Published May 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Zirtual places US-based part-time VAs on hour bundles starting around $549/month for 12 hours
- Stealth Agents offers full-time dedicated VAs starting at $0-5/hr -- 13x the hours for similar monthly cost
- Zirtual has experienced ownership changes since its 2015 collapse and 2016 acquisition
- For ongoing business support, full-time dedicated VAs outperform fractional hour bundles
- The most important factor when choosing a Zirtual alternative is the dedicated vs. fractional model
Zirtual is a US-based virtual assistant service that places VAs (called "Zirtual Assistants") with businesses on fractional hour plans. They are known in the market but have had a turbulent history -- a high-profile overnight shutdown in 2015, acquisition in 2016, and several ownership changes since. For businesses evaluating options, understanding the alternatives is worth the effort before committing.
Here are five Zirtual alternatives that offer competitive pricing, stable service delivery, and different model options.
What Zirtual Offers
Zirtual places US-based college-educated VAs with clients on hour-bundle plans:
- Plans: Starting around $549/month for approximately 12 hours/month
- VA location: US (college-educated, US-based workforce)
- Model: Fractional (VAs serve multiple clients)
- Specialization: Executive assistance, admin, research, social media
The effective hourly rate at the starter plan is ~$46/hr for 12 hours. For businesses that need more than 12 hours per month, costs scale quickly.
1. Stealth Agents
Best for: Full-time dedicated support at the lowest managed rate
Stealth Agents places Filipino VAs in full-time dedicated roles starting at $0-5/hr. Comparison to Zirtual:
- Zirtual starter: $549/month for 12 hours (~$46/hr)
- Stealth Agents: $640-$800/month for 160 hours (~$4-5/hr)
For businesses that need more than 12 hours of VA support per month (which is the vast majority of ongoing business needs), Stealth Agents provides 13x the hours for a similar or lower monthly cost.
Coverage: admin, customer support, social media, bookkeeping, research, real estate, healthcare, e-commerce, and other industry-specific roles. All VAs are full-time dedicated to one client.
2. Time Etc
Best for: US/UK-based VAs with flexible monthly hours
Time Etc offers US and UK VAs on plans starting around $360/month for 10 hours. Lower starting cost than Zirtual, similar effective hourly rate (~$36/hr at starter), but available in both US and UK talent pools.
Like Zirtual, the model is fractional. Better option than Zirtual for most clients comparing US-based VA services.
3. Belay
Best for: Executive assistants, bookkeepers, and social media managers
Belay focuses on three specific roles at premium US rates starting around $1,400/month. More expensive than Zirtual but offers a clearer specialization (executive assistance, bookkeeping, social media) with a strong reputation.
4. WoodBows
Best for: US-based dedicated VA with satisfaction guarantee
WoodBows places US-based dedicated VAs starting around $699/month for part-time hours. Less expensive than Belay and Zirtual at comparable hours, with a satisfaction guarantee.
5. OnlineJobs.ph
Best for: Self-directed hiring with maximum cost control
OnlineJobs.ph is a job board for Filipino VAs seeking remote work. Direct hire rates run $3-$8/hr with no agency markup. You handle all sourcing, interviewing, testing, and HR. No replacement guarantee.
Right for business owners with sourcing time to invest and who prefer direct control over the employment relationship.
Zirtual vs. Stealth Agents: The Direct Comparison
| Factor | Zirtual | Stealth Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (160 hrs) | ~$7,360 (extrapolated) | $640-$800 |
| Plan minimum | $549/12 hrs | Full-time only |
| VA location | US | Philippines |
| Model | Fractional | Dedicated full-time |
| Stability history | Multiple ownership changes | Stable |
| Replacement guarantee | Yes | Yes |
The stark cost difference is most visible when you scale Zirtual to full-time hours. At their published rates, full-time coverage through Zirtual would cost $7,000+ per month. Stealth Agents delivers the same coverage at $640-$800.
Why Service Stability Matters When Choosing a VA Provider
Zirtual's 2015 overnight shutdown -- where the company ceased operations without notice and left clients without access to their accounts or their VAs -- remains one of the most notable cautionary tales in the VA industry. While Zirtual has operated more stably under subsequent ownership, the episode highlights why due diligence on any VA company's business health and operational track record is worthwhile.
Factors to evaluate:
- How long has the company been operating under current ownership?
- Do they have published client testimonials with verifiable attribution?
- Do they have transparent pricing and clear contract terms?
- Do they have a documented process for what happens if they face operational issues?
FAQ
Q: Is Zirtual reliable after its ownership changes?
A: Zirtual has operated without a repeat of the 2015 shutdown under its subsequent owners. Businesses currently using Zirtual generally report acceptable service. The concern is primarily for new clients evaluating options -- the stability track record is weaker than established competitors.
Q: Does Stealth Agents have a minimum contract commitment?
A: Stealth Agents recommends treating the VA relationship as a long-term hire rather than a short-term contract. The onboarding investment in weeks 1-2 pays back over months. For specific commitment terms, contact Stealth Agents directly.
Q: Can I switch from Zirtual to Stealth Agents without losing continuity?
A: Yes. The transition requires onboarding your new Stealth Agents VA on the tasks and SOPs you have developed. If your processes are documented, the transition is straightforward. If not, this is an opportunity to create the documentation during onboarding that makes the new VA more effective than the previous arrangement.
Q: Are US-based VAs significantly better for customer service tasks?
A: For written customer service (email and chat), Filipino VAs perform comparably to US-based VAs for most US customers. For voice support, US-based VAs have a clearer accent match. For the majority of businesses where customer service is primarily written communication, the performance difference does not justify a 9-10x cost premium.
Zirtual serves a specific market, but its fractional model and high effective hourly rate make it a poor fit for businesses with ongoing full-time support needs. Stealth Agents provides dedicated full-time Filipino VAs starting at $0-5/hr -- more hours, lower cost, and a stable service track record.