LegalZoom Alternatives

LegalZoom's pricey add-ons and longer processing times can be discouraging for first-time LLC filers. Fortunately, you may have better options.

From Rocket Lawyer's similar legal assistance to Inc Authority's generous free LLC package. You don't have to settle for LegalZoom's LLC formation services.

Explore those providers as well as four other great alternatives. Learn about their features, pros and cons, and more.

Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees

• Check business name availability
• Lifetime compliance alerts
• Lifetime support via email and phone
• LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand

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LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

• Files all paperwork with the state
• 1 year registered agent included
• Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
• Free LLC Operating Agreement
• Never sells your data. Ever.

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Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

• Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
• Standard filing speed
• 100% accuracy guaranteed
• Other services are available with additional costs

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6 LegalZoom Alternatives

A good alternative to LegalZoom should be fast, affordable, and ready to help with all parts of setting up your business.

Here's how LegalZoom's base plan compares with other providers:

Let's get into more detail.

Rocket Lawyer: For Bundled Legal Services

Like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer is an online service that provides ongoing legal assistance to business owners. However, they take different approaches to pricing and service structure.

Rocket Lawyer makes legal guidance available at its entry-level plan, Rocket Legal. Here, you can ask any legal or tax questions conveniently via its mobile app. LegalZoom, by contrast, reserves legal assistance for its highest LLC formation tier.

On the other hand, Rocket Lawyer positions legal services as its primary offering, where LLC filing is just an add-on. Its two plans mainly differ in terms of monthly and yearly.

Another difference between the two providers lies in their respective top-tier packages that include one-on-one attorney consultations on new legal topics.

The Rocket Legal+ comes cheaper than LegalZoom's Premium plan. Rocket Lawyer also allows you to spread the fee across four installments vs. LegalZoom's three-payment option.

Rather than offering a free plan, Rocket Lawyer has a free trial of its plans. The advantage is that you can already get answers to some of your legal questions before fully committing to a paid subscription.

Plans and Pricing:^[1]
Rocket Lawyer offers two membership plans:

• Rocket Legal: $39.99/mo
  
• Rocket Legal+: $19.99/mo or $239.88/yr

Both plans offer the same benefits, including unlimited custom legal documents, Document Defense® in case of contract dispute, and access to an experienced lawyer for any legal questions.

The difference? Rocket Legal+ is billed annually and offers up to 50% discount on most a la carte services:

Pros + Cons:

Swyft Filings: For Lifetime Support

If you prefer dedicated, hands-on support from experts, Swyft Filings is your best choice. You can call or email whenever you need assistance, even with a free plan.

Thanks to a business specialist who'll learn about your business and its unique needs. Their detailed insights can help streamline everything, especially after your LLC is formed.

Swyft's paid plans are also budget-friendly. With its 2-Easy Payment Plan, you can split the total into two installments. This makes it easier to manage your expenses while still getting the features you need.

Like LegalZoom, Swyft offers attorney guidance only when you opt for its top-tier plan. But at the same time, none of its plans include a registered agent. While you can get this as an add-on, it's much more expensive than many providers.

Plans and pricing:
Swyft Filings offers three LLC formation packages:^[2]

• Basic Plan: $0 + Filing Fees
  With this free plan, Swyft will prepare and file your LLC formation documents with the state within 10 days of receipt of your details. You can also use the Basic plan's free business name check and lifetime customer support.

• Standard Plan: $199 + Filing Fees
  Standard prepares and files your documents with the state within five days of receipt and payment. It includes extra features like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolution. You also get a website plus free domain and access to 250+ customizable documents.

• Premium Plan: $299 + Filing Fees
  Premium prepares and files your documents with the state within one business day of receipt and payment. You also get expedited FedEx shipping, ComplianceGuard, and access to 250+ customizable documents.

Pros + Cons:

ZenBusiness: For first-time business owners

ZenBusiness offers a complimentary LLC filing package like LegalZoom. The main difference is that it guarantees worry-free LLC compliance for the first year—a valuable feature, especially for someone new or anxious about whether they're doing things right or not.

For instance, ZenBusiness can file your annual report plus two amendments as part of the free package. These amendments could be about changing your LLC name, business address, or registered agent's details.

Some add-on costs are lower than LegalZoom's. ZenBusiness charges $199/year for a registered agent, while LegalZoom's fee is $249/year. However, both companies charge for some services that you can do easily online for free. Like generating your Employer Identification Number.

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

• Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
• Standard filing speed
• 100% accuracy guaranteed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Click Here to Learn More

Packages and fees:^[5]
ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation: a free basic package, and 2 paid tiers with annual fees.

• Starter: $0 + state fees
  With Starter, you get standard formation features like business name search, preparation and filing of formation documents, and an online account to access documents.

  The Starter plan also includes a free year of Worry-Free Compliance services and a free tax savings consultation.

• Pro: $199/yr + state fees
  Pro is ideal if you want ZenBusiness to handle most of your LLC's requirements without paying for each service separately. You get everything in Starter plus an operating agreement, EIN, and rush filing.

• Premium: $299/yr + state fees
  Premium includes everything in the first two plans, plus unlimited access to Zenbusiness's business template library, a business website, and business email.

Pros + Cons:

Forming an LLC means going public with your business. But this next option does better in keeping some things private.

Northwest Registered Agent: For Enhanced Privacy Protection

Northwest Registered Agent may be a smarter choice than LegalZoom when creating your LLC. It's cheaper, more attentive, and cares about privacy.

When you form an LLC, your business address will become part of the public record. So if you conduct your business in your residence, your personal address is also made public.

With Northwest, you get a free business address. In other words, you can use its address as your own business address, not just as your registered agent's address. This is practically an unmatched free service that helps keep your home's privacy intact.

While you can open a free account, it's only limited to state forms and tools. On the other hand, the starter pack doesn't cost much. Northwest includes a registered agent and operating agreement without paying extra. This deal lasts a year only, then the standard registered agent rate of $125/year will apply.

Unlike LegalZoom, Northwest doesn't offer business licensing assistance. Nonetheless, its customer support is strong, with a two-hour callback promise in case staff missed your call. If you send an email inquiry during business hours, you'll hear from them on the same day.

LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

• Files all paperwork with the state
• 1 year registered agent included
• Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
• Free LLC Operating Agreement
• Never sells your data. Ever.

Click Here to Get Deal

Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:

• Filing Services: $39 + state fees^[6]
  Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone.

• Registered Agent Services: $125/year^[7]
  Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more.

• Annual Report: $100/year + state fees^[8]
  Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates.

• Identity Services: $9+/monthly^[9]
  Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).

Pros + Cons:

Bizee: For lifetime LLC compliance Alerts

Bizee is another popular online LLC service known for its straightforward formation packages and other business services.

One of its standout features is ongoing compliance monitoring. Bizee will send regular email and text alerts if you choose a paid LLC formation plan. You can handle the filings yourself or pay Bizee for assistance.

Another advantage is the inclusion of useful perks, like a free registered agent service for the first year. Bizee also offers a complimentary business tax consultation that not many providers offer for free. It will guide you on initial federal and state tax requirements, taking out the guesswork and headaches.

However, unlike LegalZoom, which provides daily customer support, Bizee's support team is only available on weekdays. Still, Bizee provides an option to talk to a representative in Spanish and English.

Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:

• Basic: $0 + state fees^[10]
  Bizee's free plan prepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.

• Standard: $199 + state fees^[11]
  The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.

• Premium: $299 + state fees^[12]
  Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.

Aside from business formation, you can pay for a la carte services like business license research, DBA filing, and annual report services.

Pros + Cons:

Inc Authority: Best Free Service

Several companies offer free LLC formation services. And then there's Inc Authority. Its flagship package costs nothing—you only have to pay the state fees, which are usually non-negotiable.

But unlike other free services, this one actually has a few major offerings that other providers charge for, alongside standard features. They include a custom-built website, which you'd usually only expect from a paid service.

On the other hand, if you have more complexities to your business, getting a premium plan may help. It has level-up features such as an operating agreement, annual compliance notifications, and ownership certificates.

Alternatively, you can just buy tailored services if you prefer. The intuitive online platform makes placing an order easy and convenient, which is always a plus. However, you'll have to call customer support to know the prices since the website doesn't show them.

Anyhow, you may also use bonuses and discounts, if any, from some of Inc Authority's partner brands to lower premium business service costs.

Plans and Pricing:
Inc Authority has one primary LLC formation offer plus two premium LLC service bundles. They are:

• $0 + state fees^[14]
  Aside from the standard LLC filing, this free flagship plan includes one year of registered agent service and EIN. It also provides you with a custom-built website, digital storage and delivery, tax planning consultation, as well as business credit and funding analysis.

• Starter Business Bundle: Call for price
  This premium bundle effectively has the free plan offerings, but a notch higher. Like providing custom state-filed articles, complete operating agreement or bylaws, certificates documenting ownership or stocks, initial meeting minutes and resolutions, plus a few more.

• Fast Track Business Bundle: Call for price
  The Fast Track Bundle gets you everything from the Starter Business Bundle and then some. It offers expedited filing, a private banking specialist, personalized business advice, and an Inc Authority Success Advisor package.

Pros + Cons:

Still have questions about LegalZoom or its alternatives? Check out some of the answers by clicking the dropdowns below.

FAQS

• What is LegalZoom?

  LegalZoom is an online provider of fairly affordable business formation and legal services outside traditional law firms. It also offers consultations with legal professionals on personal affairs like estate planning and healthcare directives.

• Does LegalZoom use AI?

  LegalZoom uses AI, particularly in Doc Assist. It's designed to help you quickly review legal documents by providing summaries, distilling key points, and generating tailored questions about the document type.

  This tool leverages both LegalZoom's expertise and AI's ability to process and interpret complex text in a short time.

• Who LegalZoom is best for?

  LegalZoom is great if you're an entrepreneur with complex legal requirements. Or prefer a lawyer to guide your LLC formation. Either way, you can get their services easily and quite affordably.

• Who is cheaper than LegalZoom?

  Bizee's free LLC formation plan includes a registered agent for one year, providing more value than its equivalent at LegalZoom. With a paid service, ZenBusiness' Pro plan is cheaper than LegalZoom's.

• Why would LegalZoom not be for you?

  LegalZoom may not be the best if your priority is a quick turnaround time for your LLC formation. Or if you're working with limited startup capital. You might find more suitable alternatives that balance speed and affordability.

Choosing the Best LegalZoom Alternative

When picking a LegalZoom competitor, consider these key factors:

Value for money
Don't just choose the cheapest option—evaluate whether the features justify the cost. Quality services often deliver better long-term value than the lowest-priced alternatives.

Additional services
While many providers include standard features like a registered agent for your LLC, look for unique benefits or specialized services you could actually use.

Turnaround time
Can you get the results in a timely manner? Note that when it says rush processing, it's usually on the provider's end. For rush LLC filings, you'll also have to pay for expedited services by the state, which can be expensive.

Customer support
Generic, automated responses rarely solve complex business formation issues. Prioritize providers offering accessible live agents via phone and responsive email support to address concerns.

Transparency
Aggressive upsells, hidden fees, and subscription traps are annoying. The best alternatives maintain straightforward pricing, outlining what you're paying for without surprises later.

Experience
New players tend to offer cheaper services to grab your attention. However, established companies with a proven track record of reliability and successful filing histories may add confidence in your decision.

Our Methodology

We understand that finding the right LLC formation service is crucial for your business success. A LegalZoom alternative should simplify the process, not complicate it.

We've carefully vetted the options with their comprehensive offerings, value-driven pricing, reliability, and customer support.

However, we still encourage you to carefully evaluate each provider based on your specific business requirements and priorities.

Bottom Line

While LegalZoom works well for many people, other companies might better match what you're looking for. Rocket Lawyer is best if you want more affordable ongoing legal guidance. You also have Northwest Registered Agent that goes the extra mile to protect your privacy, and other alternatives.

Pick one that checks most, if not all, of your boxes. It would help launch your LLC quickly and confidently.

References