Comparison Guide
Two ways to add talent without a full-time hire: one is a global freelance network you hire from and manage yourself, the other is a US-based managed team we run for you. Here's an honest look at how they compare so you can pick the right fit.
A quick overview
Toptal is the better fit if you need one deeply specialized expert fast and you're comfortable managing them yourself. It's a global, fully remote network of freelancers it describes as the 'top 3%' in business, design, and technology, including developers, designers, finance experts, Fractional CFOs, and product and project managers. A client advisor matches you (Toptal cites average matches in under 24 hours) and a no-risk trial lets you evaluate before committing. Nacho is the better fit if you want ongoing support rather than a specialist placement. Nacho takes about a week to match after your Delegation Strategy Plan is approved, but the relationship then flexes from a single executive to a full team of 100% US-based Executive Assistants, Specialists, and Fractional Executives under one budget starting at $1,000/mo, with a dedicated account manager and weekly reporting built in. Below is a side-by-side comparison. Both services also appear in our roundup of the best virtual assistant companies.
Global freelancers · Self-managed · Rates set per freelancer 
Flexible team · US-based · Scalable monthly budget Some of our US-based talent
Run the numbers
| Criteria | | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | One person or a full team, your choice | Individual freelancers you select per role |
| Who manages the work | We do, account management & oversight included | You do, you direct the freelancer yourself |
| Talent location | US-based, in your time zone | Global, fully remote network |
| Talent scope | Admin to strategic (EAs, Specialists, Executives) | Specialized freelancers: dev, design, finance, PM |
| Pricing model | $1,000/mo minimum budget + $300 onboarding plan | Freelancers set their own rates per engagement |
| Pricing transparency | Minimums published on website | Quote-based, no flat rates published |
| Scaling | Flex one budget across multiple talent | Source and contract each freelancer separately |
| Commitment | 3 months, then month-to-month | Per-engagement; hourly, part-time, or full-time |
| Getting started | Discovery call + $300 Delegation Strategy Plan | Client advisor match + no-risk trial |
| Ongoing oversight | Weekly reporting + dedicated account manager | None, you manage the freelancer directly |
| If the fit is wrong | The Nacho Guarantee: re-matched free | No-risk trial before you commit |
Nacho leads in 5 of 11 categories. Want to see how it works for your business?
Book a discovery callThe honest take
Both are legitimate options. The right choice depends on what your business needs.
may be better if… is the better fit if… The difference
Need just one strategic operator? Start there. Need admin and specialist support around them? Add it from the same budget. With Toptal you contract each freelancer separately; with Nacho you flex one relationship across as much or as little talent as you need.
Toptal matches you with a freelancer you then direct yourself. With Nacho, a dedicated account manager and weekly reporting keep the work on track, so you get outcomes without the management overhead.
Access EAs, Specialists, and Executives from a single monthly budget. No need to source, vet, and contract separately for admin, creative, or strategic work.
Start at $1,000/mo and scale up or down as your needs change. Our minimums are published on our site: no quote-by-quote rate negotiation for each engagement.
Every team member is a vetted, US-based professional working in your time zone. Toptal's network is global and fully remote, which can mean coordinating across time zones. With Nacho there are no timezone gaps or language barriers.
You work with the same people who learn your business over time, not a freelancer you onboard and offboard per project. When you need something, you talk to someone who already has context.
Helping owners & execs
Nacho found me the best EA of my life!Noah Kagan, Chief Sumo & CEO, AppSumo
Our fractional COO from Nacho has been an incredible addition to our team. We're so grateful for her warmth, care, and how seamlessly she's stepped in.Dorly Roy, Creative Director, Golden Light Creative
Nacho took the time to understand my needs and matched me with an exceptional Executive Assistant who's become invaluable. The process was thoughtful, seamless, and supportive from start to finish.Melissa Dotson, President/Owner, Rieke Interiors
I tried hiring a full-time assistant on my own, and it was an epic fail. Using Nacho instead was one of the best investments I've made in my business.Felicia Reed, Owner, Felicia Reed Photography
Nacho has figured out what the small business owner needs to thrive. The day I hired Nacho was the day when my personal productivity and job satisfaction began to soar.Kathy Schwartz, Founder, SmallBizBrands
Nacho has become a trusted extension of my business, consistently connecting me with skilled professionals for everything from design and marketing to CRM support and AI projects.Amy Wolfgang, Owner + Executive Leadership Coach, Coach Wolfgang
When our ambition outpaced our bandwidth, Nacho connected us with someone we work with every week who's just as passionate about our projects as we are and truly feels like part of the team.Kara Timmins, Sr. Marketing Manager, Western Growers
Keep comparing
See how Nacho stacks up against other virtual assistant options.
Ready when you are
Book a free discovery call to learn how Nacho's flexible model can give you a single executive or a full team, without the long-term commitment. If the fit isn't right, the Nacho Guarantee means we re-match you for free.
