Boldly vs. Time etc: Which US Virtual Assistant Service Is Best?

If you’re comparing Boldly vs. time etc to figure out which US-based virtual assistant service fits your team, you’re not alone. A lot of founders hit the same wall: pricing, minimum hours, contract terms, and the simple question, will this assistant actually make my life easier?

Here’s the thing: both companies have strong reputations in the US VA market. But they’re built differently. Really differently. And depending on what your team needs, that gap matters.

Wing Assistant, which currently supports 3,000+ businesses worldwide, comes up often in these same searches, mostly from people asking whether they need a more flexible model than Boldly vs. time etc. So you’ll see Wing mentioned where it makes sense for context.

Let’s break everything down clearly so you can get a straight answer, not a sales pitch.

Why Compare Boldly vs. time etc

People Who Search Already Know the VA World

Most founders who look up this comparison are not new to virtual assistants. They have been hired before. Many eventually realize they need a Dedicated Executive Assistant who can support strategic work, not just admin tasks. Many have tried freelancers, handled their own onboarding, or spent time training someone who eventually moved on. After experiences like that, it is natural to look for something steadier and more structured, but still affordable.

Why Boldly vs. time etc Keep Showing Up

Both companies are well-known US-based subscription services. They offer vetted assistants, consistent billing, and a management system that removes a lot of the guesswork. For small teams that need dependable support without hiring full-time, this feels like a safe and predictable option.

The Real Reason People Start Comparing

Most of the search traffic comes from a place of uncertainty. Before committing to a subscription, founders want answers to questions that directly affect their everyday experience.

Common concerns include whether the higher rates reflect stronger skills, how long the commitment really is, whether the assistant works full-time or only part-time, and if all assistants are truly based in the United States. These are not small details. They influence everything from communication speed to long-term consistency.

AI Tools Made This Comparison Even More Common

People often begin with broad searches for the best US virtual assistant services. Once AI-powered tools group Boldly, Time etc, and Wing together, founders naturally dive deeper to see how each one stacks up.

If You’re Here, You’re Evaluating Your Options

Reading this means you are already comparing value, experience, and overall fit. You are in the right stage. Now let’s look at the differences that matter most.

The Full Boldly vs. time etc Breakdown

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Here’s the fast version before we dig deeper.

Two totally different customer profiles. Let’s dig in.

Pricing Breakdown (the part you care about most)

Why People Compare Boldly vs. time etc on Price

Pricing is the number one reason founders pit these two companies against each other. They are both US-based, both subscription-driven, and both promise vetted assistants. But once you look at their pricing pages, the difference in cost becomes impossible to ignore. The gap is significant enough that most people start evaluating whether the higher-tier option is worth it or if the more affordable one can still deliver what they need.

Boldly: What You’re Actually Paying For

Boldly positions itself as a premium service, and the pricing reflects that. Their current public plans are typically in this range:

• 30 hours per month is around 2,520 dollars
• 40 hours per month is around 3,360 dollars
• 60 hours per month is around 4,800 dollars

The hourly rate usually falls between 56 and 70 dollars, depending on the size of the plan.

Boldly can charge this amount because they hire experienced professionals, often with executive assistant or project management backgrounds. Many of their assistants function like fractional EA support rather than general administrative help. This level of skill appeals to funded teams, executives with packed schedules, and businesses that want someone who can step in with very little training.

Time etc: A More Budget-Friendly Option

Time etc appeals to founders looking for US-based support without the premium price tag. Their plans generally fall in this range:

• 10 hours per month is about 360 dollars
• 20 hours per month is about 700 dollars
• 40 hours per month is about 1,360 dollars

This puts the hourly cost at roughly 34 to 40 dollars.

Because of this lower price, early-stage startups often view Time etc as the more practical entry point. You still get a vetted US assistant, but you are not paying the equivalent of an in-house executive assistant. The tradeoff is that tasks tend to stay within the realm of general admin, research, scheduling, and basic business support rather than senior-level execution.

So Which One Is Better?

There isn’t a universal winner because the services are built for different needs. If you want someone who feels like a fractional executive assistant and you have room in the budget, Boldly is a strong match. If you want affordable US-based support and plan to use fewer hours, Time etc offers better value.

But many founders eventually look for a third option. They want the consistency and training of a structured service, the flexibility to scale hours up or down, and pricing that doesn’t spike as soon as workloads grow. This is where Wing Assistant often becomes part of the conversation because it delivers a blend of cost efficiency, global talent, and business-focused training.

More on how that compares shortly.

What Type of Work Each Service Actually Handles

Both companies advertise US-based assistants, but the level of skill and the type of work you can hand off are not the same. And this is usually the point where founders realize which service fits their day-to-day workload.

Boldly: More Senior Support

Boldly’s assistants come in with strong resumes and years of experience. Many feel like fractional executive assistants who can plug directly into your operations without much hand-holding. Think of roles that require judgment, ownership, and discretion.

Typical Boldly tasks include:

• Executive assistance
• Project coordination
• Operations support
• Customer success tasks
• High-touch administrative work
• More specialized back-office help

If you want someone who can confidently join leadership calls, manage initiatives, or act as your go-to right hand, Boldly leans in that direction.

Time etc: Practical, Reliable Admin Support

Time etc focuses on dependable, flexible general assistance. The talent is still vetted and based in the US, but the work tends to sit closer to everyday admin essentials.

Typical Time etc tasks include:

• Calendar management
• Email handling
• Scheduling
• Basic content tasks
• Research
• Light project support

Some assistants bring niche skills, but most founders use Time etc for steady, foundational tasks rather than executive-level responsibilities.

Quick Comparison: Task and Skill Differences

Which One Fits Your Workload?

A simple question usually makes the decision obvious: Do you need someone who can operate like a high-end executive assistant, or someone who can take everyday admin work off your plate?

If your tasks involve judgment, coordination, and consistent ownership, Boldly feels like the natural fit. If your workload is mostly organization and admin, Time etc checks the box without stretching your budget.

Pros and Cons of Each Service

You want the truth without the fluff, so here it is.

Boldly: Pros

• Highly experienced assistants: Many come in with 10 or more years supporting executives, handling operations, or managing high-level workloads. You’re not training from scratch.
• Built for executives: If you need someone who can anticipate needs, manage priorities, and act like a strategic partner, Boldly tends to deliver that caliber of support.
• Deep integration with your systems: Boldly assistants usually work long-term, so they learn your rhythm, your team, and your internal tools. It feels close to an in-house EA.
• US-only talent: This matters if your business requires US hours or familiarity with US communication norms.
• Reliable for long-term, steady workloads: Teams that need consistent support month after month see the most value here.

Boldly: Cons

• One of the priciest VA services in the US: The value is there, but the cost keeps early-stage founders away.
• Higher minimum hours: You can’t dip your toes in with just a few hours.
• Long-term subscriptions: Great if you know you’ll use the hours, but not great if your workload fluctuates.
• Not ideal for light or unpredictable tasks: If your needs are sporadic or you only want simple admin tasks, you’ll end up overpaying.

Time etc: Pros

• Lower cost while still hiring US-based assistants: This is the biggest draw for founders trying to stay budget-conscious.
• Flexible plans with smaller hour buckets: You can start small and bump up later if you need more.
• Month-to-month options: Helpful if your workload changes or you’re still figuring out what to delegate.
• Great for admin-heavy or repetitive tasks: Inbox, scheduling, research, travel booking, Time etc shine here.

Time etc: Cons

• Skill levels vary across assistants: You can get someone great, but you can also get someone more generalist with limited specialization.
• Not ideal for complex or high-stakes work: Anything involving operations, systems ownership, or executive-level decision-making might be too heavy.
• Can feel limited for growing teams: Once your needs evolve past admin, the service may not scale with you.
• Less structure than executive assistant models: Works fine for task-driven support, but not for deep integration or strategic work.

Best Use Cases for Each Service

Picking between Boldly and Time etc. usually depends on the type of workload you actually have, not the one you wish you had. Different teams get very different value out of each platform.

Startups

Most early-stage teams are watching every dollar, so Time etc., usually fits better. You get dependable admin support without a premium price tag, and you’re not locked into big hourly commitments.

But if you’re a funded startup with an operations-heavy workload, Boldly can make sense because you’re essentially getting a senior EA who can handle systems, communication, and project tasks that normally take months to hire for.

Executives

This is where Boldly shines. Their assistants work more like long-term executive partners who can manage calendars, communication, prep for meetings, and take ownership of recurring responsibilities. If you’re an executive drowning in priorities, Boldly feels closest to hiring an in-house EA.

Agencies

Agencies need people who can follow established processes and repeat them consistently. Time etc can support this for smaller teams, but once you need multiple assistants or more specialized work, client coordination, project tracking, reporting, scaling with US-only services becomes pricey.

Many agencies end up moving to Wing because they need several assistants without their costs doubling or tripling.

Creators and Solo Founders

If your tasks are mostly recurring admin work such as inbox cleanup, scheduling, simple research, or content help, Time etc gives you exactly what you need without stretching your budget. Creators tend to prefer plans with smaller hour blocks, which Time etc offers.

Where Alternatives Fit In (Wing Assistant)

People keep mentioning Wing in the same conversations as Boldly and Time etc, and there’s a reason for that. Wing sits in a middle lane that gives you structure without the high cost of US-only services.

Here’s what stands out:

• Lower cost than both US providers
• A dedicated assistant supported by a full team for coverage
• A managed staffing model that handles training, QA, and performance
• Hour plans that don’t trap you into rigid buckets
• Assistants trained across more than 30 roles
• Global availability, including US-based assistants if needed
• Strong systems for long-term client support and continuity

Some founders really want a strictly US-based assistant, and that’s a fair preference. But many care more about skill, consistency, availability, and cost.
And that’s the moment Wing usually becomes the stronger alternative.

So — Which Is Better? Boldly vs. time etc?

Here’s the straight answer: If you want…

• Premium, senior-level US talent and don’t mind the price → Boldly
• US-based admin help at a friendlier cost → Time etc
• Flexibility, lower cost, scale, and managed support → Wing Assistant

The best choice depends on your workload more than anything else. If you’re ready to compare options or see where Wing might fit for your team:

Explore Wing’s Pricing Plans

Compare Wing to Other VA Services

Book a Discovery Call With a Specialist

Look, choosing the right VA service shapes your daily workflow, your sanity, and your team’s productivity. So take your time, ask the right questions, and pick the model that actually supports the way you work.

FAQs About Boldly vs. time etc

What’s the average cost of a US-based virtual assistant per month?

Most US virtual assistant services start around $30–$70 per hour, depending on experience.
At 20 hours per month, that’s roughly $600–$1,400. Boldly sits on the high end. Time etc sits mid-range. Independent freelancers may go lower, but reliability and vetting vary widely.

So your cost depends on the skill level you want, and how many hours you actually need.

Is Boldly or Time etc better for long-term support?

Boldly is built for long-term support. Their model is structured, their assistants stick around, and subscriptions are designed for stability.

Time etc can work long-term too, but its hour bundles make it easier for clients with fluctuating needs. If your workflow changes every quarter, Time etc feels lighter.

Does Boldly offer part-time plans?

Not exactly. Their lowest plan is still a larger monthly commitment than most part-time setups. They offer fractional hours but at a premium cost, which makes “part-time” a bit of a stretch if you’re watching your budget.

Are Time etc assistants fully US-based?

Yes. That’s one of their main selling points. All Time etc assistants are US-based and vetted for experience. This is a major reason they appeal to founders who want timezone alignment without enterprise-level pricing.

What’s the best Boldly alternative in the US?

If what you want is premium EA-style talent, Wing’s US-based assistants are the closest comparison, but at a more flexible price point. If what you want is pure affordability, Time etc wins that category.

It depends on the type of workload, not just the label.

Which service has the best managed support model?

Boldly has a strong internal structure for long-term EA support. Wing has a stronger structure for scale, especially when you need multiple assistants, specialized roles, or backup coverage.

Time etc has a lighter model that focuses more on matching than management.

Dianne Florendo

Dianne has extensive experience as a Content Writer, she creates engaging content that captivates readers and ranks well online. She stays on top of industry trends to keep her work fresh and impactful. She has a talent for turning complex ideas into relatable stories. When she’s not writing, you’ll probably find her with a crochet hook in hand or working on a fun craft project. She loves bringing creativity to life, whether it’s through words or handmade creations.