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A virtual assistant can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to more than $2,000, depending on whether you buy occasional help, a block of hours, a dedicated assistant or a managed team. The cheapest advertised hourly rate is not automatically the cheapest arrangement: minimum hours, unused-hour rules, time-zone coverage and management support can materially change the total.
This shortlist covers nine established services for different budgets and workloads. Prices are published starting figures where available and should be confirmed before signing up. Virtual-assistant pricing changes frequently, and some providers show different prices on different pages.
Quick comparison
| Service | Best for | Published starting price | Support model or important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time etc | Busy managers | $390/month for 10 hours | U.S.-based assistants; larger plans can include rollover hours |
| Stealth Agents | Appointment setting | Forbes lists $15/hour | Philippines-based support; a 40-hour workweek requirement is reported |
| Zirtual | Inbox and calendar management | $599/month for 12 hours | U.S.-based assistants; official pages have shown conflicting prices |
| Prialto | Team support | $1,600/month for a 55-hour unit | Primary assistant plus backup support and an Engagement Manager |
| AssistWorld | Industry-specific work | Quote required | Supports areas such as accounting, legal, healthcare, manufacturing and IT |
| MyOutDesk | Real estate and property management | $1,988/month | Dedicated full-time support; hiring may take 30 days or longer |
| Boldly | High-touch personal assistance | $2,600/month for 40 hours | Complex scheduling, matching and dashboard tools |
| Belay | Marketing assistance | $46/hour researched starting figure | U.S.-based marketing and social-media support; quote may be required |
| WoodBows | Customer support | $899/month for 40 hours | Phone, chat and email support; uses third-party task tools |
Prices are published or reported starting figures, not guaranteed quotes. Confirm the price, minimum commitment and included hours directly with the provider.
1. Time etc: best for busy managers
Time etc is a strong fit when you need recurring administrative help but do not need a full-time employee. Its public plans list $390 for 10 hours, $760 for 20, $1,480 for 40 and $2,160 for 60 hours per month. That works out to approximately $39, $38, $37 and $36 per hour respectively.
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#1 Best Overall
- 𝗧𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝟮.𝟰 𝗚𝗛𝘇 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 𝟭- Open Google Chrome on your computer & navigate to Vector websetup. 𝟮- Double-click the button on Vector's backpack. Click Pair with Vector on your computer. 𝟯- Select the matching Vector Bluetooth code from the browser pop-up list. 𝟰- Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on Vector’s face screen. A network list will load. 𝟱- Select your local 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Enter your Wi-Fi password & click Connect to Wi-Fi.
- 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧: Experience a new level of conversation with more natural, intelligent, and meaningful interactions. Powered by ChatGPT, Vector can answer complex questions, engage in richer conversations, and provide more insightful responses. 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗮𝗽𝗽 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲).
- AI-Powered & Fully Autonomous: Vector navigates, recognizes faces, and reacts to his surroundings with lifelike independence — no remote control required.
- 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Vector can now understand multiple languages, making him the perfect smart companion for global households and language learners. Vector can now understand Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more! Say “Hey Vector.”
- 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 & 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀:Built with an HD camera and advanced sensors for real-time mapping, facial recognition, and obstacle detection.
The service advertises U.S.-based assistants, matching, transparent time tracking and access to additional assistants when needed. The 20-, 40- and 60-hour plans list rollover hours; the 10-hour plan does not clearly include the same benefit. That distinction matters if your workload varies from month to month.
Watch for: A small plan may be more expensive per hour, while a larger plan can waste money if you regularly fail to use the allocation.
2. Stealth Agents: best for appointment setting
Stealth Agents is aimed at businesses that need outbound prospecting and appointment-related work. Tasks can include lead follow-up, reminders, rescheduling and calendar coordination.
Forbes lists a $15-per-hour starting figure, but the same comparison indicates that pricing may not be clearly posted on the provider’s website and that a 40-hour workweek may be required. It also describes the assistants as Philippines-based rather than U.S.-based.
Watch for: Do not treat $15 per hour as the cost of a flexible, occasional task service. If the minimum is 40 hours a week, the practical commitment is closer to a full-time staffing arrangement.
3. Zirtual: best for inbox and calendar management
Zirtual focuses on executive-assistant work such as email organization, scheduling, travel planning and personal administration. Its official pricing page lists $599 per month for 12 hours, $899 for 20, $1,199 for 30 and $1,699 for 45 hours. Assistants are described as U.S.-based and college educated.
The 12-hour plan works out to about $49.92 per hour, while the 45-hour plan is about $37.76 per hour. That makes the service more suitable for recurring support than for a handful of isolated tasks.
Watch for: Zirtual’s own pages have displayed different prices and hour allocations. Save the exact pricing page and date you used, and request written confirmation of the plan before paying.
4. Prialto: best for team support
Prialto is designed for businesses that need continuity rather than a single individual working alone. Its standard unit includes 55 hours per month, a primary assistant, backup support, an Engagement Manager and overflow capacity.
A published starting figure of $1,600 per month works out to roughly $29 per included hour, although the service is not simply selling an anonymous block of labor. Part of the price pays for supervision, backup coverage and process management.
Prialto’s pricing page has displayed more than one price block, including a $1,500 figure in another context. Ask which plan applies to your business size and whether overflow time is included, billed separately or subject to approval.
Watch for: Compare Prialto with the cost of business interruption if one assistant is unavailable, not just with the hourly rate of an individual freelancer.
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AssistWorld is worth considering when ordinary administrative assistance is not enough. Its advertised areas include accounting, legal, healthcare, manufacturing and IT support, with entry-level, intermediate and senior options.
Rank #2
- PROACTIVE CONVERSATIONS: Unlike traditional voice assistants that only respond when spoken to, this AI companion can start conversations on its own, check in with you, share thoughts, and invite you to chat throughout the day-creating a more natural and engaging companionship experience
- VOICE INTERACTION: Advanced AI-powered voice recognition enables natural conversations and responds to voice commands for an interactive experience. Can connect to free AI models or ChatGPT with you own API Key
- DESIGN: Charming astronaut-inspired design in white with a sleek black visor and compact form factor for desks and tabletops
- USER FRIENDLY: Simple interface makes it accessible for all age groups, from students to elderly users, with intuitive voice control operation
- SMART ASSISTANT: Functions as a personal digital companion with capabilities such as cooking tips, relaxing songs to help sleep, meditation etc
Pricing varies by specialty and is generated through an instant-quote process rather than a simple public rate card. That makes it difficult to compare on price alone, but it may be preferable when the assistant needs relevant industry knowledge.
Watch for: If you will share medical, financial or legal information, ask specific questions about confidentiality, access controls, background checks, employee or contractor status and regulatory safeguards. A provider’s inclusion in a comparison that mentions HIPAA or security criteria does not prove that every plan is HIPAA-compliant.
6. MyOutDesk: best for real estate and property management
MyOutDesk targets dedicated support for real estate, property management and related operations. Reported pricing starts at $1,988 per month for managed outsourcing, with specialized outsourcing listed at $2,500 per month.
This is a better match for lead management, transaction coordination, listing administration and other ongoing workflows than for occasional personal errands. The service may take 30 days or longer to hire and place an assistant, so it should not be treated as an instant task marketplace.
Watch for: Calculate the full cost against the schedule and responsibilities included. A dedicated full-time service may include recruiting, supervision, replacement and management that are not included in a low hourly quote elsewhere.
7. Boldly: best for high-touch personal assistance
Boldly is positioned toward clients who need sophisticated personal-assistant work, including complex scheduling and ongoing coordination. Its matching process, progress dashboard and Schedule Assist tool are useful for a client who wants a structured relationship rather than a list of one-off tasks.
The published starting point of $2,600 per month for 40 hours equals $65 per hour. That places Boldly near the expensive end of this group, but the comparison should include the complexity of the work and the amount of supervision you would otherwise provide.
Watch for: A premium service is not good value if your needs are limited to data entry or occasional calendar changes. Define the tasks and expected response times before choosing a high-touch plan.
8. Belay: best for marketing assistance
Belay is suited to businesses that need help with marketing workflows, social-media activity and related administrative tasks. Reported features include AI-assisted marketing processes and social-media support, with U.S.-based assistance described by TechRadar.
Forbes lists a researched starting figure of $46 per hour, although public pricing may not be available directly on Belay’s site. Treat that number as a starting estimate rather than a guaranteed rate.
Watch for: Marketing assistance can mean very different things. Ask whether the plan covers strategy, content creation, scheduling, community responses, analytics or only administrative execution. Those differences can change the amount of time you actually need.
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WoodBows focuses on customer-facing work, including phone, chat and email support, lead capture, order taking and appointment scheduling. Its reported starting plan is $899 per month for 40 hours, or about $22.48 per hour.
This can suit a small business that needs regular coverage without immediately hiring an in-house support employee. The service is reported to use third-party tools such as ClickUp rather than a proprietary task-management platform.
Rank #3
- 【ChatGPT-Powered: The Ultimate AI Family Companion】Driven by the advanced ChatGPT brain, MASDROW Yonbo X1 transcends traditional robotics. Real-World Scenario: Whether your child asks "Why is the sky blue?" or you need to brainstorm a business presentation, it understands context and provides human-like, logical responses in real-time. It’s an encyclopedia and a creative partner for the whole family.
- 【Personal AI Tutor: Screen-Free & Effective Learning】Utilizes multimodal AI to create a healthy, screen-free educational environment. Real-World Scenario: Children can practice English conversation, get step-by-step homework hints, or listen to personalized history tales. It effectively replaces tablets, sparking curiosity while protecting young eyes from blue light strain.
- 【Zero Subscription Fees: Lifetime Value & Updates】Break free from the "monthly fee" trend of the AI industry. Real-World Scenario: Your one-time purchase grants lifetime access to all ChatGPT-driven features and OTA firmware updates. Enjoy the world’s most advanced AI technology without hidden costs or recurring bills—an investment that grows with your family.
- 【Multi-Sensory Awareness: Emotional Digital Life】Features a 4-mic array and a 5MP vision system for total environmental sensing. Real-World Scenario: Even in a noisy living room, it picks up your voice from 3 meters away. With AI emotional algorithms, it senses your tone—responding with empathy and body language to become a friend who truly "feels" with you.
- 【Parental Control & Privacy: Security You Can Trust】Build a fortress of digital safety via our dedicated App. Real-World Scenario: Parents can remotely define conversation boundaries, set medication reminders, or schedule "sleep modes." All data is encrypted, ensuring that while you harness the power of ChatGPT, your family’s privacy remains 100% secure.
Watch for: Confirm who owns and pays for the task-management workspace, who configures it, and what happens to your records if you cancel. Also ask whether the quoted 40 hours cover customer conversations only or include training, internal notes and handoffs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare virtual-assistant costs
1. Convert the plan into a realistic monthly cost
Start with the advertised retainer, then add required setup fees, software subscriptions, communication tools, minimum-hour commitments and any overage rate. A $15 hourly quote requiring 160 hours a month is not directly comparable with $39 per hour for 10 flexible hours.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →2. Identify the support model
Ask whether you receive one dedicated assistant, a shared request pool, a primary assistant with backup or a managed team. One person may offer continuity; a team may offer better coverage when someone is sick or unavailable.
3. Check the unused-hour policy
Find out whether hours expire, roll over, can be paused or are automatically renewed. Time etc, for example, lists rollover on some larger plans but not clearly on its 10-hour plan.
4. Match geography to the work
U.S.-based support can simplify time zones and communication but often costs more. Overseas assistance can reduce the price, but you should confirm working hours, language proficiency, data handling and whether real-time coverage is available.
5. Test the workflow before sharing sensitive data
Begin with low-risk work such as research, inbox sorting or appointment requests. Before providing banking, medical, legal or customer information, review the contract, confidentiality terms, access controls and deletion policy. Use separate logins and least-privilege permissions wherever possible.
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Questions to ask before signing up
- What is the minimum monthly or weekly commitment?
- Are onboarding, training and management hours billable?
- What happens when the assigned assistant is unavailable?
- Can I interview or request a replacement?
- What response time and working hours are guaranteed?
- Which software is included, and who owns the account data?
- Are unused hours refundable or transferable?
- What notice is required to pause or cancel?
- How are confidential and regulated data protected?
How this list should be read
This is a practical shortlist, not a promise that one provider is objectively best for every buyer. The closest exact-match Forbes comparison was published on July 2, 2026, so its ratings should not be presented as 2025 rankings. The services above are included because they cover the main models a 2025 buyer would compare: flexible hour plans, appointment setters, U.S.-based executive support, managed teams, specialist assistance and dedicated full-time outsourcing.
Before committing, verify each price and policy on the provider’s own site. Record the date of the quote, the included hours, the minimum term and the cancellation rules. That simple paper trail prevents an old comparison article from becoming an expensive billing surprise.
FAQ
What is the cheapest virtual assistant service on this list?
Stealth Agents has a reported starting figure of $15 per hour, but it may require a 40-hour workweek and the price should be confirmed directly. WoodBows has a reported $899 monthly plan for 40 hours, while Time etc starts at $390 for 10 hours. These are different commitment levels, so the lowest hourly figure is not automatically the lowest total cost.
How much should I budget for a virtual assistant?
For recurring light administrative work, published plans in this comparison range from about $390 to $599 per month. Larger managed, dedicated or specialist arrangements range from roughly $899 to $2,600 or require a custom quote. Include software, setup, minimum hours, management and overage charges in your budget.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAre virtual assistants based in the United States?
Some services, including Time etc, Zirtual and the support described for Belay, use U.S.-based assistants. Stealth Agents is described as Philippines-based, while WoodBows is reported to use assistants in India and the Philippines. Always verify location, working hours and data-handling arrangements for the specific plan.
What should I check before giving a virtual assistant access to financial information?
Review confidentiality and data-processing terms, background-check practices, user permissions, authentication, device security, subcontractor access and data deletion procedures. Use separate accounts with the minimum necessary permissions, and confirm whether the provider has any regulatory certification relevant to your information rather than assuming it does.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Time etc is the most approachable option for recurring part-time help, Zirtual fits executive inbox and calendar work, Prialto makes more sense when backup coverage matters, and MyOutDesk or Boldly suit larger dedicated-support budgets. Stealth Agents and WoodBows may offer lower headline costs, but minimum hours, geography and management arrangements matter. Compare the total monthly commitment and service model—not just the hourly rate—and verify every quote before you buy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
