ZenBusiness Alternatives

ZenBusiness is a good LLC formation provider, but it's not the only one. Here are a few alternatives worth checking out.

ZenBusiness makes it easy for entrepreneurs to form an LLC for a low price. But some features, like registered agents and legal consultations, cost extra or aren't offered at all.

Luckily, other providers like Bizee and LegalZoom offer these and more in their LLC packages.

In this guide, you'll find six ZenBusiness alternatives, plus their pros, cons, and who they're best for. Explore each one so you can confidently choose the LLC service that best fits your needs.

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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Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Initial phone consultations with specialists about business insurance and taxes

Form Your LLC

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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 ZenBusiness Alternatives

If ZenBusiness doesn't quite fit your needs, these other LLC services might be a better match. Here's a quick comparison:

	Setup fee	Processing time	Registered agent fee
ZenBusiness	Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter)	7 to 10 business days	$199/year
Bizee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	Within 1 business day	Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year
LegalZoom	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	1 to 2 weeks	$249/year
Inc Authority	$0 + state fees	2 to 3 weeks	Free for the 1st year then renews at $199/year
Northwest Registered Agent	$39 + state fees	Within 1 business day	$125/year
Tailor Brands	Starts at $0 + state fees (Lite)	14 business days	$199/year
Rocket Lawyer	$99.99 + state fees ($0 + state fees with Rocket Legal+)	1 to 3 weeks	$249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+)

Let's get into more detail.

Bizee: For free year of registered agent

Like ZenBusiness, Bizee is an established LLC formation service with a free plan that only charges for the state fees. But what makes it stand out is the complimentary year of registered agent services, something often sold independently by many providers.

Bizee also has two paid plans with more extensive features, like an operating agreement and express document delivery. Although they're priced similarly to ZenBusiness' paid plans, there's one big difference: you only have to pay the fees once.

What's more, you'll continue to get lifetime compliance alerts through email and text message, even if your subscription has already ended. Each time, you can handle the filing by yourself or hire Bizee to do it.

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^[1]
  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^[2]
  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^[3]
  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:

LegalZoom: For bundled legal assistance

LegalZoom is another major provider in this space, offering LLC packages at different price points. Including a free plan that handles basic LLC filing for just the state fees.

But unlike ZenBusiness, LegalZoom also offers affordable legal services with business formation. It's a great option if you want help with more complex legal matters while on a budget.

With the Pro or Premium package, you can have an experienced attorney oversee your LLC formation. You also get access to unlimited 30-minute consultations about new legal topics for 30 days. and other legal tools to help ensure your business is on the right track.

LegalZoom: Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Initial phone consultations with specialists about business insurance and taxes

Click Here to Form Your LLC

Core services and fees:^[4]
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

• Basic: $0 + state fees
  With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

• Pro: $249 + state fees
  Pro comes with everything from Basic, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing. You also get a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services and editor access to customizable forms.

• Premium: $299 + state fees
  With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 6-month subscription to bookkeeping tools (invoicing, expense tracking, auto mileage capture).

Pros + Cons:

Inc Authority: For best free LLC plan

Inc Authority is another provider that can form your LLC for just the state fees. But what makes it stand out from competitors like ZenBusiness is the included features. It has thrown in major ones that most providers would charge a premium for.

Aside from standard filing, it includes a free year of registered agent services, 24-hour processing, and a custom-built website. If you're a first-time filer with a limited budget, this could be your best solution.

On the other hand, if your business has more complex needs, getting a premium service bundle may help. It has additional features, like an operating agreement, annual compliance notifications, ownership certificates, and more.

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

• Free LLC plan: $0 + state fees^[5]
  Aside from the standard LLC filing, this free flagship plan includes one year of registered agent service and EIN. You'll also get a trial for a custom-built website, domain and business email, plus digital storage/delivery of your documents, a tax planning consultation, and a business credit/funding analysis.

• Starter Business Bundle: Call for price
  This premium bundle effectively has the free plan offerings, but is 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:

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 doesn't have a free LLC plan like ZenBusiness. But it can still be worth considering, especially if you run an online or home-based business.

When you form an LLC, your business address typically becomes part of the public record. But with Northwest's Privacy by Default®, you can use their business address on all public forms instead. This prevents your home address from being exposed on public databases.

Plus, for $39 + state fees, you get these valuable features:

• Free registered agent services for one year
  
• Custom operating agreement
  
• Preparation and filing of LLC application documents
  
• Instant domain, website, email & phone number

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:

Tailor Brands: For bundled branding tools

If you also want a strong brand to go with your new LLC, that's where Tailor Brands might be more helpful than ZenBusiness.

If you choose the Elite plan, you'll get more than help with filing your LLC paperwork. You also get inclusive branding tools, like an AI-powered logo maker, website builder, business card, and more. You can tailor these tools to your business's specific needs and establish a professional brand identity from day one.

Considering the value a strong brand may add to your LLC, the cost is quite reasonable. However, like ZenBusiness, its registered agent services are only available as an add-on, even in the paid plans.

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

Click Here to Get Deal

Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:

• Lite: $0 + state fees
  With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization.

• Essential: $199/yr + state fees
  For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreement and annual compliance services. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.

• Elite: $249/yr + state fees
  Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.

Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.

Pros + Cons:

Rocket Lawyer: For ongoing legal support

Rocket Lawyer is another provider offering legal services alongside LLC formation. While it doesn't have a free LLC package like ZenBusiness, it's worth taking a look if you need regular or long-term legal assistance.

With Rocket Legal+, you'll get access to customizable legal documents and unlimited electronic signatures. You can also consult with a Legal Pro about legal questions and have them review the documents before executing them.

This plan also entitles you to discounts on Rocket Lawyer's other business services, like registered agent services and tax assistance. It can be a great fit if you want affordable long-term support beyond LLC formation.

But if you just want access to the documents and quick answers to legal questions, you can opt for the Rocket Legal plan instead. This one's charged monthly instead of yearly, so it's more cost-effective for short-term needs.

Plans and Pricing:^[11]
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:

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

FAQs

• What is ZenBusiness?

  ZenBusiness is an online provider that helps with LLC formation and other business-related processes like compliance, bookkeeping, tax filings, and website building. It features three formation packages, starting with a free plan offering basic LLC filing services.

• Who is ZenBusiness best for?

  ZenBusiness is great if you're a first-time LLC filer needing assistance. Or, if you're an entrepreneur who prefers not to do the filing and other related tasks yourself.

• Why would ZenBusiness not be for you?

  ZenBusiness might not be the right fit if you're looking for access to legal assistance or a registered agent service bundled with LLC formation. Or if you own a large-scale business and prefer a single comprehensive plan with more complex features.

• Who is cheaper than ZenBusiness?

  Northwest Registered Agent is cheaper than ZenBusiness in terms of paid plans. While it only has a single LLC formation plan, Northwest includes many useful services in the price, like a registered agent and a business address, to name a few.

• What is the difference between starter and pro ZenBusiness?

  ZenBusiness' Starter plan only charges for the state fees and includes standard LLC filing and a complimentary year of worry-free compliance. Meanwhile, the Pro plan is a paid option with additional features like faster turnaround times, an EIN, and an operating agreement.

Choosing the Best ZenBusiness Alternative

When picking a ZenBusiness alternative, 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 ZenBusiness 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

ZenBusiness is a solid option for LLC formation, especially if you're a first-time filer looking for a reliable, easy-to-use provider. But depending on your priorities, other providers might be a better fit.

For example, there's Bizee for a free year of registered agent services, Northwest Registered Agent for privacy protection, as well as four other great options.

Take the time to assess your business's needs, so you can choose the provider that checks all your boxes.

References