Virtual Assistant vs Personal Assistant: What’s the Difference?

Hiring an assistant is one of the best ways to free up your time—but should you hire a virtual assistant (VA) or a personal assistant (PA)?

While both can support your day-to-day tasks, there are major differences in cost, flexibility, and the kind of work they handle.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The differences between VAs and PAs
• Which tasks each type of assistant handles
• Pros and cons of each
• How much they cost
• When to choose one over the other

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What Is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is a remote worker who helps you with business or personal tasks from anywhere in the world. They typically work online and specialize in specific tasks like admin support, scheduling, email management, customer service, content creation, and more.

VAs are usually freelancers or contractors, and many are hired from overseas, especially from countries like the Philippines or India.

What Is a Personal Assistant?

A personal assistant, also known as an executive or in-person assistant, works on-site, often in your home or office. They handle both personal and business tasks, such as running errands, managing your calendar, making appointments, or even grabbing your dry cleaning.

PAs are often employees, work set hours, and are more hands-on.

Comparison Table: Virtual Assistant vs Personal Assistant

When to Hire a Virtual Assistant

You should hire a VA if:

• You want to delegate repeatable tasks like inbox management, scheduling, or data entry
• You’re running an online business or remote team
  
• You need part-time or flexible support
  
• You’re trying to reduce overhead or operational costs
  
• You want to scale quickly with access to global talent

When to Hire a Personal Assistant

You should hire a PA if:

• You need in-person support (errands, physical document handling, office setup)
• You’re a busy executive, entrepreneur, or public figure
• You want someone physically present to manage your day
• You need assistance with sensitive, high-trust tasks that can’t be done remotely
• You value face-to-face interaction over digital communication

Pros and Cons

Virtual Assistant Pros:

• Lower cost (especially offshore)
• Scalable and flexible
• Specialized skillsets available
• Works from anywhere

Virtual Assistant Cons:

• No in-person support
• Requires solid communication systems
• Time zone differences can cause delays

Personal Assistant Pros:

• Can handle physical, in-person tasks
• Immediate availability for on-the-spot tasks
• Better for in-office support and errands

Personal Assistant Cons:

• Higher cost
• Limited to local talent
• Less scalable and harder to replace

Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?

If your business is remote, your tasks are online, and you're budget-conscious, a virtual assistant is the smarter, more scalable choice.

If you need in-person help with errands, office tasks, or executive support, a personal assistant might be the better fit.

👉 Want help finding a reliable, budget-friendly virtual assistant?
At DDIY.co, we match businesses with hand-vetted VAs based on your exact needs. No endless searching. Just results.

Fully Vetted Virtual Assistant - Without the Search

• Search is done for you - no job posting or inbox overload
• Every candidate is tested for the exact skills required for your role
• Fast, tailored matching - handpicked to meet your needs and budget

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a virtual assistant replace a personal assistant?

In many cases, yes—especially if your needs are primarily online or administrative. But if you need someone physically present (e.g., to organize your office or run errands), a personal assistant is a better choice.

Is a virtual assistant cheaper than a personal assistant?

Yes. VAs are typically more affordable, especially when hired from countries with lower labor costs. You’ll often pay 2–4x more for an in-person PA.

Where can I hire a virtual assistant?

You can hire vetted virtual assistants from:

• DDIY.co – Matched based on your needs
• Upwork or OnlineJobs.ph – Freelance marketplaces

What tasks can a virtual assistant not do?

VAs can’t handle any in-person tasks such as:

• Picking up mail or packages
• Organizing your physical workspace
• Running errands
• Office hospitality duties

Do I need both a VA and a PA?

Larger businesses or high-level executives sometimes hire both—a VA for backend support and a PA for day-to-day personal or office tasks.