Geoff CuddNot all virtual assistants do the same type of work.
Some spend their day replying to emails, updating spreadsheets, or managing live chat. Others make phone calls, follow up with leads, or provide real-time voice support.
These two types of virtual assistants—non-voice and voice—serve very different roles.
This guide breaks down the key differences between non-voice and voice virtual assistants, including tasks, tools, pricing, and when to use each type.
Don’t Need Phone Support? Choose a Smarter Option
Non-Voice Virtual Assistants are Cheaper
- Most people overlook this option when hiring support
- If calls aren’t part of your workflow, why pay for them
- Delegate email, calendar management, research, and admin tasks
- Get focused, behind-the-scenes help at a fraction of the usual cost
Table of Contents
- Don’t Need Phone Support? Choose a Smarter Option
- What Is a Non-Voice Virtual Assistant?
- What Is a Voice Virtual Assistant?
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Cost Comparison: Non-Voice VA vs Voice VA
- Pros of Non-Voice Virtual Assistants
- Pros of Voice Virtual Assistants
- When Should You Hire a Non-Voice VA?
- When Should You Hire a Voice VA?
- Can One Virtual Assistant Do Both?
- Final Thoughts: Which Type of VA Is Right for You?
- Don’t Need Phone Support? Choose a Smarter Option
- Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is a Non-Voice Virtual Assistant?
A non-voice virtual assistant focuses on written communication and text-based tasks.
This includes:
- Inbox management and email replies
- Live chat or help desk support
- Data entry and spreadsheet updates
- Social media messaging
- Document creation and SOPs
- CRM tagging and reporting
They typically work behind the scenes, handling operational and support tasks that don’t require real-time speaking or outbound calls.
What Is a Voice Virtual Assistant?
A voice virtual assistant handles tasks that involve phone or voice-based communication.
This includes:
- Making outbound sales or appointment-setting calls
- Answering inbound support or inquiry calls
- Following up with leads or clients
- Conducting surveys or customer feedback interviews
- Phone-based customer service
Voice VAs are often used in customer-facing roles where verbal communication and persuasion are key.
Key Differences at a Glance
Category | Non-Voice VA | Voice VA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tasks | ||
| Communication Style | ||
| Tools Used | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Ideal For | ||
| Time Zone Flexibility | ||
| Common Cost Range |
Cost Comparison: Non-Voice VA vs Voice VA
Pricing is one of the biggest differences between these two types of virtual assistants.
Type of VA | Hourly Rate | Monthly Cost (Full-Time) | Why the Difference? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Voice VA | |||
| Voice VA |
Non-voice VAs are generally more affordable because they don’t need fluent spoken English, accent training, or the ability to handle live conversations. Their work is more async, structured, and process-driven, making it easier to scale affordably.
Voice VAs, on the other hand, are often customer-facing and require real-time communication skills, strong listening, and confident verbal delivery. That added skillset usually comes with a higher price tag.
Pro Tip: If you don’t absolutely need voice coverage, hiring a non-voice VA is the more cost-effective way to get admin, support, and operations tasks off your plate.
Pros of Non-Voice Virtual Assistants
- Focused, async work
- Ideal for written SOPs and documentation
- Easier to monitor and train with templates
- Lower bandwidth and fewer language issues
- Often less expensive than voice VAs
Pros of Voice Virtual Assistants
- Real-time conversations
- Better for warm leads or relationship-building
- Adds a human touch to support or sales
- Ideal for businesses with phone-based workflows
- Can often resolve issues faster by speaking directly
When Should You Hire a Non-Voice VA?
Choose a non-voice virtual assistant if:
- You need help clearing your inbox, managing chat, or tracking tasks
- Your customers expect email or text-based support
- You want help with SOPs, help docs, or data processing
- You prefer async communication or work across time zones
- Your team needs internal admin or operations support
Common Roles for Non-Voice VAs
- Admin assistant
- Customer support VA (chat/email only)
- Data entry or reporting assistant
- Social media message handler
- Documentation and research VA
When Should You Hire a Voice VA?
Choose a voice virtual assistant if:
- You need someone to call leads or clients directly
- Phone calls are part of your sales, support, or scheduling workflow
- You want faster resolution for complex or high-touch issues
- You prefer real-time communication or live reception coverage
Common Roles for Voice VA
- Appointment setter
- Phone-based customer service rep
- Warm lead caller or sales assistant
- Inbound call receptionist
- Virtual front desk agent
Can One Virtual Assistant Do Both?
Some VAs can handle both voice and non-voice tasks—but it’s rare to find someone who’s equally strong in both.
Non-voice work requires great writing, detail, and structure. Voice work requires strong verbal communication, confidence, and a phone-friendly personality.
If you need both, consider hiring separate specialists or a blended team.
Final Thoughts: Which Type of VA Is Right for You?
If your business runs on written processes, structured workflows, and internal operations, start with a non-voice virtual assistant. They’re easier to train, less expensive, and ideal for email, chat, and task management.
If you rely heavily on phone calls, lead outreach, or live customer support, a voice virtual assistant will help you connect faster and more personally.
Still not sure? Start by offloading written work to a non-voice VA. Once you see the results, you’ll know what to delegate next.
Don’t Need Phone Support? Choose a Smarter Option
Non-Voice Virtual Assistants are Cheaper
- Most people overlook this option when hiring support
- If calls aren’t part of your workflow, why pay for them
- Delegate email, calendar management, research, and admin tasks
- Get focused, behind-the-scenes help at a fraction of the usual cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Are non-voice VAs cheaper than voice VAs?
Generally, yes. Non-voice VAs usually range from $6–$20/hour, while voice VAs often cost more due to fluency and real-time communication requirements.
Can I hire a non-voice VA part-time?
Absolutely. Many non-voice assistants work 10–20 hours/week and scale up as needed.
What tools do non-voice VAs use?
Popular tools include Gmail, Slack, Intercom, Google Sheets, Notion, and Trello.
Do non-voice VAs do live chat?
Yes. Many manage chat platforms like Crisp, Tawk.to, or Zendesk Chat daily.
Do I need SOPs for a non-voice VA?
Yes, they work best when given clear templates and written processes to follow.
