Incfile vs LegalZoom

An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top llc formation services picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.

Incfile

Incfile

Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory

Budget-friendly LLC formation service with a free basic plan and fast filing times

Freemium
LegalZoom

LegalZoom

Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory

The most recognized online legal services platform for business formation and legal documents

Paid

Our pick: LegalZoom. Our editors rank LegalZoom higher overall in LLC Formation Services — but Incfile can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review

Compare the details

IncfileLegalZoom
Pricing modelFreemiumPaid
Starting priceSee websiteSee website
CategoryLlcLlc
Editorial rank#4 of 15#2 of 15

Strengths

Incfile

  • Free Silver plan covers basic LLC formation (state fees only)
  • Over 1 million businesses formed with a proven track record
  • Fast standard processing with expedited options available
  • Intuitive dashboard for tracking order status
  • Wide range of add-on services for growing businesses

LegalZoom

  • Most recognized and trusted brand in online legal services
  • Access to licensed attorneys for legal advice and document review
  • Comprehensive library of legal documents beyond just formation
  • Strong nonprofit and corporation formation capabilities
  • Long track record with over 4 million businesses served

Watch out for

Incfile

  • !Free plan only includes one year of registered agent — renewals cost extra
  • !Registered agent service is less robust than Northwest or ZenBusiness
  • !Upsells can add up quickly during checkout
  • !Customer service quality has been inconsistent according to some reviews

LegalZoom

  • !Formation fees are significantly higher than most competitors
  • !Upsells and add-ons make the final cost unpredictable
  • !Customer service reviews are mixed with some complaints about long wait times
  • !Attorney access requires a separate subscription on top of formation fees

Best use cases

Incfile

  • First-time entrepreneur who wants to form an LLC at the lowest possible cost
  • Solopreneur who just needs a simple formation without extras
  • Business testing an idea who wants to minimize upfront costs

LegalZoom

  • Business owner who wants peace of mind from a well-known, established brand
  • Entrepreneur who anticipates needing ongoing attorney access beyond just formation
  • Business forming a nonprofit who needs guidance on IRS 501(c)(3) applications

About each tool

Incfile

Incfile (now rebranded as Bizee) is one of the most popular low-cost LLC formation services, offering a free Silver plan where customers only pay state filing fees. The company has formed over 1 million businesses and provides a range of services including registered agent, EIN filing, operating agreement, and banking resolution. Incfile's free tier and transparent pricing make it a top choice for cost-conscious entrepreneurs starting their first business.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom is the most well-known online legal services company in the US, having helped over 4 million businesses form since 2001. It offers LLC, corporation, and nonprofit formation along with a vast library of legal documents, attorney consultations, and ongoing legal services. While its formation fees tend to be higher than competitors, LegalZoom's brand recognition, legal expertise, and comprehensive service offerings make it a popular choice for business owners who want access to attorneys alongside their formation services.

Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.

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