ZenBusiness and LegalZoom are the two most popular LLC formation services in the country. ZenBusiness has positioned itself as the affordable alternative, while LegalZoom trades on name recognition and a broader range of legal services. Here is how they stack up head-to-head.
Pricing Comparison
| Feature | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Basic LLC Filing | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Pro/Standard Plan | $199/yr | $249 one-time |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr | $299/yr |
| EIN Filing | Included in Pro | $70 (Basic) / Included (Standard) |
| Operating Agreement | Included in Pro | $99 (Basic) / Included (Standard) |
| Compliance Alerts | Included | $99/yr add-on |
ZenBusiness Strengths
- Better pricing overall. Even the $0 plan includes more than LegalZoom's $0 plan.
- Faster processing. Standard processing is typically faster than LegalZoom.
- Better reviews. ZenBusiness consistently scores higher on review sites for customer satisfaction.
- Worry-free compliance. Their Pro plan includes annual report filing, which LegalZoom charges extra for.
LegalZoom Strengths
Form your LLC the honest way
No hidden fees, no upsells. Sedes includes everything — formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent — starting at $29.
Start Free- Broader services. LegalZoom offers trademark filing, wills, patents, and other legal services beyond business formation.
- Attorney access. The Premium plan includes a real attorney consultation.
- Established brand. Some people value the peace of mind from using the biggest name.
Hidden Catches to Watch
ZenBusiness: Their pricing is annual, not one-time. The Pro plan at $199/year is competitive, but make sure you understand the renewal. Also, their $0 plan does not include the registered agent or EIN.
LegalZoom: Their one-time pricing is misleading because the registered agent ($299/year) is annual. The total cost over three years is significantly higher than ZenBusiness.
The Third Option
Both ZenBusiness and LegalZoom are decent services, but both are more expensive than they need to be. At Sedes, we include everything — formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent, compliance alerts — for $29 one-time plus state fees. No annual subscription surprises.
Start your LLC with Sedes
$29 all-in. Formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent included. No hidden fees. Ready in minutes.
Start Free — Talk to Sedes