Zirtual Vs. Time Etc: Which Virtual Assistant Service Is Right for You?

by | March 26, 2025

Considering a virtual assistant for your business? We break down the key differences between Zirtual and Time Etc, from quality and experience to onboarding speed and flexibility.

Why Choosing the Right Virtual Assistant Service Matters

If you’re a busy executive, entrepreneur, or business owner, bringing on a virtual assistant isn’t just about saving time—it’s about scaling your business strategically. But with so many options in the virtual assistant marketplace, it can be hard to know which service will actually deliver.

Two of the most well-known services are Zirtual and Time Etc. Both offer access to virtual assistants for tasks ranging from inbox management to project support and customer support virtual assistant roles. But when you dig a little deeper, there are clear differences—and those differences matter, especially if you’re serious about quality.

Let’s break down how Zirtual compares to Time Etc., and why the right virtual assistant for executives is about more than just price.

Quality and Experience of Virtual Assistants

Time Etc:

  • Time Etc offers lower rates, but with that comes less certainty around the experience level of their assistants.
  • They do not guarantee that your VA will be US-based or college-educated.
  • While they have a large pool of assistants, experience levels can vary, and many are working part-time or as a side hustle.

Zirtual:

  • At Zirtual, every virtual assistant is college-educated and US-based.
  • Our VAs are carefully vetted and trained to support executives, teams, and business owners with high-level tasks that require critical thinking and professionalism.

We specialize in pairing clients with top-rated virtual assistants who have strong communication skills and the ability to integrate quickly into your workflow.

Onboarding Process and Ease of Getting Started

Time Etc:

  • Onboarding can often take more than a week, and finding the right match may require trial and error.
  • The process can feel less personalized, with less direct guidance on how to delegate effectively.

Zirtual:

  • We make onboarding fast and simple, with personalized matching within 3–4 business days.
  • Every client receives a one-on-one onboarding call to help you identify what to delegate, how to communicate, and how to get the most value from your VA from day one.
  • Our process is built to help you start delegating quickly and with confidence.
Flexibility and Commitment

Time Etc:

  • Offers affordable plans with flexibility, but with less focus on strategic support for executives and growing teams.

Zirtual:

  • Our flexible plans scale as your business grows.
  • Whether you need help with customer support virtual assistant services, marketing, HR coordination, or executive admin tasks, we make it easy to adjust your plan as your needs evolve.
  • No long-term contracts or unnecessary complexities—just clear, straightforward service designed to grow with you.
Range of Tasks and Specialization

Time Etc:

  • Supports general administrative tasks like scheduling and inbox management.
  • May require hiring multiple assistants to cover broader or more specialized needs.

Zirtual:

Our virtual assistants are experienced in supporting executives and businesses with tasks that go beyond basic admin work, including

    • Inbox and calendar management
    • Research and project support
    • HR task assistance (such as recruiting coordination and onboarding)
    • Marketing support (content scheduling, light copywriting, social media help)
    • Customer support virtual assistant services for handling communications and client inquiries

You get strategic, cross-functional support from one trusted resource.

Why Zirtual is the Right Fit for Executives and Growing Businesses

Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just about finding help—it’s about finding the right partner who understands the demands of scaling a business.

If you’re looking for:

  • High-quality, US-based, college-educated virtual assistants
  • Fast onboarding that gets you delegating in days
  • Flexible plans that grow with your business
  • Support across executive tasks, marketing, HR, customer service, and beyond

Zirtual is built for you.

We understand that time is your most valuable asset. Our service is designed to help you reclaim that time—with the confidence that your business is in capable hands.

Ready to Work with a Top-Rated Virtual Assistant?

Choosing the right virtual assistant can transform how you work and grow. If you’re ready to delegate smarter and scale faster, let’s talk.

Let us Match Your Virtual Assistant Today

 

 

Find your virtual assistant with Zirtual