hours after signup—a huge plus for businesses that can’t afford to wait.
This rapid matching process means you can start delegating tasks and seeing results right away, with very little lag time. No sitting around wondering who your assistant will be or when they’ll get in touch.
Zirtual, on the other hand, typically matches you with a VA within U.S.
business hours, and you can expect a response within a couple of hours once you’re set up.
While polished and professional, the process is a bit more structured and may not move quite as quickly, especially if you’re onboarding outside those business hours.
So, if quick VA matching is high on your priority list, the choice is clear for founders racing against the clock—faster onboarding lets you hit the ground running and focus on growth.
How Fast Can You Get Matched With a Virtual Assistant?
When you’re ready to delegate and need help yesterday, speed matters. This is one of those areas where not all VA services are created equal. If time is of the essence, some providers have a clear edge.
Stealth Agents stands out by connecting you with a dedicated virtual assistant in as little as 24 hours after signup—a huge plus for businesses that can’t afford to wait. This rapid matching process means you can start delegating tasks and seeing results right away, with very little lag time.
No sitting around wondering who your assistant will be or when they’ll get in touch.
Zirtual, on the other hand, typically matches you with a VA within U.S.
business hours, and you can expect a response within a couple of hours once you’re set up. While polished and professional, the process is a bit more structured and may not move quite as quickly, especially if you’re onboarding outside those business hours.
So, if quick VA matching is high on your priority list, the choice is clear for founders racing against the clock—faster onboarding lets you hit the ground running and focus
Zirtual: Polished, Premium, and Hour-Limited
Zirtual provides U.S.-based virtual assistants on a subscription model. You choose from several pricing tiers based on hours per month (e.g., 12, 24, 36, or 50 hours). The VAs are skilled, professional, and polished, ideal for founders who want English fluency and U.S. business hours.
However, once you hit your monthly hour cap, services pause unless you upgrade to a more expensive plan. This model can be restrictive for fast-moving businesses that need flexible, on-demand help throughout the week. Additionally, while Zirtual VAs are well-trained, their role often focuses on general admin, lacking the deeper alignment found in a robust executive virtual assistant job description.
If your top priority is a U.S.-based, college-educated assistant, Zirtual stands out as a solid option.
Their team comprises American professionals who are well-versed in general administrative support and can work efficiently within domestic business hours.
For clients seeking reliability, polished communication, and fast responses—without the need for highly specialized or executive-level skills—Zirtual offers the kind of straightforward, dependable assistance that can help keep personal and business routines running smoothly.
If your top priority is a U.S.-based, college-educated assistant, Zirtual stands out as a solid option. Their team comprises American professionals who are well-versed in general administrative support and can work efficiently within domestic business hours.
For clients seeking reliability, polished communication, and fast responses—without the need for highly specialized or executive-level skills—Zirtual offers the kind of straightforward, dependable assistance that can help keep personal and business routines running smoothly.
Stealth Agents: Fully Managed Support Built for Growth
Stealth Agents matches you with a dedicated, full-time virtual assistant trained to integrate seamlessly with your systems, tools, and business processes. No hourly limits. No upcharges. Just consistent, long-term support powered by 10–15+ years of experience, a dedicated account manager, and a secure, cloud-based mobile and desktop platform.
Stealth Agents goes beyond basic task completion by offering a strategic, done-for-you onboarding process, internal performance monitoring, and a structure that supports scalability without disruption. You’re not just outsourcing work; you’re gaining a team member who understands your goals and adapts over time. For founders looking for the best virtual assistant solution that evolves with their company, Stealth Agents delivers both expertise and peace of mind.
It’s not just about help; it’s about hands-off management, business alignment, and the ability to scale without the cost curve.
Key Differences: Stealth Agents vs Zirtual
Use the table below to see how both services compare across the factors that matter most to business owners: cost, flexibility, continuity, and overall support.
| Feature | Zirtual | Stealth Agents |
|---|---|---|
| VA Location | U.S.-based assistants. Ideal for businesses that prioritize same-time-zone support and fluent native English. | Philippines-based assistants with global experience working with U.S., UK, and Australian companies. All VAs are trained for international communication and cultural alignment. Many fulfill roles similar to an executive virtual assistant job description with precision and professionalism. |
| Pricing Model | Subscription tiers based on limited hours per month (e.g., 12, 24, 36, or 50 hours). You pay more for higher access. | Flat-rate pricing with full-time, unlimited support—no worrying about running out of hours mid-week. The model supports predictable budgeting and includes management and performance tracking at no additional cost. It’s designed for businesses scaling with the best virtual assistant support. |
| Assistant Experience | Experience varies, often with backgrounds in general administrative tasks. Not always specialized by industry. | 10–15+ years of experience with industry-specific expertise in admin, lead generation, marketing ops, and more. Each VA is handpicked and trained for high-performance support tailored to your niche. You’re matched based on skill set, not just availability. |
| Service Hours | Capped monthly hours limit how much work can be completed, even if the need is urgent. | Full-time coverage with no hourly limitations means your assistant is available every business day. You get consistent output and responsiveness without managing hours. Perfect for executives who need a reliable, daily VA. |
| Support Structure | You communicate directly with your VA and manage oversight yourself. No dedicated account manager included. | VA + Dedicated Account Manager oversee quality, task prioritization, and ongoing performance. You get a partner who checks in proactively and adjusts support to meet evolving needs. This helps avoid micromanagement. |
| Onboarding | Basic onboarding handled by you. You provide SOPs, expectations, and workflow setup. | Done-for-you onboarding, including SOP documentation, system access setup, and internal training. Your assistant arrives ready to execute from day one. This reduces friction and saves hours of prep time. |
| Continuity | VA availability depends on the plan you select, and VAs may rotate or change if hours run out. | Long-term, stable VA assignments with low turnover. If a VA needs to be replaced, Stealth Agents ensures a seamless transition to avoid business disruptions. Continuity is built into the service model. |
| Scalability | Scaling requires upgrading to a higher-tier plan or paying per additional hour. This creates friction as your needs grow. | Easily scalable with team-based solutions. Whether you need one VA or five, Stealth Agents can grow your support system without added hiring or training work. No per-hour cost spikes. |
| Tools & Security | Offers a secure client portal for document sharing and messaging. Basic security coverage is included. | Secure desktop/mobile platform with centralized tools, access controls, and compliance features. Designed for professional, scalable remote team management. Your data and systems remain protected at every step.
Real-time communication is available via phone, SMS, and email, ensuring you can always reach your assistant when you need them. Integrated monitoring tools provide transparency into your assistant’s work, keeping performance and accountability front and center. | |
| Best For | Founders needing U.S.-based assistants for small, recurring tasks or part-time availability. Great for entrepreneurs focused on light admin help. | Growth-focused businesses seeking hands-off, scalable virtual assistant support with robust infrastructure. Especially ideal for leaders who need more than just help—they need outcomes. |
Strengths & Weaknesses: Zirtual vs Stealth Agents
| Platform | ✅ Strengths | ❌ Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Zirtual | – U.S.-based VAs with excellent communication skills and familiarity with American business culture, making them ideal for founders who prefer same-time-zone collaboration. – Professional branding and structured subscription plans create a polished client experience. – Great for light admin tasks like inbox management, scheduling, and research perfect for busy executives who need polished yet simple support. |
– Strict hourly limits once monthly hours are used, support halts unless you upgrade, which can disrupt momentum. – Scaling becomes expensive with higher-tier pricing, especially if your support needs increase rapidly. – Oversight is client-managed, requiring you to handle training, track progress, and resolve issues yourself, which adds to your workload. |
| Stealth Agents | – Full-time, dedicated VAs with 10–15+ years of experience in executive support, operations, and admin, making them a powerful extension of your internal team. – No hourly caps your assistant is embedded in your day-to-day operations and adapts to shifting workloads without extra cost. – Includes done-for-you onboarding, a dedicated account manager, and a secure cloud-based platform with desktop and mobile access for visibility and performance tracking. |
– VAs are Philippines-based, which may not suit clients needing deep U.S. cultural or market nuance, particularly in fields like legal or regulatory communications. – Better optimized for long-term business support and strategic delegation than one-off or hyper-specific microtasks. – May require initial adjustment for clients used to managing freelancers directly. |
Use Case Scenarios:When to Choose Zirtual, Stealth Agents, or Both
Choosing the right virtual assistant service depends on how you work, what you need, and how involved you want to be.
✅ Choose Zirtual If…
You want a U.S.-based assistant for a few hours per week and don’t mind managing the workflow yourself.
Zirtual is ideal for entrepreneurs who want light, localized help and are okay with limited hours. It’s polished and professional but best suited for founders who want to stay hands-on.
Best for:
-
Founders needing U.S.-only support
-
Light administrative help (emails, travel, calendar)
-
Small-scale, short-term needs
✅ Choose Stealth Agents If…
You’re ready to scale and want a full-time VA who integrates seamlessly with your business.
Stealth Agents is built for growth-focused teams. From onboarding to task execution, everything is handled for you so you can focus on results, not reminders.
Best for:
-
Businesses seeking full-time, long-term VA support
-
Founders looking to offload operations and scale without hiring in-house
-
Teams that need industry-specific support and continuity
✅ Use Both If…
You want U.S.-based support for client-facing work but also need full-time backend support.
Some executives pair a Zirtual VA for external communication with a Stealth Agents VA for operations. It works, but requires management on your end to keep both aligned.
Recognized by Forbes: Why Stealth Agents Is a Top-Rated VA Service
In 2025, Forbes Advisor ranked Stealth Agents #2 among all virtual assistant services, recognizing its unique ability to deliver enterprise-quality support at small business prices.
While Zirtual appeals to executives who want U.S.-based help for limited hours, Stealth Agents offers a full-time solution designed for long-term business growth and at a fraction of the cost of premium platforms.
Why Stealth Agents Stood Out in Forbes’ Rankings:
1. Cost-Effective and Scalable
Ranked the most affordable virtual assistant outsourcing solution among managed providers in the 2025 Forbes list. Stealth Agents offers full-time support at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house or paying by the hour. As your business grows, you can easily scale your virtual assistant outsourcing support without worrying about added complexity or inflated pricing.
2. Experienced Talent
All assistants have 10–15+ years of experience and are carefully vetted for professionalism, communication, and execution. Based in the Philippines, these VAs bring deep familiarity with Western business workflows and industry-specific skills. You’re not just getting help; you’re gaining a true extension of your team.
3. Dedicated Support
Each client is paired with a dedicated account manager who oversees onboarding, SOP integration, task alignment, and performance reviews. The included secure cloud platform ensures your files, processes, and communication are protected and organized. It’s business-grade support without the learning curve.
4. Consistent Outcomes
Unlike hourly gig services where VAs may rotate or leave suddenly, Stealth Agents provides long-term continuity with built-in coverage and performance oversight. Your VA is committed to your business and trained to deliver consistent output every day. This means less rework, fewer delays, and greater peace of mind.
When Forbes ranks you among the best, it’s not about promises; it’s about performance that consistently delivers.
Final Thoughts:
Zirtual is a strong choice if you want U.S.-based virtual assistance for a few hours a week and don’t mind staying involved in the day-to-day. It looks and feels premium, but the hours are limited, and scaling quickly gets expensive.
Stealth Agents, on the other hand, are built for founders who want to offload operations entirely. With a dedicated assistant, full-time support, and a team handling onboarding, management, and performance, you get a system, not just a service.
Add in the fact that Forbes ranked Stealth Agents #2 among all VA providers in 2025, and it’s clear who’s delivering more for your business, your time, and your bottom line.
Want to scale your business without the stress?
Book your free discovery call and get matched with a trained, long-term virtual assistant ready to grow with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in contract terms between Stealth Agents and Zirtual?
Stealth Agents typically offers more flexible contract terms with full-time dedicated VAs, while Zirtual operates on subscription-based contracts with monthly hour limitations. Stealth Agents focuses on long-term partnerships without hourly restrictions, whereas Zirtual's contracts are structured around specific hour packages that reset monthly, requiring upgrades for additional time.
How do Stealth Agents and Zirtual handle data security and confidentiality?
Both platforms prioritize data security, but with different approaches. Stealth Agents provides a secure cloud-based platform with enterprise-level access controls and compliance features. Zirtual offers secure client portals for document sharing and maintains confidentiality standards typical of U.S.-based services, with additional privacy protections due to domestic data handling.
Which platform offers better customer support when issues arise with your VA?
Stealth Agents includes dedicated account managers who proactively monitor VA performance and resolve issues, providing structured support throughout your partnership. Zirtual offers customer support but typically requires clients to manage VA relationships directly. Stealth Agents' approach reduces client involvement in problem resolution, while Zirtual maintains a more hands-off support model.
What happens if you need to terminate services with Stealth Agents vs Zirtual?
Termination processes differ significantly between platforms. Zirtual operates on subscription models with standard cancellation policies tied to billing cycles. Stealth Agents focuses on long-term partnerships but provides replacement VAs if relationships don't work out. Both platforms typically require advance notice, but Stealth Agents emphasizes seamless transitions over contract exits.
How do time zone differences affect working with Stealth Agents compared to Zirtual?
Zirtual's U.S.-based VAs work within American time zones, providing same-time-zone collaboration and immediate responses during business hours. Stealth Agents' Philippines-based VAs often work during U.S. business hours but may offer extended coverage. Time zone alignment depends on your specific needs and the VA's schedule arrangement with each platform.
What training do VAs receive from Stealth Agents versus Zirtual before assignment?
Both platforms provide pre-assignment training, but with different focuses. Zirtual trains college-educated U.S. VAs in general administrative skills and business communication. Stealth Agents conducts extensive vetting and specialized training for industry-specific expertise, emphasizing technical skills and long-term business integration rather than general administrative support.
Can you customize VA skill sets with Stealth Agents or Zirtual after initial matching?
Customization approaches vary between platforms. Stealth Agents allows for skill development and role expansion through their management structure and dedicated account managers. Zirtual's VAs can adapt to new tasks within their general skill range, but specialized skill development is more limited due to the hourly constraints and subscription model structure.
What backup support is available if your primary VA is unavailable?
Backup support structures differ significantly. Stealth Agents provides coverage through their managed service approach, ensuring business continuity with replacement VAs when needed. Zirtual may offer backup support depending on your subscription level, but coverage isn't always guaranteed since VAs work within limited hour packages and specific availability windows.
How do billing and invoicing work differently between Stealth Agents and Zirtual?
Billing models reflect each platform's service approach. Zirtual uses subscription billing based on predetermined hour packages, with clear monthly costs but potential overage charges. Stealth Agents typically bills flat rates for full-time VA services, including management and platform access without hourly tracking or usage-based billing complications.
Which platform is better for businesses requiring industry-specific compliance knowledge?
Industry compliance needs favor different platforms based on requirements. Stealth Agents' experienced VAs often bring specialized industry knowledge from 10-15+ years of experience in specific sectors. Zirtual's U.S.-based VAs may better understand domestic compliance requirements and regulations, making them suitable for businesses needing deep familiarity with American legal and regulatory frameworks.
