The Best Virtual Executive Assistant Services in the US

January 16, 2026

Introduction

At the highest levels of business leadership, time isn’t just money—it’s everything. Every hour a CEO spends scheduling meetings, managing email, or coordinating travel is an hour not spent on vision, strategy, relationships, and the decisions that shape company trajectory.

Here’s the reality that defines executive life: According to the 2025 Harvard Business Review Executive Time Study, the average CEO works 62 hours per week but spends only 28% of that time on strategic activities. The rest is consumed by administrative coordination, communication management, and operational details that—while necessary—don’t require C-suite attention.

The most successful executives have long understood a simple truth: leverage is the key to impact. A world-class executive assistant isn’t an expense—it’s a force multiplier that expands what’s possible.

But the traditional model of in-office executive assistants is evolving. The 2025 Chief of Staff Association Report found that 47% of executives now work with virtual or hybrid executive assistants, up from just 18% in 2019. The shift has been driven by talent access, flexibility, cost efficiency, and the realization that proximity matters less than capability.

Virtual executive assistant services have matured into sophisticated offerings that rival—and often exceed—traditional in-house support. Today’s best virtual EAs function as Chiefs of Staff, gatekeepers, project managers, and strategic partners who anticipate needs, protect time, and enable executives to operate at their highest level.

This comprehensive guide covers the best virtual executive assistant services in the US for 2026. Whether you’re a startup founder, Fortune 500 CEO, or high-performing professional seeking premium support, you’ll find the right solution here.

What Separates Executive Assistants from Regular VAs

The Critical Difference

Factor	Virtual Assistant	Executive Assistant
Scope	Task completion	Outcome ownership
Approach	Reactive	Proactive
Judgment	Follows instructions	Exercises discretion
Relationship	Transactional	Partnership
Communication	Functional	Anticipatory
Access	Limited	Deep (calendar, email, decisions)
Trust Level	Moderate	Absolute
Experience	Variable	Typically 10+ years
Compensation	$15-40/hour	$40-100+/hour

The Executive Assistant Value Proposition

According to the 2025 Wharton Executive Productivity Study:

Metric	Without EA	With World-Class EA	Impact
Strategic time	28%	67%	+139%
Meeting efficiency	62% useful	91% useful	+47%
Email processing time	3.2 hrs/day	0.8 hrs/day	-75%
Decision quality	Baseline	+34%	+34%
Work-life balance	4.2/10	7.8/10	+86%
Calendar optimization	48%	89%	+85%

The True Cost of Not Having an EA

Consider a CEO with:

$2 million total compensation
2,500 working hours/year
Effective hourly value: $800/hour

Time Lost To	Hours/Week	Annual Opportunity Cost
Email management	8 hours	$332,800
Scheduling coordination	4 hours	$166,400
Travel planning	2 hours	$83,200
Administrative tasks	3 hours	$124,800
Meeting preparation	3 hours	$124,800
Information gathering	2 hours	$83,200
Total	22 hours	$915,200

A world-class EA costs $60,000-$150,000/year—an extraordinary ROI.

What Executive Assistants Handle

Calendar & Time Management

✅ Calendar Mastery

Complete calendar ownership
Meeting prioritization
Time blocking for deep work
Buffer management
Conflict resolution
Calendar audits and optimization
Recurring meeting management
Time zone coordination

✅ Meeting Management

Meeting preparation and briefings
Agenda creation
Attendee coordination
Pre-meeting research
Post-meeting action tracking
Meeting notes and follow-ups
Cancellation and rescheduling

Communication Management

✅ Email Management

Inbox zero maintenance
Email triage and prioritization
Draft responses
Follow-up tracking
Newsletter management
Email filtering and organization
VIP sender management

✅ Communication Gatekeeping

Call screening
Message prioritization
Response drafting
Stakeholder communication
External inquiry handling
Board communication support
Investor relations support

Travel & Logistics

✅ Travel Coordination

Complex itinerary planning
Flight and hotel booking
Ground transportation
International travel logistics
Travel preferences management
Visa and documentation
Travel disruption management
Expense tracking

✅ Event Management

Conference attendance coordination
Speaking engagement management
Corporate event planning
Board meeting logistics
Investor meeting coordination
Team offsite planning

Strategic Support

✅ Research & Intelligence

Competitor research
Industry news monitoring
Meeting preparation research
Due diligence support
Market analysis
Presentation research
Decision support materials

✅ Project Coordination

Cross-functional project tracking
Deadline management
Stakeholder coordination
Status reporting
Initiative tracking
Strategic priority management

Personal & Life Management

✅ Personal Support

Personal appointment scheduling
Family calendar coordination
Gift purchasing
Reservation management
Home service coordination
Personal errands
Lifestyle management

Types of Virtual Executive Assistant Services

1. Premium EA Companies

Highly vetted, dedicated executive assistants as a service

Best for: CEOs, founders, executives requiring top-tier support
Typical cost: $3,000-$10,000/month
Examples: Athena, Boldly, Belay

2. Chief of Staff Services

Strategic partners beyond traditional EA support

Best for: Founders and executives needing strategic leverage
Typical cost: $5,000-$15,000/month
Examples: Athena, Boldly, boutique firms

3. Fractional EA Services

Part-time executive support for growing executives

Best for: Emerging executives, small company leaders
Typical cost: $1,500-$4,000/month
Examples: Time Etc, Belay, Delegated

4. EA Placement Services

Direct hire of remote executive assistants

Best for: Companies wanting permanent EA employees
Typical cost: Recruiting fee + salary
Examples: Base, Pocketbook Agency, EA placement firms

5. On-Demand EA Services

Flexible support for variable needs

Best for: Executives with fluctuating support needs
Typical cost: $50-$150/hour
Examples: Priority VA, Fancy Hands Premium

What to Look for in a Virtual Executive Assistant

Essential Qualities:

Quality	Why It Matters
Discretion	Handling confidential information
Judgment	Making decisions on your behalf
Anticipation	Solving problems before they arise
Communication	Representing you professionally
Organization	Managing complexity effortlessly
Adaptability	Handling changing priorities
Initiative	Proactively improving systems
Emotional Intelligence	Reading situations and people
Reliability	Being dependably excellent
Tech Savvy	Leveraging tools effectively

Experience Requirements:

Minimum for Executive-Level Support:

7-10+ years professional experience
3-5+ years direct EA experience
C-suite or senior executive support history
Complex calendar management
Travel coordination expertise
Confidential information handling
Project management capability

Technology Proficiency:

Essential Tools:

Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive)
Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Office)
Zoom, Slack, communication platforms
Travel booking (Concur, TripIt, direct booking)
Project management (Asana, Monday, Notion)
CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
Expense management (Expensify, Ramp)
Password managers (1Password, LastPass)
AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot)

The 12 Best Virtual Executive Assistant Services in 2026

1. Athena

🏆 Best Overall for Founders & CEOs

Headquarters: San Francisco, California

Overview: Athena has emerged as the premier executive assistant service for startup founders and high-growth CEOs. Backed by top venture investors and founded by executives who experienced the EA gap firsthand, Athena delivers “Chief of Staff”-level support through highly trained executive assistants.

Their rigorous selection process accepts only the top 1% of applicants, and their proprietary training program transforms talented professionals into world-class executive partners.

Client Profile:

Venture-backed startup founders
CEOs of high-growth companies
Private equity partners
Venture capitalists
Successful entrepreneurs
High-performing executives

Key Services:

Category	Executive Services
Calendar Mastery	Complete ownership, optimization, protection of time
Inbox Management	Email triage, drafting, follow-up, zero inbox
Travel	Complex itinerary planning, preferences, logistics
Meeting Prep	Research, briefings, agendas, materials
Project Coordination	Cross-functional tracking, stakeholder management
Personal	Life admin, family coordination, lifestyle management
Strategic Support	Research, analysis, decision support

The Athena Difference:

Feature	Description
Delegation Coaching	Teaching executives to delegate effectively
Playbooks	Pre-built systems for common executive needs
Backup EA	Seamless coverage during PTO
Executive Community	Network of fellow founder clients
Performance Analytics	Data on time saved and impact
Continuous Training	Ongoing EA skill development
Account Management	Dedicated success manager

Selection Process:

Top 1% acceptance rate
Rigorous skills assessment
Background and reference checks
Cultural fit evaluation
Proprietary training program
Ongoing performance monitoring

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours	Price/Month	Best For
Athena Essentials	40 hrs/week	Starting at $3,000	Growing executives
Athena Executive	Full-time dedicated	Starting at $4,500	Established CEOs
Athena Chief of Staff	Full-time + strategic	Starting at $6,500	Complex organizations
Enterprise	Multiple EAs	Custom	Multi-executive teams

Includes: Training, backup EA, delegation coaching, success management

Pros:

✅ Founder/CEO specialization
✅ Top 1% talent
✅ Delegation coaching included
✅ Strategic partnership approach
✅ Backup EA system
✅ Executive community access
✅ Continuous training
✅ Proven with VCs and founders
✅ Quick ramp-up time

Cons:

❌ Premium pricing
❌ Philippines-based EAs (time zone consideration)
❌ Waitlist during high demand
❌ Minimum commitment required
❌ Best fit for high-growth context

Client Testimonial:

“Athena changed how I operate as a founder. My EA anticipates my needs, protects my calendar fiercely, and handles everything from investor emails to personal appointments. I’ve easily recovered 25 hours per week. The delegation coaching alone was worth it—I didn’t know how much I was holding onto until Athena showed me.” – Sarah K., Series B CEO, San Francisco CA

Why Choose Athena: If you’re a founder or high-growth CEO wanting strategic EA support from a company that understands startup life, Athena is the gold standard.

Website: athena.com

2. Boldly

🏆 Best for Fortune 500-Level Support

Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

Overview: Boldly provides premium executive assistants with Fortune 500 experience for executives who demand the highest caliber of support. Unlike most VA services, Boldly’s assistants are W-2 employees with full benefits, resulting in exceptional retention and professional quality.

Their EAs average 10-15 years of experience supporting C-suite executives, and many have backgrounds at top corporations, consulting firms, and professional services organizations.

Client Profile:

C-suite executives
Board members
Entrepreneurs
Professional services leaders
Financial services executives
Non-profit executives

Key Services:

Category	Premium Services
Executive Administration	Calendar, correspondence, meeting management
Project Management	Initiative coordination, deadline management
Marketing Support	Content coordination, campaign management
Operations	Process management, vendor coordination
Finance/HR	Expense management, recruiting coordination
Personal	Life admin, family, travel, events

What Sets Boldly Apart:

Differentiator	Details
W-2 Employees	Full benefits, high retention, professionalism
Average Experience	10-15 years executive support
US/Europe Based	Same time zone options
Dedicated EA	Same person, deep relationship
No Turnover	Industry-leading retention
Professional Oversight	Account management and quality assurance

W-2 Employee Advantages:

Higher commitment and professionalism
Full benefits (they’re not juggling gigs)
Lower turnover than contractors
Company accountability
Professional development investment
Career path within Boldly

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price	Per Hour
Part-Time	40 hours	$1,960	$49
Part-Time Plus	60 hours	$2,760	$46
Full-Time	80 hours	$3,440	$43
Dedicated	160 hours	$6,400	$40

Pros:

✅ W-2 employees (not contractors)
✅ Exceptional experience levels
✅ US and Europe-based options
✅ Industry-leading retention
✅ Fortune 500 backgrounds
✅ Same EA always
✅ Full professional support
✅ Mature, proven service

Cons:

❌ Premium pricing
❌ Minimum 40 hours/month
❌ Less startup culture
❌ Longer matching process
❌ Traditional EA focus (less Chief of Staff)

Client Testimonial:

“My Boldly EA previously supported a Fortune 100 CEO. The difference in quality is immediately apparent. She anticipates my needs, drafts communications in my voice, and manages my calendar with precision. Having someone with her background at a fraction of the cost is remarkable.” – Michael T., Private Equity Partner, New York NY

Why Choose Boldly: If you want the caliber of EA who previously supported Fortune 500 executives, Boldly delivers unmatched experience and professionalism.

Website: boldly.com

3. Belay Solutions

🏆 Best for US-Based Executive Assistants

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Overview: Belay Solutions pioneered virtual executive assistance and remains the largest provider of 100% US-based virtual EAs. Their rigorous vetting process (only 3% of applicants accepted) ensures you work with exceptional American professionals.

Belay is particularly well-suited for executives who prioritize cultural alignment, same time zone availability, and native English communication.

Client Profile:

Entrepreneurs
Business owners
Ministry and church leaders
Authors and speakers
Financial advisors
Professional services executives
Non-profit leaders

Key Services:

Category	Services
Calendar Management	Scheduling, coordination, optimization
Email Management	Inbox organization, drafting, follow-up
Travel	Booking, itineraries, logistics
Meeting Support	Preparation, notes, follow-up
Project Coordination	Task management, deadlines, stakeholders
Personal Assistance	Life admin, family, personal tasks

Additional Belay Services:

Bookkeeping services
Social media management
Website management
Podcast production support
Content management

The Belay Difference:

Factor	Details
100% US-Based	All EAs are American professionals
3% Acceptance	Rigorous vetting process
Dedicated EA	Same person always
Faith-Based Culture	Values-driven company
Long Tenure	EAs stay with clients long-term
Backup System	Coverage during absences

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Commitment	Price/Month
Part-Time	~30 hours/month	Starting at $1,780
Part-Time Plus	~45 hours/month	Starting at $2,400
Full-Time	~80 hours/month	Starting at $3,600

Custom pricing based on complexity and needs

Pros:

✅ 100% US-based professionals
✅ Highly vetted (3% acceptance)
✅ Same time zone
✅ Native English
✅ Cultural alignment
✅ Dedicated relationship
✅ Faith-friendly culture
✅ Proven track record

Cons:

❌ Premium pricing (US-based)
❌ Less startup focus
❌ Minimum commitment required
❌ Less strategic/Chief of Staff orientation
❌ More traditional EA model

Client Testimonial:

“Having a US-based EA from Belay makes all the difference. She works my hours, understands American business culture, and represents me flawlessly on calls. The quality is exceptional, and we’ve worked together for 4 years now.” – Jennifer R., Financial Advisor, Dallas TX

Website: belaysolutions.com

4. Delegated

🏆 Best for High-Touch Executive Support

Headquarters: San Francisco, California

Overview: Delegated positions its service as providing a “Chief of Staff experience” to executives. Their highly educated, US-based assistants function as proactive partners rather than reactive task-completers, taking ownership of outcomes rather than just activities.

Client Profile:

Startup founders
CEOs and executives
Venture capitalists
Busy professionals
Entrepreneurs scaling businesses

Key Services:

Service Level	Focus
Inbox Mastery	Complete email management and ownership
Calendar Optimization	Strategic scheduling and time protection
Project Coordination	Initiative management and tracking
Research	Decision support and intelligence gathering
Meeting Management	Prep, notes, and follow-through
Personal Life	Full lifestyle management

Chief of Staff Approach:

Traditional EA	Delegated EA
Responds to requests	Anticipates needs
Completes tasks	Owns outcomes
Follows instructions	Exercises judgment
Reports issues	Solves problems
Manages calendar	Optimizes time
Books travel	Manages logistics holistically

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price
Starter	25 hours	$1,400
Professional	45 hours	$2,400
Executive	80 hours	$4,200

Includes: Backup EA, onboarding, ongoing optimization

Pros:

✅ US-based professionals
✅ Chief of Staff orientation
✅ Proactive approach
✅ Highly educated EAs
✅ Strong onboarding process
✅ Backup EA included
✅ Client success focus

Cons:

❌ Premium pricing
❌ Smaller company
❌ Limited scale for enterprise
❌ Bay Area business hour focus

Client Testimonial:

“Delegated gave me my life back. My EA doesn’t wait for instructions—she sees what needs to happen and makes it happen. She’s reduced my email time by 80% and optimized my calendar in ways I never considered.” – David R., Startup Founder, Austin TX

Website: delegated.com

5. Time Etc

🏆 Best Value for Experienced EA Support

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

Overview: Time Etc provides experienced US-based virtual assistants at more accessible price points than premium EA services. Their assistants average 12+ years of professional experience, making them suitable for executive support without premium agency costs.

Client Profile:

Entrepreneurs
Growing executives
Small business owners
Professionals
Emerging leaders

Key Services:

Category	Services
Calendar	Scheduling, coordination, management
Email	Organization, drafting, follow-up
Travel	Booking, itineraries, logistics
Research	Information gathering, analysis
Document	Preparation, formatting, organization
Administrative	General support tasks

What Makes Time Etc Different:

Feature	Benefit
12+ Years Average Experience	Mature, professional support
100% US-Based	Cultural alignment, time zones
No Contracts	Flexibility to adjust
Hours Roll Over	Use what you need
Free Trial Task	Try before committing
Dedicated VA	Same person always

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price	Per Hour
Starter	10 hours	$380	$38
Lite	20 hours	$700	$35
Standard	40 hours	$1,240	$31
Pro	60 hours	$1,740	$29

Pros:

✅ Experienced professionals
✅ US-based
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ No contracts
✅ Hours roll over
✅ Free trial available
✅ Dedicated VA

Cons:

❌ Less executive-specialized
❌ Business hours only
❌ Less strategic support
❌ Smaller capacity than agencies
❌ Limited Chief of Staff capability

Website: timeetc.com

6. Base

🏆 Best for Direct-Hire Remote EAs

Headquarters: San Francisco, California

Overview: Base takes a different approach—rather than providing EAs as a service, they help you hire your own full-time remote executive assistant and provide ongoing support and resources for the relationship.

How It Works:

Base recruits and vets EA candidates
You interview and select your EA
EA becomes your direct employee
Base provides ongoing support and training
Base handles payroll if desired

The Base Model:

Component	Details
Recruiting	Sourcing, vetting, presenting candidates
Hiring	Interview support, offer guidance
Onboarding	90-day structured onboarding program
Training	Ongoing EA development
Community	EA peer community and resources
Payroll	Optional employer of record services

Candidate Quality:

Minimum 5 years EA experience
C-suite support history
Rigorous skills assessment
Reference and background checks
Cultural fit evaluation

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Service	Cost
Recruiting + Placement	$10,000-$15,000 one-time
EA Salary	$60,000-$100,000/year
Payroll Services (optional)	15-20% of salary
Support Subscription	$200-$400/month

Total Cost of Ownership:

Year 1: ~$85,000-$130,000
Ongoing: ~$65,000-$110,000/year

Pros:

✅ Your own dedicated employee
✅ Deep relationship over time
✅ Control over hiring
✅ Ongoing support structure
✅ EA community access
✅ Long-term cost efficiency
✅ US-based candidates

Cons:

❌ Higher upfront cost
❌ You manage employment
❌ Less flexibility than service
❌ More risk if EA leaves
❌ Benefits and management responsibility

Client Testimonial:

“Base helped us hire an incredible EA who’s now been with me for 3 years. The recruiting process was thorough, and the ongoing support and EA community keeps her engaged and growing. Best hiring decision I’ve made.” – Robert M., CEO, Boston MA

Website: base.co

7. Pocketbook Agency

🏆 Best for Celebrity & High-Net-Worth Executives

Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California

Overview: Pocketbook Agency specializes in placing executive and personal assistants with celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices. They understand the unique requirements of supporting ultra-high-profile clients.

Client Profile:

Celebrities
Entertainment executives
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals
Family offices
Luxury brand executives
Professional athletes

Specialty Areas:

Area	Services
Executive Support	Full EA services for executives
Personal Assistant	Lifestyle and personal management
Estate Management	Household and property coordination
Family Office	Multi-generational family support
Travel & Lifestyle	Luxury travel and experiences
Event Management	High-end event coordination

Discretion & Privacy:

Extensive background checks
NDA requirements
Privacy training
Celebrity handling experience
Confidentiality protocols
Crisis management capability

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Placement fees: $10,000-$25,000
Salaries: $80,000-$200,000+
Temp services: $50-$150/hour

Pros:

✅ Ultra-premium talent
✅ Discretion expertise
✅ Celebrity experience
✅ Full lifestyle management
✅ Family office experience
✅ White-glove service

Cons:

❌ Very premium pricing
❌ Los Angeles focus
❌ Niche market
❌ Overkill for typical executives

Website: pocketbookagency.com

8. Priority VA

🏆 Best for Emerging Executives

Headquarters: Edmonton, Canada (Serves US)

Overview: Priority VA provides executive assistant services for growing entrepreneurs and emerging executives who need high-quality support but aren’t yet at the CEO-of-major-company level. They focus on entrepreneurs scaling from solo to team.

Client Profile:

Online entrepreneurs
Course creators
Coaches and consultants
Digital business owners
Emerging executives
Growing professionals

Key Services:

Category	Services
Inbox Management	Email triage, responses, organization
Calendar	Scheduling, coordination, optimization
Travel	Booking and logistics
Project Support	Launch coordination, task management
Customer Service	Client communication support
Online Business	Tech, course platforms, funnels

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price
Starter	20 hours	$700
Growth	40 hours	$1,300
Scale	60 hours	$1,800
Full-Time	160 hours	$3,200

Pros:

✅ Affordable entry point
✅ Online business expertise
✅ Course creator focus
✅ Good for scaling entrepreneurs
✅ Flexible packages
✅ Quality training

Cons:

❌ Less C-suite experience
❌ Philippines-based VAs
❌ Less suitable for Fortune 500
❌ Time zone considerations

Website: priorityva.com

9. Prialto

🏆 Best for Sales Executives & Business Development

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon

Overview: Prialto provides managed virtual assistant services with a focus on sales executives and business development leaders. Their unique model includes a primary assistant, backup assistant, and engagement manager for quality oversight.

Client Profile:

Sales executives
Business development leaders
Account executives
Revenue leaders
Professional services partners

Key Services:

Category	BD/Sales Focus
CRM Management	Salesforce, HubSpot updates and hygiene
Pipeline Management	Deal tracking and follow-up
Meeting Scheduling	Prospect and client meetings
Research	Prospect and company research
Email	Outreach support, follow-up
Travel	Client visit coordination
Reporting	Pipeline and activity reports

The Prialto Model:

Component	Purpose
Primary EA	Your dedicated assistant
Backup EA	Continuity during absences
Engagement Manager	Quality oversight and optimization

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price
Prialto One	~55 hours	$1,600
Prialto Plus	~75 hours	$2,100
Prialto Team	Multiple users	Custom
Enterprise	Department-wide	Custom

Pros:

✅ Sales/BD expertise
✅ CRM proficiency
✅ Backup EA included
✅ Managed service model
✅ Quality oversight
✅ Pipeline focus
✅ Team scalability

Cons:

❌ BD focus (less general executive)
❌ Less personal/lifestyle support
❌ Structured process approach
❌ Takes time to optimize

Website: prialto.com

10. Zirtual

🏆 Best Mid-Range Executive VA

Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada

Overview: Zirtual provides college-educated, US-based virtual assistants for executives and entrepreneurs seeking quality support at mid-range pricing. They’ve served over 10,000 clients since founding.

Client Profile:

Entrepreneurs
Small business executives
Professionals
Growing leaders
Remote executives

Key Services:

Category	Services
Email	Management, organization, drafting
Calendar	Scheduling, coordination
Travel	Booking, itineraries
Research	Information gathering
Personal	Errands, appointments, tasks
Administrative	General support

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price
Entrepreneur	12 hours	$599
Startup	24 hours	$1,099
Small Business	36 hours	$1,599
Team	50 hours	$2,099

Pros:

✅ US-based VAs
✅ College-educated
✅ Affordable mid-range
✅ Dedicated VA
✅ Good for growing executives

Cons:

❌ Less executive experience than premium
❌ Some turnover issues reported
❌ Less strategic orientation
❌ Limited availability

Website: zirtual.com

11. Wing (Executive)

🏆 Best Budget Executive Support

Headquarters: San Francisco, California

Overview: Wing offers affordable dedicated assistants who can provide executive support for budget-conscious leaders willing to invest in training and relationship building.

Key Services:

Calendar management
Email handling
Travel booking
Research
Administrative tasks
Personal errands

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours	Price/Month
Part-Time	4 hrs/day	$649
Full-Time	8 hrs/day	$999
Full-Time Pro	8 hrs/day	$1,399
Executive	8 hrs/day	$1,899

Pros:

✅ Very affordable
✅ Full-time dedication possible
✅ User-friendly platform
✅ No contracts
✅ Quick matching

Cons:

❌ Less executive experience
❌ Requires significant training
❌ Philippines-based
❌ Less sophisticated support
❌ Quality varies

Website: wingassistant.com

12. Double

🏆 Best for AI-Enhanced Executive Support

Headquarters: New York, New York

Overview: Double combines human executive assistants with AI-powered tools to deliver more efficient and capable support. Their EAs are equipped with proprietary AI that helps them work faster and smarter.

AI-Enhanced Capabilities:

Feature	How AI Helps
Email	AI drafts, EA reviews and personalizes
Scheduling	AI suggests optimal times, EA coordinates
Research	AI gathers, EA synthesizes
Travel	AI searches, EA books and customizes
Tasks	AI automates routine, EA handles complex

Pricing (2026 Updated):

Plan	Hours/Month	Price
Starter	20 hours	$1,000
Professional	40 hours	$1,800
Executive	80 hours	$3,200

Pros:

✅ AI-enhanced efficiency
✅ Modern approach
✅ Faster task completion
✅ Competitive pricing
✅ Tech-forward

Cons:

❌ Newer company
❌ AI still needs human oversight
❌ Less proven track record
❌ May feel less personal

Website: double.bot

Comparison: Best Virtual Executive Assistant Services 2026

Service	Best For	Starting Price	Location	Experience	Rating
Athena	Founders/CEOs	$3,000/mo	Philippines	Top 1%	4.9/5
Boldly	Fortune 500 Level	$1,960/mo	US/Europe	10-15 years	4.9/5
Belay	US-Based	$1,780/mo	US Only	Vetted	4.8/5
Delegated	High-Touch	$1,400/mo	US	Chief of Staff	4.7/5
Time Etc	Value	$380/mo	US	12+ years	4.7/5
Base	Direct Hire	$10K+ placement	US	Varies	4.6/5
Pocketbook	Celebrity/UHNW	Premium	US	Luxury	4.5/5
Priority VA	Emerging	$700/mo	Philippines	Growing	4.4/5
Prialto	Sales/BD	$1,600/mo	Global	BD Focus	4.5/5
Zirtual	Mid-Range	$599/mo	US	College Educated	4.3/5
Wing	Budget	$649/mo	Philippines	Variable	4.2/5
Double	AI-Enhanced	$1,000/mo	Mixed	Tech-Forward	4.4/5

Which Executive Assistant Service Should You Choose?

By Executive Type:

You Are…	Best Choice	Why
Startup Founder	Athena	Built for founders, delegation coaching
Fortune 500 Executive	Boldly	C-suite experience, W-2 quality
Want US-Based	Belay or Delegated	100% American professionals
Emerging Executive	Priority VA or Time Etc	Quality at accessible pricing
Sales Leader	Prialto	BD and CRM expertise
Celebrity/UHNW	Pocketbook	Discretion and luxury experience
Budget-Conscious	Wing or Zirtual	Affordable options
Tech-Forward	Double	AI-enhanced capability
Want to Hire Direct	Base	Own employee relationship

By Primary Need:

Your Biggest Need	Recommended Service
Calendar mastery	Athena, Boldly, Delegated
Email management	Athena, Boldly, Belay
Travel coordination	Boldly, Belay, Pocketbook
Strategic partnership	Athena, Delegated
CRM/Pipeline support	Prialto
US-based requirement	Belay, Boldly, Time Etc
Budget-friendly	Wing, Priority VA, Zirtual
Chief of Staff level	Athena, Delegated
Long-term employee	Base

By Budget:

Monthly Budget	Recommended Service
Under $1,000	Wing, Priority VA Starter
$1,000-$2,000	Time Etc, Zirtual, Delegated Starter
$2,000-$3,500	Boldly, Belay, Prialto, Delegated
$3,500-$5,000	Athena, Boldly Full-Time
$5,000+	Athena Chief of Staff, Pocketbook, Base

By Company Stage:

Company Stage	Recommended Approach
Pre-Seed/Seed	Priority VA, Wing
Series A	Athena Essentials, Time Etc
Series B+	Athena Executive, Boldly
Established Company	Boldly, Belay
Fortune 500	Boldly, Direct Hire via Base
UHNW/Family Office	Pocketbook, Boldly

Onboarding Your Executive Assistant

Phase 1: Preparation (Week Before Start)

Access & Systems:

✅ Email access (or delegation)
✅ Calendar access
✅ Key tool access (Slack, etc.)
✅ Password manager setup
✅ Communication channel established
✅ Booking tool accounts
✅ Expense system access

Documentation:

✅ Travel preferences document
✅ Key contacts list
✅ Common vendors/services
✅ Meeting types and preferences
✅ Communication style guide
✅ Current priorities overview

Phase 2: First Week

Day 1-2: Foundation

Kickoff call (60-90 minutes)
Share calendar and email context
Review immediate priorities
Establish communication rhythm
Set expectations both ways

Day 3-5: Immersion

EA shadows your calendar
Reviews email patterns
Studies your communication style
Begins drafting responses for review
Asks clarifying questions

Phase 3: First Month

Weeks 2-4: Taking Ownership

Increasingly manages calendar
Drafts emails with decreasing oversight
Handles first travel booking
Begins meeting preparation
Provides feedback loop

Milestones:

Calendar managed independently
Email triage working
First trip booked smoothly
First meeting prep completed
Communication rhythm established

Phase 4: Optimization (Months 2-3)

Expanding Scope:

Full calendar ownership
Email drafting autonomy
Proactive meeting prep
Travel preferences mastered
Personal tasks integration
Project coordination begins

Continuous Improvement:

Weekly 1:1 meetings
Feedback in both directions
Process refinement
Scope expansion discussion
Trust building

Getting the Most from Your Executive Assistant

Delegation Framework:

Level 1: Task Delegation “Please book my flight to New York on Tuesday.”

Level 2: Project Delegation “Please coordinate my NYC trip—flights, hotel, ground transport, dinner reservations.”

Level 3: Outcome Delegation “I need to be in NYC for investor meetings. Make it happen optimally.”

Level 4: Strategic Delegation “Own my travel. Optimize for my preferences and productivity.”

What to Delegate First:

Priority	Tasks
Immediate	Calendar scheduling, travel booking
Week 1	Email triage, meeting coordination
Week 2-4	Email drafting, meeting prep, research
Month 2	Project coordination, personal tasks
Month 3+	Strategic support, anticipatory work

Enabling Your EA to Excel:

✅ Share context, not just tasks ✅ Give access to information ✅ Trust and verify, don’t micromanage ✅ Provide feedback consistently ✅ Explain the “why” behind preferences ✅ Include them in relevant communications ✅ Treat them as a strategic partner ✅ Invest in the relationship

Measuring Executive Assistant ROI

Time Recaptured:

Activity	Hours/Week Saved	Value (@$500/hr)
Calendar management	4 hours	$2,000
Email handling	6 hours	$3,000
Travel coordination	2 hours	$1,000
Meeting prep	3 hours	$1,500
Administrative	3 hours	$1,500
Total	18 hours	$9,000/week

Monthly value: $36,000 EA cost: $3,000-$6,000/month ROI: 500-1,100%

Qualitative Benefits:

Benefit	Impact
Strategic Focus	More time on high-value activities
Decision Quality	Better prepared, more informed
Relationship Capacity	More bandwidth for key people
Work-Life Balance	Personal life managed smoothly
Stress Reduction	Less overwhelm and cognitive load
Professionalism	Flawless coordination and communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is a virtual EA different from an in-office EA?

A: Virtual EAs work remotely but provide the same services. Modern tools make communication seamless. Advantages include: access to broader talent, cost efficiency, and flexibility. Trade-offs include: less physical presence and different collaboration style.

Q: How much should I pay for a quality executive assistant?

A: Quality virtual EA services range from $1,500-$6,000/month depending on experience level and hours. Premium services (Athena, Boldly) are $3,000-$6,000+. Mid-range options (Belay, Time Etc) are $1,500-$3,000.

Q: Should my EA be US-based or offshore?

A: It depends on your needs:

US-based: Same time zone, cultural alignment, native English
Offshore: Cost savings, often excellent quality with right service
Consider: How much real-time collaboration you need

Q: How long until an EA is fully effective?

A: Expect 30-60 days for an EA to become highly effective, and 90 days for full optimization. The quality of your onboarding directly impacts this timeline.

Q: What if my EA leaves?

A: Quality services have backup systems and transition processes. Ask about continuity planning before committing. This is an advantage of services over direct hire.

Q: Can a virtual EA handle confidential information?

A: Yes, with proper safeguards. Quality services include NDAs, background checks, and security protocols. Establish clear confidentiality expectations during onboarding.

Q: How do I communicate with my virtual EA?

A: Most executive-EA relationships use:

Slack/Teams for quick communication
Email for detailed requests
Weekly video calls for alignment
Shared task management tools
Shared calendar access

Conclusion

A world-class executive assistant is one of the highest-ROI investments any leader can make. The hours recaptured, the stress reduced, and the strategic capacity gained compound into transformative career and life impact.

Virtual executive assistant services have matured to deliver this leverage without the overhead, geographic constraints, and complexity of traditional in-house hiring.

Our 2026 Top Picks:

🥇 Best for Founders: Athena – Purpose-built for high-growth executives

🥈 Best Premium Quality: Boldly – Fortune 500-level W-2 professionals

🥉 Best US-Based: Belay Solutions – 100% American excellence

⭐ Best Value: Time Etc – Experience at accessible pricing

⭐ Best High-Touch: Delegated – Chief of Staff orientation

⭐ Best for Sales Leaders: Prialto – BD and pipeline expertise

The Bottom Line:

Your time is your most precious resource. Every hour spent on administrative coordination is an hour not spent on vision, strategy, relationships, and the decisions that define your impact.

A great executive assistant doesn’t just give you time—they give you leverage. Choose a service that matches your needs, invest in proper onboarding, and experience the transformation that world-class support enables.

Ready to Elevate Your Effectiveness?

Select an executive assistant service, schedule a consultation, and start the journey toward operating at your highest level. The investment will pay for itself many times over.

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