Honest Comparison
Sedes vs ZenBusiness: Honest Comparison (2026)
Popular and affordable — but watch the upsells on Starter
Quick Verdict
ZenBusiness 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 | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Fee | $0 | $0 - $349 |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | $49/yr | $199/yr |
| EIN Filing | Free | $99 |
| Operating Agreement | Included | $99 |
| Processing Time | Same-day prep | 2-3 weeks (Starter), 1-2 weeks (Pro), 4-6 days (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 + $199 RA + $99 EIN + $99 OA = $397+ before state fees |
Where ZenBusiness Wins
- Worry-free compliance guarantee on Pro and Premium
- Clean user interface and smooth experience
- Strong customer reviews and support
- Good value on their Pro plan if you want bundled services
Where Sedes Wins
- EIN and operating agreement included at no extra cost
- Registered agent at $49/yr vs $199/yr
- AI-guided process explains decisions in plain English
- No surprise auto-renewals at higher prices
- Compliance automation included on all plans
ZenBusiness: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clean, modern interface
- Good bundling on Pro plan
- Worry-free compliance guarantee on paid plans
- Strong customer support reviews
Cons
- Starter plan is very bare-bones — most people upgrade
- Registered agent costs $199/year
- EIN is an extra $99
- Operating agreement costs $99 on Starter
- Auto-renewal at full price catches some users off guard
“ZenBusiness seemed great until I realized the Starter plan barely includes anything. By the time I added EIN and an operating agreement, I was spending more than Sedes charges for everything.”
— Jamie L., Compared ZenBusiness Starter vs Sedes Shield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZenBusiness really free?
ZenBusiness offers $0 formation on their Starter plan, but it is bare-bones. It does not include an EIN ($99 add-on), operating agreement ($99), or many compliance features. Most users end up on the Pro plan at $199/year to get what they need.
How does ZenBusiness compare to Sedes on price?
ZenBusiness Starter is $0 but requires add-ons. Their Pro plan at $199/yr bundles more features. Sedes includes EIN, operating agreement, and compliance tools from the start, so the total cost is typically lower.
Does ZenBusiness auto-renew?
Yes, ZenBusiness auto-renews at full price. Some users report being surprised by renewal charges. Make sure to review your subscription terms and set calendar reminders if you want to cancel.
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.