Honest Comparison
Sedes vs LegalZoom: Honest Comparison (2026)
The biggest name in legal services — but is bigger better?
Quick Verdict
LegalZoom is a well-established service with real strengths. But for most LLC formations, Sedes delivers more value at a lower total cost with AI-powered guidance. Read on for the full breakdown.
Pricing Comparison: True Cost
Advertised prices often hide the real cost. Here is what you actually pay in year one.
| Service | Sedes | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Fee | $0 | $0 - $299 |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | $49/yr | $299/yr |
| EIN Filing | Free | $79 |
| Operating Agreement | Included | $99 |
| Processing Time | Same-day prep | 20-30 business days (basic), 7-10 (Pro), 1-2 (Premium) |
| AI Guidance | Included | None |
| Compliance Automation | Included | Limited / Extra |
| Typical Year 1 Cost | $0 + state fees (Launch) or $199/yr (Shield with RA) | $0 filing + $299 RA + $79 EIN + $99 OA = $477+ before state fees |
Where LegalZoom Wins
- Brand recognition — they are the name everyone knows
- Attorney consultations available on Premium plan
- Mobile app for managing documents on the go
- Broader legal services beyond LLC formation (wills, trademarks, etc.)
Where Sedes Wins
- AI-guided formation vs a 15-screen checkout form
- EIN included free (LegalZoom charges $79)
- Registered agent at $49/yr vs $299/yr — save $250 annually
- No upsells — transparent pricing from the start
- Zero-click compliance automation
- Operating agreement included (LegalZoom charges $99)
LegalZoom: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Household brand name with 20+ years of history
- Attorney access on Premium plan
- Mobile app for document management
- Massive content library and legal resources
Cons
- Aggressive upselling during checkout — expect 10+ add-on screens
- $299/yr registered agent is the most expensive in the industry
- Charges $79 for EIN filing (free from IRS)
- Standard processing is 20-30 business days
- No AI guidance — just a long multi-step form
- Operating agreement is an extra $99+
“I almost went with LegalZoom because everyone has heard of them, but when I saw the checkout page with all the add-ons, my $0 formation turned into a $500 bill. Sedes was refreshingly simple.”
— Marcus T., Switched from LegalZoom checkout to Sedes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom worth the premium price?
LegalZoom built its reputation when online LLC formation was new. Today, the process is well-established, and you are largely paying for their brand name. Their basic plan advertises $0 formation but requires expensive add-ons for essentials like EIN filing and operating agreements. If you want attorney access, their Premium plan at $299 plus add-ons can make sense — but for straightforward LLC formation, more affordable options deliver the same result.
Why is LegalZoom's registered agent so expensive?
At $299/year, LegalZoom's registered agent service is the most expensive among major providers. The service itself is identical to what other companies offer for $49-$149/year. You receive mail forwarding and a registered address — there is no premium feature that justifies the price difference.
Does LegalZoom file my EIN for free like the IRS allows?
No. The IRS lets you file for an EIN at no cost on their website. LegalZoom charges $79 for this service. Sedes files your EIN at no additional charge because we believe essentials should be included.
How long does LegalZoom take to form an LLC?
LegalZoom's basic tier takes 20-30 business days. Their Pro plan (at $249) processes in 7-10 days, and Premium ($299) in 1-2 days. Most other formation services, including Sedes, offer same-day preparation as standard.
Try Sedes — $29 all-in, no hidden fees
AI-guided LLC formation with everything included. No upsells, no surprises, no fine print.
Start Your LLC$0 + state fees on Launch plan. No credit card required to start.