What Zirtual Is
Zirtual is a U.S.-based virtual assistant service that provides dedicated assistants — exclusively based in the United States — on monthly subscription plans. The service is designed for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want a high-quality, English-native assistant without the friction of direct hiring.
See also: what is a virtual assistant, virtual assistant pricing, 50 tasks to delegate.
Zirtual was acquired by Startups.com after financial difficulties in 2015 and has since operated as part of that ecosystem, maintaining its focus on dedicated, U.S.-based VA support.
Zirtual Pricing (2026)
Zirtual uses a tiered monthly hour plan model:
| Plan | Hours/Month | Monthly Cost | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | 12 hours | ~$549 | ~$46/hour |
| Startup | 24 hours | ~$849 | ~$35/hour |
| Small Business | 36 hours | ~$1,149 | ~$32/hour |
| Team | 50 hours | ~$1,499 | ~$30/hour |
Note: Verify current pricing on Zirtual's website — pricing has historically changed.
All plans include one dedicated VA and unused hours do not roll over.
What "U.S.-Based" Means in Practice
Zirtual's emphasis on U.S.-based assistants reflects several real benefits:
Communication quality: Native English speakers with cultural alignment to U.S. business norms Availability: U.S. business hour coverage without time zone coordination challenges Phone capability: Can make and receive U.S. phone calls naturally Compliance familiarity: Understanding of U.S. business practices, regulations, and norms
The trade-off is cost — U.S.-based VAs command significantly higher rates than offshore alternatives.
Zirtual VAs: Skills and Specializations
Zirtual VAs are screened for college education and professional experience. Common supported tasks:
Administrative Support
- Email and calendar management
- Travel booking and coordination
- Meeting preparation and follow-up
- Data entry and document management
Research and Analysis
- Competitive research
- Industry analysis
- Vendor research and comparison
- Event research and planning
Communication and Coordination
- Client and vendor communication
- Project coordination support
- Internal communication management
Limited Specialized Support
- Basic social media management
- Content editing and proofreading
- Basic bookkeeping coordination
Zirtual VAs are strong generalists; highly specialized technical tasks (advanced digital marketing, coding, complex financial analysis) are outside their typical scope.
How Zirtual Works in Practice
Onboarding
After signing up, Zirtual matches you with a VA based on your needs. Onboarding includes an introduction call to discuss your priorities, communication preferences, and initial tasks.
Ongoing Relationship
Your VA is dedicated to your account. You build an ongoing relationship where your VA accumulates context about your business, preferences, and working style over time. This is fundamentally different from pool-based services like Fancy Hands.
Communication
Typically via email, with Slack or other tools possible depending on your preferences. Response time expectations are set during onboarding.
What Happens if Your VA Leaves
Zirtual handles replacement. You won't be left scrambling when your VA moves on — the agency manages continuity as part of the service.
Zirtual vs. Alternatives
| Factor | Zirtual | Time Etc | OnlineJobs.ph Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA location | U.S.-based | U.S./UK-based | Philippines |
| Dedicated VA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Effective rate | $30–$46/hour | $16–$36/hour | $4–$12/hour |
| Vetting | Agency-managed | Agency-managed | Self-managed |
| Replacement | Agency-managed | Agency-managed | Self-managed |
Zirtual sits at the premium end of the market. The value proposition is: U.S.-based quality, dedicated relationship, no hiring friction.
Who Zirtual Is Best For
Strong fit:
- Senior executives who need a true EA-level assistant with U.S. presence
- Businesses where U.S. timezone and native English are non-negotiable
- Professionals who've had poor experiences with offshore VA hiring
- Those who value the no-management-overhead agency model
Weak fit:
- Cost-sensitive businesses where offshore VA quality is acceptable
- Businesses needing highly specialized skills (advanced marketing, development)
- High-volume workloads where the hourly rate makes costs prohibitive
The Cost Math
For a business owner needing 40 hours/month of VA support:
- Zirtual Small Business plan: ~$1,149/month
- Time Etc Professional plan: ~$1,080/month
- Dedicated Filipino VA (direct hire): ~$700–$900/month
Zirtual's premium reflects U.S.-based support. For many executives, the premium is worth it. For cost-sensitive applications, offshore alternatives with comparable quality exist at significantly lower rates.
Ready to Hire?
Zirtual is a premium choice for executives who want U.S.-based dedicated support. If you need flexibility across pricing tiers and skill specializations, Virtual Assistant VA offers a full range of dedicated VA options — from general admin support to specialized roles — with pre-vetting and ongoing management support.