In an age where agility, remote collaboration, and cost-effective operations are crucial for business success, virtual assistant companies have become essential for startups, entrepreneurs, and large enterprises. VAs of today are no longer just doing simple tasks like managing calendars or emptying inboxes. They are capable of a wide range of activities, including CRM management, bookkeeping, tech support, and even project coordination.
Hiring the right virtual assistant specialist can increase your productivity and scalability, as the virtual assistant market is expected to grow to over $30 billion by 2026. You need to rely on the best virtual assistant companies to improve workflows and encourage expansion.
Why Virtual Assistants Will Be More Important in 2026 and Beyond
The way businesses operate has undergone noteworthy changes in the last few years. Working remotely is now common, hiring globally is easier than ever, and accessing productivity tools is usual.
However, many entrepreneurs continue to devote hours each day to tasks that do not directly contribute to business growth. Virtual assistants can assist in this situation. The top benefits you can reap when you hire virtual assistant are as follows.
- They handle monotonous jobs so you can concentrate on strategy.
- They drastically cut operating costs.
- They prevent burnout and enable even small teams to grow.
- They provide access to skilled, dependable, and trained talent from around the world.
- They boost productivity in marketing, sales, support, administration, and other areas.
A recent survey revealed:
- According to 82% of small business owners, outsourcing improved their work-life balance.
- Using virtual assistants helped businesses save up to 40% on operating expenses.
- VAs are no longer optional. They now have an advantage over competitors.
The Evolution of Demand for Virtual Assistants
Although virtual assistant companies have been around for a while, demand for them rapidly shifted in 2020. Before that, the majority of VAs managed research, scheduling, and inbox cleanup. It was a low-key trend among early-stage startups and small teams.
The pandemic then made businesses reconsider how work was done. Everything that was previously discussed over a desk had to be typed into a message all of a sudden. The admin load grew. The backlog increased. Teams that had never thought of using a VA began doing so. It took months to make the change that should have taken years.
There was another shift starting in 2022. Someone who could “finish tasks” was no longer desired by businesses. They were looking for someone who could maintain system coherence.
By 2026, virtual assistants would be more than just administrative hires. They included workflow coordination, operations, and communication. This development serves as the basis for today’s comparisons of virtual assistant providers.
How to Pick the Best Virtual Assistant Provider
Knowing exactly what you need makes choosing the best virtual assistant service easier. Every company has its own objectives, tasks, and standards. Before hiring virtual assistant companies, it is important to know what your priorities are.
Start With Your Task List
Start by listing the things that take up most of your time each day. You should consider certain tasks when you are on the hunt for the best VA companies:
- Emails
- Scheduling
- Research
- Customer support
- Social media
- Bookkeeping
- Operations
- Lead generation
It is much simpler to match your needs with the appropriate virtual assistant agency once you understand what slows you down.
Choose a Company Based on Your Working Style and Budget
Certain VA services are inexpensive and ideal for new businesses. Some charge more and concentrate on providing premium support. Consider elements like
- How many hours do you need
- Whether you want a dedicated assistant
- Do you prefer US-based or global talent
- Whether you need 24/7 coverage
The best long-term value will come from a top virtual assistant that complements your workflow.
Test With a Trial Period Before Committing
A trial period is definitely the right move for a person to determine whether a virtual assistant’s services are what they need. It is common to see a trial period offered for free or a week-long test at a low cost, during which you get to know the assistant’s communication style, speed, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
This period allows you to check whether the VA can follow the instructions, understand your workflow, and keep pace with your working rhythm. If the experience is great, then you can definitely take the next step to a long-term plan. Otherwise, you can either change it or request a replacement.
The option to try before committing will save you from frustration and help you invest your money wisely.
Check How the Company Trains and Manages Employees
An online assistant is a good performer only when the organization behind them provides effective training and the right kind of support. If you want to find a service, first consider the way they train their assistants. Some businesses only train in basic admin skills. However, others train VAs in CRM tools, project coordination, marketing platforms, finance systems, and customer support.
A controlled service is usually safer because the assistant gets instructions, checks, and support from the backup team. Proper training enables you to hand the work off more quickly and ensure it is error-free. Your assistant should be providing a good, trustworthy, and reliable job every day.
Top 10 Virtual Assistant Companies to Hire
In 2026, selecting the best virtual assistant company can be challenging, given the abundance of services making similar claims. Every business assures to have the most flexible plans, the best talent, and the lowest prices.
However, not every virtual assistant business offers the same caliber of service. Some emphasize cost-effectiveness and speed. Many give importance to first-rate service. Others have specific industry specializations. Even a few companies provide the whole package. Here are the top 10 virtual assistant companies that you can rely on.
021 Solutions
As one of the leading virtual assistant companies, 021 Solutions is an easy pick for the great combination of quality global talent, training, management, and lower prices. The business support of the future is scalable and reliable, and 021 Solutions is exactly the company that provides it.
The company presents fully managed VAs who can take care of your daily routines, such as
- Scheduling
- Correspondence
- Research
- Travel arrangements
- General admin work.
Each assistant is trained, assessed, and supported by the 021 Solutions team, ensuring productivity and professional execution. Such a service is the right choice for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that want to save time and reduce workload without quality loss.
The core feature of 021 Solutions is an end-to-end talent model. The company locates, trains, and manages each employee on behalf of the client, rather than just handing over a resume. As a result, they remove the hiring burden and always have highly skilled professionals ready. Their talent pool has technical hires, web developers, designers, data specialists, and generalists, and clients can access all these experts under one roof.
The service becomes even more appealing with affordable rates, strongly drafted NDAs, and easy onboarding. With positive feedback from various sectors, 021 Solutions remains a reliable partner for businesses seeking virtual assistants.
Pros
- VAs with complete management, training, and support, which reduces the hiring burden.
- An affordable global talent pool with technical know-how, including web development.
- Positive remarks regarding the efficiency and adaptability of small businesses.
Cons
- Reliability is difficult to confirm due to a lack of independent public reviews.
- For clients who are not Asian, operations based in India may present time zone issues.
Wishup
Wishup can be considered one of the most convenient virtual assistant companies for quick hiring. If you need a virtual assistant immediately, Wishup is an ideal choice. Their onboarding process is lightning-fast. In most cases, clients are paired with a trained assistant within 24 hours. This turnaround time makes Wishup a fabulous tool for busy founders who value time a lot and cannot afford a lengthy hiring process.
Wishup provides assistants for admin tasks, social media, bookkeeping, travel planning, inbox management, and basic operations. The company presents talent from India and the US. This is why clients have more options regarding time zones and budgets. Whether they look for a US based virtual assistant or one from another zone, Wishup offers the best.
The most significant feature of Wishup is its instant replacement guarantee. If you think the assistant is not suitable for you, they will substitute them without delay. This stress reduction allows you to remain productive.
Pros
- Flexibility is improved by responsive support and an instant replacement guarantee.
- VA’s professionalism and time zone diversity have earned it a high Trustpilot rating (4.5/5).
- Positive reviews emphasize the variety of talent and high-quality service.
Cons
- Some VAs need additional management because they lack specific skills.
- Extra fees for premium features mentioned in criticisms
Wing Assistant
Wing Assistant is primarily recognized as one of the top virtual assistant companies for its unlimited-task model, which sets it apart from others. Rather than hiring a single assistant, you have the privilege of a team that can perform tasks at any time of the day. This feature makes Wing a perfect business partner for companies that require support at all hours of the day.
Wing is a favorite among rapidly scaling startups due to its capacity to perform a multitude of tasks simultaneously. The service’s package includes research, marketing assistance, sales support, lead generation, administrative work, and customer service. On top of that, they have a mobile app where you can monitor tasks, make new requests, and communicate with their team.
Wing’s 24/7 availability is what makes them the most powerful. Even if your business operates in several countries or you receive messages at unusual hours, Wing will still be able to manage everything without a break.
Pros
- AI-enhanced productivity and task tracking with an intuitive app.
- It manages a variety of duties around the clock, including marketing and customer service.
Cons
- Regular grievances regarding poor support, inconsistent VA performance, and delays.
- Problems with refunds, portal outages, and onboarding
MyOutDesk
MyOutDesk ranks among the world’s most specialized virtual assistant companies. Primarily, they are focused on the following sectors
- Real estate
- Healthcare
- Finance.
As a result, their assistants receive industry-specific training and become familiar with the technical terms, systems, and workflows required in those fields.
Real estate agents pick MyOutDesk, as their VAs are competent in handling
- MLS systems
- Client follow-ups
- Property listings
- CRM tools
- Lead generation activities.
Healthcare clinics engage them in tasks such as patient coordination, medical billing assistance, appointment setting, and insurance communication.
Because their job descriptions require in-depth knowledge, MyOutDesk is priced higher than a typical VA company. However, many businesses still consider it a good investment due to the high skill level required.
Pros
- Extensive screening, open monitoring, and a committed support staff.
- Experienced VAs with benefits like training and bonuses
Cons
- More expensive than standard VA providers and no money-back guarantee or free trial.
- There have been some reports of excessive demands and overworked foreign employees.
Time etc
Time etc is often referred to as one of the strongest and most reliable virtual assistant companies in 2025. It is the first option for busy managers, executives, and business owners who need professional-level support without spending hours on training and supervising. Time etc is committed to assistants with a deep understanding of scheduling, inbox (mailbox) handling, research, and task management. Their assistants are like experienced team members, and they follow efficient processes to get the work done.
Customers choose Time etc because it offers an excellent combination of quality support and unwavering performance. The assistants are already trained, approachable, and fully trustworthy, making them the best support team for founders who want their companies to run smoothly without stress. Whatever your needs are, meetings, emails, planning, research, or ongoing projects, Time etc is great because of its stability and long years of reliable service.
Pros
- Adaptable part-time schedules with a variety of skills for effective assistance.
- Strong for continuous administrative work without close supervision.
Cons
- VAs manage several clients, which slows their work and wastes time.
- Unfavorable encounters with fundamental abilities and inadequate reaction
Stealth Agents
Stealth Agents is one of the excellent virtual assistant companies for businesses that need help with setting appointments, outreach, lead generation, and daily task coordination. Along with growing startups, it is also favored by mature companies that require reliable and consistent support. The team is known for quick execution, great discipline, and a good grasp of business communication.
Being highly productive is one of the major benefits customers can enjoy by choosing Stealth Agents’ services. The assistants present the work to you clearly and follow your instructions to the letter. In addition, they are all well-trained communicators and can maintain a high level of accuracy across different tasks. If your business schedules calls or initiates client conversations, then Stealth Agents is among the top solutions in 2025.
Pros
- Exceptional dependability, proactive communication, and specialized knowledge.
- Strong user experience and sophisticated tech integration
Cons
- Reviews have few specific drawbacks, but there may be general VA scalability problems.
Zirtual
Zirtual is still considered one of the top five best virtual assistant services to help with inbox and calendar management. If your days are always packed with emails, meetings, and small yet necessary tasks, Zirtual will definitely help you to calm down and bring some structure to your routine. Their assistants are experts in
- Planning your day
- Ensuring that your inbox is organized
- Ensuring every meeting runs smoothly and professionally.
Many startup founders choose to work with Zirtual because it provides them with assistants who pay close attention to detail. They are involved in writing, scheduling, researching, social media, coordination, task tracking, and other general work activities. If you are looking for an assistant who will help you maintain your organization and sharpen your skills, then Zirtual is still the best choice in 2025.
Pros
- VAs with college degrees who are dependable and well-organized.
- All-encompassing management to boost output
Cons
- Hours don’t roll over, mediocre outcomes, and occasionally unresponsive assistance.
- Quality declines when VAs are changed, and execution slows.
Prialto
Prialto is an excellent solution for businesses that require assistance at the team level, support from leadership, and well-organized administrative systems. It is a service trusted by big teams and companies as they scale because Prialto operates under a managed service model. So, you are not just given one assistant but also a whole support system for them. Along with the monitoring, guidance, and backup support, you also receive regular quality checks.
Prialto is known for its professionalism and stability. Their assistants undergo thorough training and can handle repetitive tasks, research, scheduling, data support, coordination, and facilitating communication across teams. If a team is looking for a reliable, consistent virtual assistant service, Prialto is among the top in 2025.
Pros
- Smooth team-level support, supervision, and onboarding.
- Excels at routine tasks like coordination and CRM
Cons
- Unsuitable for sales or specialized needs and restricted to basic administrative tasks.
- Increased costs for services at the surface level
Somewhere
Somewhere differs from most virtual assistant companies in that it primarily focuses on creative and marketing roles. Their assistants are mostly from the European time zones, which is great for the European clients who want easy communication and common working hours.
Somewhere has creative VAs, content creators, marketing coordinators, designers, social media helpers, and project assistants at your disposal. If you are managing a design agency, running a creative business, or leading a marketing team, then Somewhere is an excellent fit, as their talent is familiar with creative workflows.
Most of the time, European founders choose Somewhere because it eliminates the problem of different time zones and enables better collaboration.
Pros
- Full-time, highly qualified, committed VAs with a six-month guarantee.
- Positive reviews and a smooth process for executive support and e-commerce.
Cons
- Lengthy, unclear assessments and onboarding delays for talent pool entry.
- Inconsistent placement timeline experiences
BairesDev
BairesDev is ranked as one of the top five outsourcing companies in the Latin American region, with a focus mainly on software development. Besides that, they offer excellent virtual assistants. Generally, their assistants support executives in their tasks, handle coordination and operations, provide bilingual communication, and provide customer service.
Another good feature of BairesDev is that their assistants work in time zones compatible with the US. It means that communication can be done quickly and without any trouble. A large number of medium- and enterprise-level businesses choose to partner with BairesDev for its robust infrastructure and extensive talent pool.
BairesDev is great if you are looking for a virtual assistant who can support both English- and Spanish-speaking clients or teams.
Pros
- Proactive management, quality talent retention, and remote flexibility.
- Strong for tasks related to development and cross-cultural teams
Cons
- Slow pay growth, high staff turnover, and unclear career paths.
- Limited progression and exclusivity clauses were observed.
The Bottom Line
Now that 2026 is coming to an end, bringing a competent virtual assistant on board is still one of the wisest moves for any business. It’s a decision that will continue to pay off in the coming year. Though there are plenty of options out there, 021 Solutions stands out for its personalized support that takes every business to the next level. Connect with 021 Solutions today and get the virtual support you deserve!