In today’s fast-paced business environment, hiring the right virtual assistant (VA), executive assistant, or remote receptionist can significantly improve your productivity and streamline operations. Whether you need help with administrative tasks, managing schedules, customer support, or handling calls, these professionals are invaluable for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and large enterprises alike.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best platforms to find and hire a virtual assistant, executive assistant, or remote receptionist in 2025.

The Best Platforms to Hire a Virtual Assistant, Executive Assistant, or Remote Receptionist

1. Upwork

Best for: Hiring a wide range of VAs, executive assistants, and remote receptionists

What It Offers:
Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms that connects businesses with skilled professionals in a variety of fields, including virtual assistants, executive assistants, and remote receptionists. It offers the ability to search for freelancers based on their skills, experience, and hourly rates. You can view portfolios, past work, and client reviews to help make an informed decision.

Why It’s Great:

Large pool of talent: With freelancers from all over the world, Upwork offers flexibility in finding VAs for any task, from administrative work to customer service.
Easy to use: The platform offers built-in communication tools and time-tracking features for remote assistants.
Payment protection: Upwork offers secure payment options through its escrow system to ensure that you only pay for work completed.

Pricing: Rates vary by freelancer’s experience and location but typically range from $15 to $75 per hour.

2. Time Etc.

Best for: Hiring part-time VAs for small businesses or entrepreneurs

What It Offers:
Time Etc. specializes in offering professional virtual assistants for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The platform matches businesses with highly experienced assistants who can handle tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media management, and more. Time Etc. focuses on providing personalized service, making it easy to find the right assistant for your needs.

Why It’s Great:

Vetted assistants: All VAs are carefully selected, and you can be assured of their quality and professionalism.
Specialized in long-term relationships: Time Etc. fosters long-term relationships between clients and assistants, which allows for continuity in service.
No minimum commitment: You can choose flexible plans without being locked into a contract.

Pricing: Starts at around $20 per hour, with pricing based on the level of service and the number of hours you need.

3. Belay Solutions

Best for: Hiring executive assistants and high-level support

What It Offers:
Belay Solutions provides highly skilled virtual assistants and executive assistants for businesses looking for top-tier support. Belay specializes in pairing businesses with assistants who have expertise in executive support, bookkeeping, content creation, and more. The platform focuses on offering high-quality assistants who can handle complex tasks like project management, client relations, and even HR assistance.

Why It’s Great:

Vetted experts: Belay’s assistants are highly experienced and go through a rigorous vetting process.
Tailored matches: You are paired with a VA or executive assistant based on your specific business needs and goals.
Specialization in high-level support: Belay is perfect for businesses that need top-notch, executive-level assistance.

Pricing: Typically higher-end, starting around $40 per hour, with packages based on your assistant’s level of expertise.

4. Fancy Hands

Best for: Quick, on-demand tasks and support

What It Offers:
Fancy Hands offers virtual assistants for short-term, on-demand tasks such as making phone calls, scheduling appointments, conducting research, or managing emails. With this platform, you can submit tasks to assistants who will complete them for you quickly and efficiently. It’s ideal for businesses needing occasional support rather than long-term assistance.

Why It’s Great:

Affordable: Fancy Hands offers budget-friendly pricing, especially for small businesses that need help with small tasks.
Flexibility: You can submit tasks anytime and get quick responses without long commitments.
User-friendly: The platform is simple to use, and you can easily track tasks and get status updates.

Pricing: Starts at around $29 per month for five tasks, with additional packages available for more tasks.

5. Zirtual

Best for: Hiring full-time, dedicated executive assistants

What It Offers:
Zirtual offers full-time, dedicated virtual assistants with a focus on executive-level tasks. From managing emails and calendars to handling travel bookings and client relations, Zirtual assistants are specifically trained to provide high-level support for busy professionals and entrepreneurs. It’s ideal for individuals or small businesses looking for consistent, long-term assistance.

Why It’s Great:

Dedicated assistants: You get a single VA who is dedicated to your business, ensuring consistency and familiarity with your needs.
Comprehensive services: Zirtual assistants handle a wide range of tasks, from administration to project management and personal tasks.
High-quality service: Zirtual’s assistants are well-trained and skilled in high-level executive support.

Pricing: Starts at $400 per month for 10 hours of support, with higher-tier plans offering more hours.

6. Virtual Staff Finder

Best for: Businesses looking for long-term, dedicated staff at an affordable price

What It Offers:
Virtual Staff Finder is based in the Philippines and connects businesses with dedicated virtual assistants who can handle various tasks, including customer support, administrative work, social media management, and more. The platform focuses on providing long-term assistants for businesses looking to build ongoing relationships.

Why It’s Great:

Affordable pricing: Virtual assistants from the Philippines are typically more affordable than those in other regions.
Expert recruitment process: Virtual Staff Finder carefully screens assistants to ensure that you get the right match for your business needs.
Long-term partnerships: This platform is ideal for businesses looking to build long-term relationships with their VAs.

Pricing: Typically around $8 to $12 per hour, depending on the assistant’s experience and skills.

7. PeoplePerHour

Best for: Short-term projects or specialized tasks

What It Offers:
PeoplePerHour is another freelance platform that allows businesses to find VAs, executive assistants, and remote receptionists for short-term projects. This platform connects businesses with freelancers from around the world and offers a wide variety of skills, from administrative support to marketing and customer service.

Why It’s Great:

Large talent pool: Access to freelancers from different industries with various skill sets.
Hourly or fixed pricing: You can choose to pay by the hour or for the entire project.
Project-based focus: Perfect for businesses needing assistance with specific projects or tasks.

Pricing: Varies depending on the freelancer’s expertise, with hourly rates typically ranging from $15 to $75 per hour.

8. Hubstaff Talent

Best for: Hiring remote assistants on a project basis

What It Offers:
Hubstaff Talent is a free platform that allows businesses to find virtual assistants, project managers, and other remote workers for various tasks. With a large pool of talent available, Hubstaff Talent lets you browse profiles, view portfolios, and check reviews to find the right assistant for your business.

Why It’s Great:

Free to use: Hubstaff Talent does not charge a fee for posting jobs or hiring freelancers.
Global talent pool: Find assistants from around the world, with options for specialized skills and project management experience.
Easy to navigate: The platform is simple to use and easy to search for assistants based on your needs.

Pricing: Free to use; you only pay the assistant’s hourly rate or project-based fee.

9. TaskRabbit

Best for: On-demand administrative help and personal tasks

What It Offers:
TaskRabbit connects businesses with local or remote assistants who can help with a variety of tasks, from administrative work to personal errands. While TaskRabbit is commonly used for physical tasks (like moving or assembly), the platform also offers virtual assistants who can help with online support tasks.

Why It’s Great:

On-demand support: Hire assistants for short-term, one-off tasks without a long-term commitment.
Variety of tasks: TaskRabbit assistants can help with both business and personal tasks.
Local and remote assistants: Choose between local or remote assistants based on your needs.

Pricing: Varies by task and location; typically ranges from $15 to $50 per hour.

10. Remote.co

Best for: Hiring remote employees or assistants for ongoing, remote work

What It Offers:
Remote.co is a platform dedicated to helping companies find remote talent for a wide variety of roles, including virtual assistants, executive assistants, customer service reps, and more. It connects businesses with high-quality remote employees who can work full-time or part-time, depending on the needs.

Why It’s Great:

Remote-focused: The platform specializes in connecting businesses with remote workers, making it ideal for hiring virtual assistants.
Quality candidates: Remote.co screens candidates to ensure you get reliable, professional assistants.
Ongoing support: Perfect for businesses that need long-term assistance and flexibility.

Pricing: Varies based on the assistant’s role, skill set, and experience, typically ranging from $15 to $60 per hour.

Conclusion

Hiring the right virtual assistant, executive assistant, or remote receptionist can greatly enhance your productivity and business efficiency. Whether you’re looking for specialized support, executive-level assistance, or just someone to help with day-to-day tasks, the platforms mentioned in this guide offer a variety of options to suit your needs. From flexible hourly rates on freelance platforms like Upwork to dedicated full-time support through services like Zirtual or Belay, there’s a solution for every business in 2025. Choose the platform that aligns best with your requirements, and get the support you need to succeed.

How-To Questions:

How to determine the right type of assistant for my business?
Start by identifying your needs: if you need administrative support, a virtual assistant (VA) will suffice. For high-level tasks like managing executives or handling complex operations, an executive assistant is more suitable. If you require call handling and appointment scheduling, a remote receptionist might be the best choice.
How to evaluate the skills of an online assistant during the hiring process?
Look for relevant experience in the areas you need help with. Ask for references, review their portfolio or work samples, and test their skills through a short trial task. Ensure they are comfortable with the tools your business uses.
How to set clear expectations with my new assistant?
Define specific tasks, deadlines, and performance metrics. Communicate the tools, software, and communication channels you will use, and be clear about your expectations regarding responsiveness and initiative.
How to handle time zone differences when hiring a remote assistant?
Ensure that you and your assistant agree on overlapping working hours and use tools like World Time Buddy to keep track of time zone differences. Set clear expectations about work hours and availability.
How to manage remote assistants effectively?
Use tools like Trello or Asana to assign tasks, track progress, and set deadlines. Schedule regular check-ins via Zoom or Google Meet to discuss ongoing projects and any concerns.
How to onboard a virtual assistant for your business?
Provide a comprehensive orientation, including an overview of your company, workflows, tools, and communication methods. Set up their accounts for software like email, CRM, and project management tools, and give them a clear task list.
How to determine the hourly rate of a virtual assistant?
Research industry standards based on your assistant’s location, experience, and expertise. Rates generally range from $15 to $75 per hour, with more experienced assistants or specialized skills commanding higher rates.
How to measure the performance of a virtual assistant?
Set clear KPIs such as task completion time, quality of work, client satisfaction, and adherence to deadlines. Regularly check their work and give constructive feedback. Tools like Time Doctor can also help monitor productivity.
How to establish communication protocols with a remote assistant?
Agree on the tools and frequency of communication. Use Slack for quick messages, Zoom for meetings, and email for formal communication. Set expectations about response times and availability.
How to delegate tasks to a virtual assistant effectively?
Break tasks down into clear, manageable steps, provide necessary resources, and set realistic deadlines. Use project management tools like Asana or Monday.com to track progress and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

FAQ Questions:

What is the difference between a virtual assistant and an executive assistant?
A virtual assistant typically handles administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media. An executive assistant, on the other hand, is more specialized and provides high-level support, including managing executive calendars, projects, and strategic tasks.
How do I know if I need an executive assistant or a virtual assistant?
If you require more complex or executive-level support, such as managing high-level communications, projects, or personnel, an executive assistant is appropriate. For general administrative tasks like scheduling or data entry, a virtual assistant is a better fit.
How much does it cost to hire a remote receptionist?
Remote receptionists generally charge anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks they will be handling (e.g., call handling, appointment scheduling, etc.).
What tools should a virtual assistant be proficient in?
Virtual assistants should be familiar with productivity and communication tools like Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello, Asana, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems like HubSpot.
How do I protect my business’s confidential information when working with a virtual assistant?
Have the assistant sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure confidentiality. Use secure platforms for communication and file sharing, such as encrypted Google Drive or Dropbox, and ensure your assistant follows best security practices.
How can I ensure a remote assistant stays productive?
Set clear goals and deadlines, regularly monitor progress using task management tools, and give feedback. Use time-tracking tools like Hubstaff or Time Doctor to monitor productivity, and establish a culture of trust and accountability.
How do I find the best online assistant for a specific task?
Use platforms like Upwork, Time Etc., or Belay to search for assistants who specialize in the area you need help with, whether it’s administrative tasks, social media management, or customer service. Review their profiles, ratings, and previous work.
How can I assess whether a virtual assistant is the right fit for my business?
Conduct a trial period to evaluate their work quality, communication skills, and responsiveness. Make sure they’re adaptable, proactive, and able to handle the tasks you need. If possible, request a sample task to gauge their abilities.
How do I communicate my needs clearly to my online assistant?
Use detailed written instructions and project management tools to outline tasks. Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks with clear deadlines. Regularly check in to ensure they understand your expectations and provide feedback.
What should I do if my virtual assistant is not performing well?
First, provide constructive feedback and discuss any challenges they may be facing. Clarify your expectations and see if they need additional training or resources. If performance does not improve, consider transitioning to a different assistant or platform.

These 20 How-to and FAQ questions will guide you through the process of hiring, managing, and working with a virtual assistant, executive assistant, or remote receptionist to help your business run more smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re outsourcing administrative tasks or need high-level executive support, these insights will assist you in finding the right fit for your business needs.