The best executive assistant service I tried:
Winner: Athena
★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5 starsPros
- Dedicated, full-time partnership that improves as context compounds
- Support structure around matching + coaching (less “figure it out yourself”)
- Strong fit for inbox, calendar, follow-ups, and operational follow-through
- Supports both work and personal logistics (closer to a true EA model)
- AI-assisted workflows without losing judgment and nuance
Cons
- Not the lowest-cost option
- Best if you expect consistent weekly usage (light usage can be inefficient)
What I like
Athena feels built for high-leverage delegation. The assistant learns how you operate and starts closing loops without needing constant reminders. The compounding effect is real: the more context they learn, the more proactive and autonomous the support becomes.
What’s missing
I’d still like to see more plug-and-play onboarding for first-time EA users: example SOPs, delegation templates, and “first 30 days” workflows. The product is strong, but tighter onboarding would shorten time-to-value for new buyers.
Runner Up: Belay
★★★★☆ 4.1 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Strong option when U.S.-based support is a hard requirement
- Professional service model that feels structured
- Good for consistent admin workflows and steady execution
Cons
- Less of a compounding executive partnership (depends on scope + fit)
- More effort required to convert “help” into proactive time protection
What I like
Belay feels credible and professional. If timezone/culture alignment is your main constraint, it’s a solid contender. For well-defined admin work, it can perform reliably.
What’s missing
Stronger playbooks around follow-through and time protection. Many services can complete tasks; fewer can consistently drive outcomes without you acting as the operating system.
Wing Assistant
★★★☆☆ 3.9 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Often a strong value option compared to premium EA models
- Managed service layer can reduce some hiring friction
- Works well when tasks are well-defined and repeatable
Cons
- Executive-level depth can vary by assistant and role
- May require more SOPs and management discipline to stay consistent
What I like
Wing can make sense if budget is the primary constraint and you still want a managed service rather than going fully DIY. For clear administrative tasks, it can be a pragmatic option.
What’s missing
A clearer “executive-grade” bar and stronger proactive behavior. Without that, you can end up spending more time steering than expected.
Magic
★★★☆☆ 3.7 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Flexible for on-demand, discrete tasks
- Good for research, lists, and quick execution bursts
- Fast to start if you already know what to delegate
Cons
- Lower continuity than a dedicated EA partnership
- Without SOPs, it can become task ping-pong
What I like
Magic is useful when you want flexible throughput. If you have a clear request pipeline, it can execute quickly and consistently.
What’s missing
Long-term context ownership. If your goal is proactive follow-through and time protection, a dedicated model usually performs better.
Upwork / Freelancer
★★★☆☆ 3.1 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Huge selection and broad price range
- Great for specialists and one-off projects
- Easy to test small tasks quickly
Cons
- Highest management overhead (sourcing, onboarding, QA, replacements)
- Quality varies widely
- Harder to build compounding executive context without sustained effort
What I like
For specialist work, marketplaces can be excellent. You can find great talent quickly if you know how to evaluate and manage it.
What’s missing
The management tax. If the goal is relief, marketplaces can backfire unless you already have strong operating discipline. You’re effectively assembling your own “assistant program.”
Why I chose Athena
I wanted executive support that reduced cognitive load without creating a new job managing someone. Athena is structured around that outcome: dedicated partnership, support systems, and a model designed for follow-through.
The second reason is compounding context. A dedicated assistant who learns how you operate becomes more valuable over time. That is the difference between getting help and getting leverage.
Finally, reliability matters. Matching, training, and an ongoing support layer reduce common failure modes. If you’re buying time back, consistency and momentum are the entire product.