Where to Find a Virtual Assistant: 9 Options Compared (2026) | Lindy
Where to Find a Virtual Assistant: 9 Options Compared (2026)
Introduction
Lindy tested nine virtual assistant options, including Upwork, Fiverr, and Boldly, over three weeks, weighing onboarding speed, pricing transparency, task fit, and replacement guarantees.
Last Updated: August 31, 2026
Table of contents
- What is a virtual assistant?
- What to look for
- How I tested
- Provider Comparisons
- Individual Providers
- FAQs
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is whoever or whatever handles your recurring tasks remotely, without ever coming into your office. The label covers a wide range of setups: a freelancer, a full-time offshore hire, or an AI assistant like Lindy. The tasks are fairly consistent across all of them: inbox management, scheduling, CRM updates, research, and customer follow-ups.
What to look for in a virtual assistant
Get the scope right before you look at price or platform. Specificity about the tasks helps you evaluate whether a service meets your needs. Important points include:
- Task fit: Clearly define your requirements.
- Onboarding speed: Know how long it takes before the assistant can start.
- Pricing transparency: Ensure you understand the costs upfront.
- Replacement guarantee: Find out the process if the match isn't suitable.
- Management overhead: Consider how much oversight you’ll need to provide.
How I tested these virtual assistants
I spent three weeks testing every service through criteria such as onboarding speed, task fit, pricing transparency, coverage breadth, and match failure scenarios.
Provider Comparisons
| Provider | Best for | Standout | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | One-off or short-term tasks | Huge talent pool; pay for the scope you post | Vetting and management fall entirely on you |
| Fiverr | Single, pre-scoped tasks at a fixed price | Fast to book, price is set upfront | Less room to customize scope |
| Time etc | A guided match with a dedicated assistant | Consultative matching before payment | Costs more per hour than marketplace options |
| Belay | Admin, bookkeeping, and marketing under one vendor | Covers multiple services under one account | No published starting tier, unclear costs upfront |
| Boldly | Executives wanting to interview their assistant | W-2 employees with trained backup coverage | Minimum commitment of 40 hours a month |
| MyOutDesk | Real estate and property management | Industry-specific training and savings calculator | Full-time only model, no part-time or hourly options |
| Prialto | Teams needing continuity | Team model with primary and backup assistants | 90-day minimum commitment per unit |
| Wing Assistant | Lower-cost dedicated staffing | Affordable dedicated assistant model | Typically matches with one candidate |
| Lindy | Repetitive, describable work | Works 24/7 with no hiring process | Not suited for relationship-heavy tasks |
Individual Providers
1. Upwork: Best for one-off or short-term tasks
Type: Freelance marketplace
What is it? An open marketplace where you post a job, freelancers bid, and you pick from ranked candidates.
Best for? Fast hiring for defined projects.
2. Fiverr: Best for browsing pre-packaged VA gigs
Type: Freelance marketplace
What is it? Fixed-price gig marketplace where sellers list VA packages at set rates.
Best for? Simple, repeatable tasks.
3. Time etc: Best for a US or UK-based VA
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Those who want a guided match.
4. Belay: Best for admin, bookkeeping, and marketing
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Comprehensive service under one vendor.
5. Boldly: Best for meeting your assistant before commitment
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Executives needing vetted assistants.
6. MyOutDesk: Best for full-time support in real estate
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Property management teams.
7. Prialto: Best for teams needing continuity
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Team support with backup.
8. Wing Assistant: Best for budget-conscious buyers
Type: Managed VA agency
Best for? Dedicated assistants under $1,000/month.
9. Lindy: Best for delegating without management
Type: AI assistant
Best for? Founders wanting AI support.
FAQs
What's the difference between a virtual assistant and a freelancer?
A virtual assistant supports day-to-day operations on an ongoing basis, while a freelancer works on a defined project with a clear start and end.
How much does it cost to hire a virtual assistant?
Costs range from $10/hour on platforms like Upwork to $3,600/month through managed agencies. AI options like Lindy cost $29.99/month.
Is it worth hiring a virtual assistant?
Yes, it's worth it if you're spending 5+ hours a week on repetitive tasks. Below that, the management overhead may not be worth it.
Can an AI assistant replace a virtual assistant?
AI assistants can replace VAs for repetitive, describable tasks but may fall short on tasks needing human judgment.