A controversial yet interesting change that has happened in the virtual assistant industry is AI. And why not? AI is everywhere. Especially, AI assistants that existed beforehand but weren’t as advanced as they are now. So, then what’s the difference between an AI assistant and vs. human VA?

The question isn’t difficult, but complicated because each category has its own limitations. However, as time has passed, combining both has also become a popular option. But let’s understand both types of virtual assistants in detail.

In this article, we will touch on what AI virtual assistants are, the differences between them, the cost of hiring, how to hire, and which is better. Let’s explore!

What Is an AI Virtual Assistant?

Think of an AI virtual assistant as a helping hand that uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP). They are meant to “mimic” human-like conversations and interact with end users.

Typically, AI assistants communicate via text or voice and are just dedicated software. The goal is to help people with various tasks and services to reduce their time they spend on average. You already know about AI assistants.

ChatGPT, Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Gemini are all options for an AI assistant for business. Each AI model has its own functions, hence you can use multiple of these AI personal assistants all at once.

The best part described by many is the automatic environment some of these AI assistants create by syncing to your devices. This helps many business owners and SMEs summon their virtual assistants AI at any time of the day.

What Are the Differences Between AI Virtual Assistants and Human Virtual Assistants?

Other than the fact that one is physically present somewhere and the other is not, there are other differences between AI and VAs.

Scope of Work

AI assistants for business only work for structured, repetitive, and automated tasks. Simple tasks such as scheduling, reminders, basic customer service, data entry, and reporting can be done with AI. However, human outsourced virtual assistants can help you with more complex tasks that might need judgment. Your VA can manage bookkeeping, project management, content creation, client communication, and decision support.

Adaptability & Problem-Solving

A software can only do so much. This limitation of programming and training data keeps AI virtual assistants from being a business’s number one choice. AI can’t spontaneously accommodate a task just for the sake of it, but a virtual assistant can. For starters, humans can think and then adapt to the situation better. But human VAs can also solve the problem practically without spending time on “cycling their algorithms”.

Affordability & Efficiency

AI assistant roles are quite cost-efficient. Because of the subscription pricing, you can think of it as a virtually managed employee on a monthly payroll. However, due to limitations, no complex or multi-step tasks with coordination can be performed by the AI model. Human assistants, on the other hand, are less affordable; however, better at performing tasks while keeping the costs as low as possible.

Communication Style

There is no comparison in terms of communication; human assistants always win. However, AI can hold conversations, but with no emotions. It is instant, but lacks common intelligence. A virtual reception assistant or other types can emotionally communicate better.

Learning & Training

As software, AI assistants for virtual tasks need regular updates, making them quite tedious to work with. Not only that, but most AI VAs also require setup and integration, which can take at least 24 hours to 72 hours. Human assistants need time for onboarding as well, but they pick up relational cues much quickly without the need for instructions.

These differences don’t necessarily make either of the other options bad. It just reminds us that AI assistants and human virtual assistants are required in different situations.

What Is the Cost of Hiring an AI Virtual Help Vs. Virtual Assistant?

The cost of both types of assistants can differ based on very specific conditions. So, let’s compare the cost in depth first and then in totality to get a better idea.

AI Virtual Assistant Costs

There are different levels of AI models you can get for your organization. If you start with any of the following, you now know the costs associated with them.

  • Basic Pre-Existing AI Assistants: More like tools, options like ChatGPT, Tidio, ManyChat, and Zapier bots can cost you $10 to $50 per user. But if you want a custom one, that can cost you upwards of $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Mid-Level AI VAs: If you want branded support from pre-existing AI models, like Intercom, Drift, HubSpot AI, and customer support bots, it can cost you $100 to $1000 monthly. Custom AI models are even more expensive, coming out to $20,000 to $60,000.
  • Advanced AI Assistants: There are currently no publicly available advanced AI models for businesses. However, you can get custom ones built; just make sure you are a bigger business that can support that kind of maintenance. Starting costs for building the AI model will be $70,000 to $250,000 one time. The subscription (hosting, support, and updates) will be an additional $2,000 to $15,000 per year.

Human Virtual Assistants

Human assistants vary mostly by region first and then by expertise. Here is a breakdown of costs related to human virtual assistants:

By region:

  • Offshore (India, Philippines) Assistants: You can hire a virtual assistant at the low cost of $7 to $20 per hour. These are skilled experts who provide timely services.
  • US-based VAs: Expect to pay between $25 and $65 per hour if you are hiring locally in the US. However, the local advantage is available for you to connect with them in person if needed.

By expertise:

  • Specialized Assistants: These are assistants with very specific skillsets (bookkeepers, legal VAs, 3D model artists). They generally come with a tiered pricing of part-time (80 hours/month for $999), full-time (160 hours/month $1,799 to $2,500), or team (including multiple people 160 hours/month $2,099 to $3,500).
  • Highly Experienced VAs: These are assistants who have at least 10 years or more in experience. They charge quite a lot, about $40 to $100 per hour. However, this type of service guarantees 100% quality due to the experience of the individual.

Which Is Cheaper?

For the long term, AI assistants can be 80% more cost-efficient compared to human assistants. However, due to common errors and late updates, you can also end up losing about $7,200 to $200,000, depending on your business size.

Human assistants are costly for the entirety of the term. However, the margin for mistakes is low, and additional maintenance costs don’t exist at all. 

But if invested correctly, human virtual assistants can be 2 to 10 times more cost-efficient. This is because once trained, human assistants tend to make low to no mistakes, saving your business thousands of dollars in revenue.

How Can You Hire an AI Assistant Vs. Human Assistant

You don’t necessarily “hire” an AI assistant; however, there is still a process to get one for your business or organizational needs. However, there is an entire process for hiring a virtual assistant who is human.

Here is how you hire a virtual assistant of both types.

AI Assistant Hiring Process

AI Assistant Hiring Process

Let’s understand how to get an AI assistant in 3 steps:

Step 1

Analyze and narrow down your requirements based on whether you need to automate tasks, get a chatbot, or build a custom model for internal communications.

Step 2

Choose the right model for your needs. You can choose between:

  • Basic, ready-made tools: ChatGPT, Tidio, Zapier bots, ManyChat.
  • Customer support automation: Intercom, Drift, HubSpot AI.
  • Enterprise/custom builds: Hire AI developers or use AI development firms.

Step 3

Now you can ask a developer to integrate this AI assistant into your existing system and then launch it for use organization-wide. Within days, you can get feedback and adjust the tool accordingly.

Human Virtual Assistant Hiring Process

Let’s see the process of human VA hiring:

Step 1

Define your expectations, requirements, and scope of work. Maybe you are looking for someone to handle your social accounts or manage your inbox and replies. Make it crystal clear as to what you want.

Step 2

Hire your assistant based on any of the following hiring methods:

  • Freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour
  • Virtual assistant agencies: Invedus, Time Etc, Virtual Staff Finder
  • Direct employment: Job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), specialized recruiting firms

Step 3

Screen each candidate and provide tests to evaluate their fit in your business/organization. Also, always review the candidate’s communication, reliability, and if they are a cultural fit.

Step 4

Hire your virtual assistant after you have agreed upon an offer and make them sign the necessary documents (digitally or physically).

Step 5

Train them and onboard them into your function system. Make sure that your human VA has access to every necessary tool, software, or communication channel to deliver results as expected.

AI Assistants Vs. Human Assistants: Which One Is Better?

There is no straight answer to this. For some reading till now, it may seem AI is the better investment. However, human virtual assistants can deliver more complex, realistically positioned tasks that you may need help with.

According to your use cases, you can easily decide whether AI virtual assistants will work for you or human ones.

You should “hire” an AI assistant for:

  • Repetitive, data-driven, and time-sensitive tasks
  • Answering FAQs and handling customer support chats 24/7
  • Scheduling meetings and sending reminders automatically
  • Data entry, record-keeping, and updating CRMs
  • Processing orders and tracking shipments
  • Analyzing large datasets quickly (sales, trends, performance metrics)
  • Multilingual communication with global customers

Now, here are some scenarios where human assistants outperform AI:

  • Creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking
  • Handling complex customer complaints or escalations
  • Conducting market research and providing insights
  • Writing, editing, or designing creative content
  • Building client relationships and personal networking
  • Managing confidential or sensitive tasks with discretion
  • Decision-making in ambiguous situations where no clear rules exist

However, there are situations where the combination of AI + Human assistants can bring better results:

  • Customer Support: AI handles FAQs, while humans tackle complex cases.
  • Content Creation: AI drafts, humans refine and add creativity.
  • E-commerce: AI manages product recommendations, humans handle supplier negotiations.
  • HR & Recruitment: AI filters resumes, humans conduct interviews.
  • Finance & Accounting: AI automates reports, humans interpret and advise.

Conclusion

Using AI to make your workflows efficient is a genius move. However, AI is still not as reliable as human VAs. There’s a reason why even in 2025, human commands guide AI models, even for customer support.

To combine both is the best idea. However, finding a reliable human virtual assistant may feel impossible. Going through thousands of VA agencies is tiring; hence, you can just contact Invedus.

We help you find the best virtual assistant for tasks who helps you meet your goals faster. You save 70% costs, we handle the stress for better future outcomes.

Connect with our recruitment experts here.

About Juhi

Juhi is an experienced content creator with a deep understanding of audience engagement and brand storytelling. From insightful articles to persuasive copy, she is committed to crafting content that captivates, educates, and delivers results. She is an expert in curating audience-centric content along with in-depth subject matter research for accurate information representation.

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