Fractional Assistant vs Virtual Assistant

The key differences to help you decide which is best for you

By Claire Birks

If you’re a busy entrepreneur or small business owner looking for extra support, you’ve likely come across two popular options: fractional assistants and virtual assistants. While they may sound similar, the type of help they provide—and how they work—can be quite different. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which is the right fit for your needs.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant (VA) typically offers remote administrative support. Think inbox management, calendar scheduling, data entry, or social media posting. VAs often work with multiple clients and are task-oriented, making them a great choice for one-off jobs or ongoing but straightforward duties.

What is a Fractional Assistant?

A fractional assistant goes a step further. They’re often more experienced and take on a strategic, proactive role—almost like having a part-time executive assistant or operations manager. You get a “fraction” of their time, but with a deeper level of involvement in your business processes, team coordination, or high-level planning.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Feature	Virtual Assistant	Fractional Assistant
Type of Tasks	Administrative, repetitive	Strategic, operational
Level of Involvement	Task-based	Integrated into business
Commitment	Flexible, hourly or per task	Set hours or days per week
Skill Level	Varies, often generalist	Typically experienced or specialized

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Virtual Assistant if you need help with routine tasks and want flexible, affordable support.

Choose a Fractional Assistant if you’re scaling your business and need someone who can think ahead, optimize workflows, and truly partner with you.