Far Out Scout vs Athena
Athena and Far Out Scout solve different versions of the same problem. Athena gives you a managed executive assistant. Far Out Scout helps you find a person you hire directly, whether that is an EA, support rep, bookkeeper, social media manager, or operations hire.
Comparison current as of June 2026. Athena details are from public sources and may change. Check their site for the latest.
| Far Out Scout | Athena | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Recruiter: you hire and employ the person directly | Managed service: the assistant works through Athena |
| Pricing | One-time contingency fee on hire, then the salary you set | ~$3,000/mo per assistant (as of June 2026) |
| Commitment | No subscription or lock-in | Initial 90-day commitment, then month-to-month |
| Roles | VA, EA, support, bookkeeping, social, sales, ops | Focused on executive assistants |
| Hire directly? | Yes, they become your team member | Buyout fee to hire directly |
| Talent regions | Philippines and South America | Global, Philippines-heavy |
Who Athena is
Athena is a premium managed executive-assistant service. As of June 2026, Athena lists $3,000 per month for one dedicated full-time assistant, with an initial 90-day commitment and month-to-month billing after that. The plan includes executive coaching, security and compliance, and backup coverage. Hiring the assistant directly carries a buyout fee.
When Athena is the better choice
Choose Athena if you want one fully managed executive assistant, built-in coaching, compliance support, backup coverage, and a predictable monthly invoice.
When Far Out Scout is the better choice
Choose Far Out Scout if you want the person on your team directly, want to fill roles beyond an executive assistant, and do not want an ongoing per-assistant subscription. You pay once when you hire, then the salary you agree with your team member. There is no buyout because they are yours from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Far Out Scout cheaper than Athena?
Usually over a full year, yes. Athena lists about $3,000 per month per assistant (roughly $36,000 a year) as of June 2026. With Far Out Scout you pay a one-time placement fee and then the salary you agree with your hire, which for most offshore roles totals well under that annual figure. The right choice depends on whether you want a managed service or to employ someone directly.
Can I hire the assistant directly with Athena?
Athena charges a buyout fee to hire your assistant directly. With Far Out Scout, the person you hire is your team member from day one, with no buyout.
What roles can Far Out Scout fill that Athena does not focus on?
Far Out Scout recruits virtual assistants, executive assistants, customer support, bookkeepers, social media managers, sales reps, community managers, and operations coordinators. Athena focuses specifically on executive assistants.
See what the role would cost
Far Out Scout sources, screens, and reference-checks candidates from the Philippines and South America. Start a search, or compare typical role costs in our salary guide.