With so many virtual assistant services on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Three names consistently come up in 2026: AskSunday, Belay, and Time Etc. Each has its strengths — but they serve different types of clients.
In this honest, no-fluff comparison, we break down pricing, features, assistant quality, and who each service is best suited for — so you can make the right call for your business.
Quick Verdict
- AskSunday: Best for businesses wanting a dedicated VA at an affordable price with expert backup.
- Belay: Best for executives who need high-end, US-based bookkeeping + VA support.
- Time Etc: Best for entrepreneurs who want flexible, pay-as-you-go hours without a commitment.
Overview: The Three Services at a Glance
Pricing Breakdown
AskSunday
AskSunday offers flexible dedicated plans starting at highly competitive monthly rates. A free trial is available with no credit card required, and there are no long-term contracts. Use code TRYFREE25 for $25 off your first plan.
Belay
Belay positions itself as a premium US-only service. Plans typically start around $1,400–$2,000/month, making it one of the most expensive options. However, it does include highly vetted, experienced assistants — often former C-suite admins.
Time Etc
Time Etc uses a flexible hour-based model. Plans start around $360/month for 10 hours, scaling up from there. It's a good fit if your workload is unpredictable and you don't need full-time support.
Quality of Assistants
AskSunday
AskSunday assigns a dedicated assistant who is supported by a team of subject matter experts. This means your VA can handle a wider range of tasks without needing you to hire specialists separately. All VAs are vetted and trained.
Belay
Belay is known for its rigorous vetting — reportedly accepting less than 2% of VA applicants. US-based, college-educated, and often highly experienced. Ideal if you want top-tier talent and don't mind the price.
Time Etc
Time Etc claims all assistants have at least 5 years of experience and have worked at companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon. Quality is generally strong, but as a fractional model, continuity can sometimes be inconsistent.
Task Coverage Comparison
Who Should Choose Each Service?
AskSunday
- You want a dedicated VA backed by a full expert team
- Budget matters and you want strong value for money
- You need a wide range of tasks covered — admin, content, SEO, calls
- You want to start with a free trial before committing
Choose Belay if...
- You're a C-suite executive who needs a premium US-based EA
- Bookkeeping and financial support is a core requirement
- Budget is not a primary concern
Choose Time Etc if...
- Your workload is variable and unpredictable
- You only need a few hours of support per week
- You prefer a flexible, no-commitment hour bank
Our Recommendation
For most small businesses, entrepreneurs, and growing teams, AskSunday delivers the best combination of value, breadth, and dedicated support.
Start free at asksunday.com — no credit card required.
Final Verdict
There's no one-size-fits-all answer — but for the majority of business owners looking for a reliable, affordable, full-service VA partner, AskSunday offers the most balanced package in 2026.
Belay wins on premium US talent. Time Etc wins on flexibility. But AskSunday wins on value, task breadth, and the peace of mind that comes with expert team backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AskSunday better than Belay?
It depends on your priorities. Belay excels with premium US-based executive assistants. AskSunday offers more task variety, a free trial, and significantly lower pricing — making it the better choice for most businesses.
Does Time Etc offer a free trial?
As of 2026, Time Etc does not offer a free trial. AskSunday does — use code TRYFREE25 to get started with $25 off.
Can I switch between VA services?
Yes. None of these services require long-term contracts (Belay uses monthly agreements). You can cancel and switch anytime.