Best Virtual Assistant And Outsourcing Companies In 2026

This list covers the providers owners ask about most when hiring virtual assistants. For side-by-side profiles, see our company directory.

How We Chose

We looked at what each company actually delivers: how candidates are vetted, which roles and regions are covered, what support exists after hiring, and how transparent the pricing is. Company details change, so verify current information directly before deciding.

The List

1. Globaltize

Globaltize is a managed international recruiting firm for remote teams. It sources, vets, and introduces candidates across Latin America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and the U.S. and Canada, and lets you choose who joins. Explore its recruitment services, pricing, regions guide, roles, and testimonials.

2. Bruntwork

A staffing firm focused on building remote teams in the Philippines, popular with businesses that want a dedicated offshore team member.

3. Wing Assistant

Managed virtual assistants for teams that want work delivered without direct day-to-day management.

4. Athena

Executive assistant support for leaders, with a focus on training and process.

5. Belay

A U.S.-based provider known for administrative and bookkeeping support.

6. Time Etc

An assistant service with flexible, hourly administrative help.

7. Upwork

A large freelance marketplace where you find and manage individuals yourself. See Upwork vs. virtual assistant agency.

8. Fiverr Business

A marketplace for project-based tasks and creative work.

9. Toptal

A network for vetted freelance specialists in software, design, and finance, typically at higher rates.

10. Remote-First Job Boards

Sites like We Work Remotely and Remote OK let you post roles and screen applicants yourself.

Quick Comparison

Questions To Ask Any Company

1. How do you vet English, skills, and work history?

2. What happens if the person is not a fit?

3. How is pricing structured, and what is included? See agency pricing models.

4. Who handles payroll, taxes, and contracts? See Globaltize’s EOR page.

5. Can I talk to references or read testimonials?

A Real-World Example

A logistics company needed both a support team and a few specialists. They used a recruiting partner for the long-term support roles, a freelance marketplace for a one-time website project, and a job board for a senior developer. Each channel fit a different need.

Picking the right type of company for each job mattered more than picking the “best” company overall.

The support team, hired through vetting rather than bidding, had the lowest turnover of the three.

A Quick Checklist Before You Start

Before you choose a company, check:

• Whether they vet people or just list them

• Who handles payroll and compliance

• What happens if the person leaves early

• Whether you manage the person or they do

• The total monthly cost, not the rate

Compare Upwork vs a virtual assistant agency or read the BPO definition.

Questions Owners Ask

Is the biggest company the best choice?

Not always. The best fit depends on the role, the region, and how much management you want to do.

What is the difference between outsourcing and recruiting?

Outsourcing companies run the work for you. Recruiting partners find the person and you run the work.

Learn More

• Best virtual assistant companies for small business

• Best international recruiting agencies

• Virtual assistant vs. freelancer vs. agency

• How Globaltize compares to alternatives

Next Steps

Tell us who you need and we will explain how a managed search works. For independent reviews, sites such as Trustpilot can add another perspective.