# 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 1. [What is a virtual assistant?](#what-is-a-virtual-assistant) 2. [What to look for](#what-to-look-for-in-a-virtual-assistant) 3. [How I tested](#how-i-tested-these-virtual-assistants) 4. [Provider Comparisons](#provider-comparisons) 5. [Individual Providers](#individual-providers) 6. [FAQs](#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](https://www.upwork.com/) | One-off or short-term tasks | Huge talent pool; pay for the scope you post | Vetting and management fall entirely on you | | [Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/) | Single, pre-scoped tasks at a fixed price | Fast to book, price is set upfront | Less room to customize scope | | [Time etc](https://www.timeetc.com/) | A guided match with a dedicated assistant | Consultative matching before payment | Costs more per hour than marketplace options | | [Belay](https://belaysolutions.com/) | Admin, bookkeeping, and marketing under one vendor | Covers multiple services under one account | No published starting tier, unclear costs upfront | | [Boldly](https://boldly.com/) | Executives wanting to interview their assistant | W-2 employees with trained backup coverage | Minimum commitment of 40 hours a month | | [MyOutDesk](https://www.myoutdesk.com/) | Real estate and property management | Industry-specific training and savings calculator | Full-time only model, no part-time or hourly options | | [Prialto](https://www.prialto.com/) | Teams needing continuity | Team model with primary and backup assistants | 90-day minimum commitment per unit | | [Wing Assistant](https://wingassistant.com/) | Lower-cost dedicated staffing | Affordable dedicated assistant model | Typically matches with one candidate | | [Lindy](/content/site-root.html) | 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.