Time Etc vs Stellar Staff (2026): Flexible Hours or a Full-Time Assistant?
Time Etc sells blocks of 10 to 60 hours a month from $390, with a named U.S. assistant who also works for other clients. Stellar Staff provides one dedicated full-time assistant for 160 hours per month for $1,999, with talent primarily from the Philippines. Time Etc fits light, U.S.-based support; Stellar Staff fits full-time workloads.
Stellar Staff vs Time Etc at a glance
Time Etc has operated since 2007. Its U.S. plans run from 10 hours for $390 a month ($39 an hour) to 60 hours for $2,160 ($36 an hour), and unused hours roll over on the 20-, 40-, and 60-hour plans. Clients work with a consistent named U.S. assistant, but Time Etc's recruiting FAQ says assistants typically have three to six clients and average about 39 hours a month. There is no setup fee, you can cancel with one email or call, and the first task is free.
Stellar Staff places one dedicated full-time assistant per plan. Pro is $1,999 a month and Executive is $2,999, each for 160 hours. Talent comes primarily from the Philippines, and the search takes 5 to 10 business days. The decision depends on your workload, location requirements, and whether you need an assistant dedicated exclusively to your business.
Compare the model, not just the monthly price.
Time Etc or Stellar Staff: what is different in practice?
Five practical factors reveal where the two services stop looking alike.
- Dedicated or shared. A Time Etc assistant is consistent but typically supports three to six clients. A Stellar Staff assistant works full-time for your business.
- Hours. Time Etc plans run from 10 to 60 hours a month. Stellar Staff plans are 160 hours a month.
- Price per hour. Time Etc charges $36 to $39 an hour on its U.S. plans. Stellar Staff Pro is about $12.50 an hour.
- Location. Time Etc's U.S. plans include a U.S. assistant, and its U.K. plans a U.K. assistant. Stellar Staff recruits primarily from the Philippines.
- Getting started. Time Etc lets you try a first task free with no credit card. For Stellar Staff, the search takes 5 to 10 business days, and you interview 2 to 3 finalists.
Which option fits your business?
Stellar Staff
- You have more than 60 hours of work a month.
- You want one assistant who works only for your business.
- You want a lower hourly cost: about $12.50 an hour on Pro.
- You want to interview finalists before choosing.
Time Etc
- You need under 60 hours a month of help.
- You want a U.S.- or U.K.-based assistant.
- You want unused hours to roll over.
- You want to test the service with a free first task.
Time Etc and Stellar Staff, line by line
| Decision point | Stellar Staff | Time Etc |
|---|---|---|
| Operating since | 2022 | 2007 |
| Assistant model | Dedicated, full-time | Named assistant shared with 3 to 6 clients |
| Hours per month | 160 | 10, 20, 40, or 60 |
| Monthly price | $1,999 Pro; $2,999 Executive | $390 to $2,160 (U.S. plans) |
| Price per hour | About $12.50 on Pro | $36 to $39 |
| Where assistants are based | Primarily the Philippines | United States (U.S. plans); U.K. (U.K. plans) |
| Unused hours | Full-time schedule | Roll over on 20-, 40-, and 60-hour plans |
| Search or onboarding timeline | The search takes 5 to 10 business days | First task free; time to match not published |
| Selection | Top 0.1% of applicants; interview 2 to 3 finalists | 10-stage selection; average 12 years of experience |
| Cancellation | Month to month; 14 days' notice to cancel | No notice period; cancel by email or call |
| Team option | One dedicated assistant per plan | Teams plans with 2 or 3 shared assistants |
What can each assistant take on?
An hourly plan provides support within the hours you purchase. A dedicated full-time assistant can handle recurring work throughout the agreed work schedule. Define your tasks and required availability before choosing.
| Work pattern | Stellar Staff | Time Etc |
|---|---|---|
| Daily inbox and calendar | Coverage during the agreed full-time schedule | Within your monthly hours |
| Ongoing projects and follow-ups | Yes | Sized to plan hours |
| Team support | One assistant per plan | Teams plans from $290 for 10 hours |
| AI tools | Trained on AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Zapier) | Not specified on the pages reviewed |
| Bilingual option | +$200 a month | Not specified on the pages reviewed |
How do Time Etc and Stellar Staff compare on monthly hours and price?
Time Etc's published U.S. plan cards cover up to 60 hours per month, and its pricing page says larger plans are available by consultation. Ask for a quote for your required hours before comparing it with Stellar Staff's full-time plans.
| Hours per month | Stellar Staff | Time Etc (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Full-time plans only | $390 |
| 20 | Full-time plans only | $760 |
| 40 | Full-time plans only | $1,480 |
| 60 | Full-time plans only | $2,160 |
| 160 | $1,999 (Pro) | No published plan |
Time Etc's 40-hour plan costs less than Stellar Staff Pro. Its 60-hour plan, at $2,160, costs more than Pro's $1,999 for 160 hours.
The case for Time Etc
Time Etc has been in business since 2007 and has built a simple product for people who need a few hours of help. Plans start at 10 hours for $390, unused hours roll over on larger plans, there is no setup fee, and you can cancel with one email or call. The first task is free with no credit card.
Its assistants are experienced: Time Etc cites a 10-stage selection process and an average of 12 years of experience. For a U.S. or U.K. leader who wants an onshore assistant for occasional work, that is a low-commitment way in.
Why a dedicated assistant changes the math
Stellar Staff is built for workloads that fill a week. For $1,999 a month, Pro gives you 160 hours of one dedicated assistant, about $12.50 an hour. Executive is $2,999. Because the assistant works only for your business, they can handle your inbox and calendar during the agreed work schedule and carry context from one task to the next.
Stellar Staff receives thousands of applications per month and accepts the top 0.1% of applicants. Vetting includes a 6-step application, 6 individual tests, written and spoken English verification, reference and equipment checks, professional interviews and skill assessments, internal QA, and background checks. You interview 2 to 3 finalists and pick one.
Stellar Staff handles recruiting, payroll, HR, tracking, and replacements, with free replacements, forever, on managed plans. Terms are month to month with 14 days' notice to cancel.
Which one should you hire?
Time Etc is the better fit if you need under 40 hours a month, want an assistant based in the U.S. or U.K., and like rolling over unused hours.
Stellar Staff is the better fit if your work fills most of a week, you want an assistant who is not shared with other clients, and you want to choose from finalists.
For a closer look at Time Etc on its own, read our Time Etc reviews, with its verified Trustpilot score, published plans, and the contract terms worth reading before you sign.
Time Etc virtual assistant questions
Clear answers on pricing, hiring speed, replacements, specialization, and compliance.
How much does Time Etc cost?
Time Etc's U.S. plans cost $390 for 10 hours, $760 for 20, $1,480 for 40, and $2,160 for 60 hours a month. Teams plans cost $290, $560, and $1,080 for 10, 20, and 40 hours. Stellar Staff Pro is $1,999 for 160 hours.
Is a Time Etc assistant dedicated to me?
You get a consistent, named assistant, but not an exclusive one. Time Etc's recruiting FAQ says assistants have between three and six clients and average about 39 hours a month. Stellar Staff assistants are dedicated full-time to one business.
Do Time Etc hours roll over?
Yes, on the 20-, 40-, and 60-hour U.S. plans. The 10-hour plan does not roll over. Stellar Staff plans are full-time at 160 hours a month.
Is Time Etc cheaper than Stellar Staff?
Up to 40 hours a month, yes: Time Etc's 40-hour plan is $1,480. At 60 hours it costs $2,160, more than Stellar Staff Pro's $1,999 for 160 hours.
Are Time Etc assistants based in the U.S.?
Time Etc's U.S. plans include a U.S. assistant, and its U.K. plans include a U.K. assistant. Stellar Staff recruits primarily from the Philippines.
Can I cancel Time Etc at any time?
Time Etc says there is no notice period and you can cancel with one email or call. Stellar Staff is month to month with 14 days' notice to cancel.
How do I get started with each?
Time Etc offers a free first task with no credit card. With Stellar Staff, the search takes 5 to 10 business days, and you interview 2 to 3 finalists before choosing your assistant.
What should I look for in Time Etc reviews?
Look for recent Time Etc reviews from clients with similar workloads and purchased hours. Check what they say about availability, communication, and continuity. When reviewing Stellar Staff, look for feedback on finalist interviews, role fit, and replacement support. Compare experiences that match your needs rather than relying on a headline score.
Stellar Staff
Stellar StaffTime Etc
How we reviewed the providers
Time Etc's U.S. and U.K. pricing pages, teams page, about page, and assistant recruiting FAQ were reviewed on October 5, 2026. Stellar Staff details reflect its current plan and service terms. Sources: Time Etc pricing, Time Etc teams, Time Etc assistant FAQ, and Stellar Staff pricing. Per-hour figures are calculated from published plan prices. Confirm current plans with each provider.