What Time Etc Is
Time Etc is a virtual assistant service founded in 2007, initially in the UK and expanded to the U.S. market. The company offers subscription-based access to experienced VAs — primarily sourced from English-speaking markets including the U.S., UK, and similar — for ongoing business and personal support.
See also: what is a virtual assistant, virtual assistant pricing, 50 tasks to delegate.
Time Etc positions itself as a premium service: thoroughly vetted assistants, consistent quality, and a managed service experience. This comes at pricing that reflects the premium positioning.
Time Etc Pricing (2026)
Time Etc operates on a prepaid hour bundle model:
| Plan | Hours | Monthly Cost | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial | 10 hours | ~$360 | ~$36/hour |
| Starter | 20 hours | ~$540 | ~$27/hour |
| Regular | 40 hours | ~$820 | ~$20.50/hour |
| Professional | 60 hours | ~$1,080 | ~$18/hour |
| Executive | 80 hours | ~$1,280 | ~$16/hour |
Note: Pricing is subject to change. Verify current rates on Time Etc's website before committing.
Hours roll over up to three months if unused. There's no long-term commitment — you can cancel and receive a pro-rated refund.
How Time Etc's Vetting Process Works
Time Etc claims to accept fewer than 2% of VA applicants. Their screening process includes:
- Application review — Minimum experience and skill requirements
- Background check — Criminal and identity verification
- Skills assessments — Testing competency in core VA tasks
- Interview process — Multiple interview stages
- Trial period — Performance monitoring before full client assignment
This vetting creates a meaningfully higher baseline quality than open marketplaces like Upwork, where quality depends entirely on your own screening.
What Time Etc VAs Do Well
Time Etc's VAs are strongest for:
- Executive and personal assistant tasks — Calendar management, email management, travel booking, research
- Administrative operations — Document preparation, data entry, coordination tasks
- Research and reporting — Internet research, summarization, competitive analysis
- Content support — Proofreading, editing, basic writing tasks
Time Etc is less well-suited for highly technical or specialized tasks like advanced digital marketing, software development, or complex financial work.
How the Service Works in Practice
Getting Matched
After signing up, Time Etc matches you with a VA based on your described needs. You can request a different VA if the initial match isn't right.
Daily Operations
Your VA communicates via the Time Etc platform, email, or whichever tools you prefer. There's no dedicated app — the interaction model is flexible and matches your workflow.
Unused Hours and Rollovers
Hours carry over for up to three months — useful if your workload is variable. However, the system works best when you consistently use your allocated hours, ensuring your VA stays familiar with your work and preferences.
Time Etc vs. Direct Hire Comparison
| Factor | Time Etc | Direct Hire (OnlineJobs.ph) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $16–$36/hour | $4–$12/hour (equivalent) |
| Vetting | Thorough, agency-managed | Entirely your responsibility |
| Replacement | Agency handles if VA leaves | You re-hire independently |
| Commitment | Month-to-month | Employment relationship |
| Management overhead | Low | Medium-high |
| VA location | Primarily U.S./UK | Philippines |
The Time Etc premium is roughly 3–5x the cost of a direct-hire Filipino VA. For that premium, you get vetting, replacement coverage, and reduced management burden — valuable if your time is expensive or you've had bad experiences hiring directly.
Who Time Etc Is Best For
Time Etc is a strong fit for:
- Executives and business owners who want a high-quality assistant without investing in the hiring process
- First-time VA hirers who aren't confident in their ability to screen and hire independently
- Businesses needing U.S.-based assistance where English communication quality and timezone overlap are priorities
- Variable-workload businesses who benefit from the hour rollover model
Time Etc is less ideal for:
- Cost-sensitive businesses where the premium over direct hire isn't justified
- Businesses needing highly specialized skills beyond standard VA capabilities
- Businesses that want to build a long-term, dedicated relationship with a single VA
Common User Feedback
Consistent positives in Time Etc reviews:
- High communication quality
- Reliable professionalism
- Smooth onboarding experience
- Good account management support
Common negatives:
- Pricing is significantly higher than other options
- Less suited to specialized or technical tasks
- Some users find hour expiration limiting even with rollover
Ready to Hire?
Time Etc delivers quality with minimal hiring friction. For businesses that need a full-service VA solution with a larger talent pool and flexible specializations, Virtual Assistant VA offers pre-vetted dedicated VAs across a broader range of skills and pricing options.