LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness
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.
LegalZoom
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
The most recognized online legal services platform for business formation and legal documents
ZenBusiness
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
The most popular LLC formation service with an all-in-one platform and worry-free guarantee
Our pick: ZenBusiness. Our editors rank ZenBusiness higher overall in LLC Formation Services — but LegalZoom can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Llc | Llc |
| Editorial rank | #2 of 15 | #1 of 15 |
Strengths
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
ZenBusiness
- ✓One of the most affordable formation services with plans starting under $50/year
- ✓Worry-Free Compliance guarantee automatically files annual reports
- ✓User-friendly platform makes the process simple for first-timers
- ✓Registered agent service is included in most plans
- ✓Strong customer support with high satisfaction ratings
Watch out for
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
ZenBusiness
- !Some useful features like operating agreements are locked behind higher-tier plans
- !Processing times can be slower than competitors during busy periods
- !Upsells during checkout can be confusing for new users
- !Phone support not always available on lower-tier plans
Best use cases
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
ZenBusiness
- →First-time entrepreneur starting an LLC on a tight budget
- →Solopreneur who wants an all-in-one platform to handle formation and ongoing compliance
- →Small business owner looking for an affordable registered agent with annual report filing
About each tool
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.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the fastest-growing business formation services in the US, praised for its affordable pricing, easy-to-use platform, and comprehensive set of services. It handles LLC and corporation formation in all 50 states, includes a registered agent service in its plans, and offers an operating agreement, EIN filing, and ongoing compliance tools. ZenBusiness is known for its Worry-Free Compliance guarantee, which helps businesses avoid costly compliance mistakes. Its plans start at a low annual rate making it accessible to first-time entrepreneurs.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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