Introduction:
Did you know that business leaders spend up to 16 hours per week on administrative tasks instead of focusing on strategic growth? Businesses are increasingly looking for skilled professionals who can manage tasks efficiently and support key executives.
Among the leading providers, Athena has gained attention for its unique approach to executive assistant services. However, it’s not the only option available.
Many other BPO companies, such as WorkStaff360, provide high-quality executive support at competitive rates, often with greater flexibility and without the long-term commitment requirements of pricier firms.
This blog explores Athena and its top competitors, comparing their features, pricing, and benefits to help businesses make the best hiring decisions.
Overview of Athena Executive Assistant Services
Athena positions itself as a premium executive assistant service, sourcing talent primarily from remote regions in developing countries. Despite charging clients high rates, the company is known for offering its assistants minimal compensation, yet their assistants perform really well.
Athena executive assistants go beyond basic administrative tasks—they become strategic partners in enhancing your productivity. Athena offers trained professionals who handle scheduling, communication, and project coordination to help business leaders focus on high-impact work.
Alt Text: Athena Virtual Assistant
Key Features of Athena
- Personalized Pairing: One-to-one partnerships ensure a personalized approach to business needs.
- Comprehensive Training: Assistants are trained and experienced in calendar management, inbox organization, travel coordination, and more.
- Integrated Support: Assistants become deeply embedded in business operations, optimizing time management and strategic focus.Â
Athena Executive Assistant Pricing & Limitations
Athena executive assistant pricing is on the higher end, with fees reaching up to $3,000 per month per assistant. There’s also a significant buyout fee (up to $20,000) if businesses want to hire their assistant directly. Additionally, Athena operates with a waitlist, which can delay onboarding for companies needing immediate support.
While Athena’s model works well for businesses looking for a deep, strategic partnership, some companies may prefer more flexible or cost-effective alternatives. Here’s a look at the top competitors.
Key Takeaways:
- Athena delivers elite-level executive assistants but comes with high costs, a few VAs specialized in limited industries, and long-term contracts.
- WorkStaff360 provides specialized executive assistants in more than thirty industries from all over the world at a competitive price, offering high-quality support without requiring long-term commitments.
- MyOutDesk and Belay Solutions specialize in industry-focused and US-based assistants, though their pricing and commitment structures may not fit all businesses.
- Bruntwork and Zirtual offer cost-effective solutions but may have limitations in quality control and assistant availability.
- Near and Oceans provide well-matched assistants but may lack affordability and flexibility compared to other options.
Top Competitors to Athena Executive Assistant Services
- WorkStaff360- The Best Executive Assistant Alternative to Athena
Finding a skilled and reliable executive assistant can be a challenge, but with WorkStaff360, you gain access to top-tier talent that keeps your business running smoothly. Their executive assistants are handpicked to provide seamless administrative support, manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle high-level tasks with efficiency and discretion.
Moreover, WorkStaff360 is 80% more affordable than Athena and offers assistants with industry-specific experience in more than thirty industries. WorkStaff360 empowers global talent with fair opportunities and offers the best value packages to their virtual assistants while helping businesses scale efficiently and stay competitive in an evolving global market.
Although Athena’s executive assistants primarily come from remote regions in developing countries, the company charges clients premium rates and takes 75% while compensating its assistants with a minimal pay of 25%. Many of their previous clients reported this issue and seem unhappy with their pricing policies.
This pricing strategy raises concerns about fair wages, as the high client fees are not reflected in the earnings of the virtual assistants who handle critical executive tasks.
In contrast, WorkStaff360 ensures competitive compensation for its assistants while maintaining cost-effective solutions for clients and fostering a win-win partnership.
Apart from competitive salaries, Workstaff360 provides healthcare benefits to their virtual assistants, and they don’t just provide you a VA and ghost. They offer a dedicated success manager who keeps tracking and monitoring them to make sure you get what you pay for.
Pros:
✔ Top-tier talent pool: Hire professionals from prestigious universities and global corporations
✔ No recurring fees: Businesses pay a one-time placement fee instead of monthly charges
✔ Flexible hiring process: Customizable recruitment solutions tailored to business needs
✔ Fully-Managed Services: WorkStaff360 provides you a dedicated success manager who monitors your VA’s progress every day.
✔ Talent guarantee with same-day replacement policy: Same-day replacement if an assistant doesn’t meet expectations
Cons:
✖ Their minimum work hours requirement is 20 hours/week
Pricing: Workstaff360 operates on a one-time placement $100 fee and offers a budget-friendly alternative to Athena.
Note: This is Best for businesses looking for a cost-effective, high-quality executive assistant placement service.
- Near – End-to-End Recruitment Service
Near provides a complete recruitment solution, specializing in sourcing, onboarding, and managing top-tier remote executive assistants. With a 97% placement success rate, Near ensures that businesses find the right fit efficiently.
Pros:
✔ Fast hiring: Places assistants within 21 days
✔ Streamlined payroll & compliance: Handles international payroll, taxes, and legal complexities
✔ White-glove support: Personalized recruitment and onboarding assistance
Cons:
✖ Monthly pricing structure may be costlier over time
✖ Limited flexibility for businesses that prefer direct hiring
Pricing:
Near follows a monthly fee structure per hire, with payments tied to successful placements.
Note: Best for businesses seeking a fully managed hiring and onboarding process for executive assistants.
- Oceans – Executive Assistant+ (EA+) Service
Oceans specializes in providing executive assistants who not only manage administrative tasks but also contribute to business growth and efficiency. Their EA+ service ensures that assistants are aligned with company goals.
Pros:
✔ Custom matching process: Ensures assistants are a perfect fit for your business needs
✔ Trial flexibility: A three-month trial period for businesses to test the service
✔ Cost-effective solution: Saves up to 70% compared to standard U.S. market rates
Cons:
✖ Limited scalability for larger enterprises needing multiple assistants
✖ Primarily focused on operational support rather than specialized executive functions
Pricing:
Oceans offers a low-cost alternative while maintaining high skill levels, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious businesses.
Note: Best for businesses looking for cost-effective executive assistants with a focus on operational efficiency.
- MyOutDesk
MyOutDesk specializes in providing virtual assistants tailored to specific industries, including real estate, healthcare, and finance. With a structured vetting and training process, their VAs are well-equipped to handle sector-specific tasks, such as lead generation, appointment setting, and administrative support.
Pros:
✔ Industry-focused matching ensures assistants have relevant experience
✔ Strong support system and training for VAs
✔ Scalable solutions for growing businesses
Cons:
✖ Requires a long-term commitment, making it less flexible for short-term needs
✖ Pricing is on the higher side compared to budget-friendly options
Note: Best for real estate and healthcare professionals seeking industry-matched virtual assistants.
- Belay Solutions
Belay Solutions offers premium virtual assistant services with a strong emphasis on executive support, bookkeeping, and social media management. Their assistants are based in the US and go through an extensive hiring process, ensuring a high level of professionalism and expertise.
Pros:
✔ Highly experienced, US-based assistants
✔ Well-suited for executives and business owners needing high-level support
✔ Strong reputation for quality and reliability
Cons:
✖ Premium pricing may not be ideal for budget-conscious clients
✖ Limited global reach, as assistants are only based in the US
Note: Best for businesses looking for high-quality, US-based executive assistants.
- Bruntwork
Bruntwork provides cost-effective virtual assistant services, making it an attractive choice for startups and small businesses. Their global talent pool allows them to offer lower pricing while still covering various business functions, from customer support to digital marketing.
Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly pricing compared to competitors
✔ Wide range of services, including sales, customer support, and admin tasks
✔ Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes
Cons:
✖ Lower quality control compared to premium services
✖ Less training and executive-specific support for high-level tasks
Note: Best for businesses seeking affordable outsourcing solutions.
- Zirtual
Zirtual provides virtual assistants based in the US who are experienced in administrative tasks, scheduling, and client communication. Their service is designed for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and small teams looking for reliable, skilled support.
Pros:
✔ US-based assistants with strong corporate experience
✔ Personalized matching process to find the right assistant
✔ Well-suited for executives needing organizational support
Cons:
✖ Higher pricing than offshore alternatives
✖ Limited assistant pool, making it harder to scale quickly
Note: Best for Professionals and small businesses needing US-based virtual assistants.
Comparing Executive Assistant Services: Finding the Best Fit
When choosing an executive assistant service, factors like pricing, expertise, and commitment requirements play a crucial role. Below is a comparison of leading providers, including WorkStaff360, Athena, MyOutDesk, Belay Solutions, Bruntwork, Zirtual, as well as Near and Oceans.
Company Comparison
| Company | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
| Athena | High | Elite, high-performing assistants with long-term executive support | Expensive, requires a long-term commitment |
| WorkStaff360 | Mid | Skilled executive assistants with flexible pricing and no long-term commitment | The minimum working hours should be at least 20 hrs/week |
| Near | Mid | Provides personalized virtual assistant matching | May not have as many specialized executive assistants |
| Oceans | Mid-High | Focuses on high-level administrative support with tailored services | Higher pricing compared to more flexible options |
| MyOutDesk | Mid-High | Industry-focused matching (real estate, healthcare) | Requires long-term commitment |
| Belay Solution | High | US-based assistants with top-tier experience | Premium pricing, limited global reach |
| Bruntwork | Low-Mid | Cost-effective outsourcing | Lower quality control, less executive-specific training |
Athena vs. Other Top Virtual Assistant Services: A Comprehensive Comparison
When choosing a virtual assistant service, it’s crucial to compare options based on pricing, assistant quality, and overall value. Here’s how Athena stacks up against other top players in the industry. Choosing the right service depends on your budget, needs, and expectations. If you require a highly trained, dedicated assistant for long-term support, Athena may be the best fit. However, other services offer great alternatives depending on your specific business needs.
