Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
LegalZoom Alternatives: LegalZoom is one of the oldest and most well-known companies when you want to start an LLC. It is one of those companies that offer LLC formation for free along with other legal and business services. However, despite offering diverse dynamic business support and elaborate legal support, many people consider LegalZoom as a non-suitable service provider for their business.
Hence, we have an elaborate list of LegalZoom competitors that are comparatively new in the market yet much more efficient for some entrepreneurs. Looking at those companies and their service offerings, I have listed 6 LegalZoom competitors you can try.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Top LegalZoom Competitors List in 2024
Here is the list of 6 top LegalZoom competitors you can explore.
- ZenBusiness: ZenBusiness is the top choice for LegalZoom alternatives. It offers LLC formation at $0 plus the state fees.
- TailorBrands: TailorBrands is the second on the list. TB offers everything that you need to run a business. LLC formation, website, logo, and so on.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Northwest is popularly known for its registered agent service at a reasonable price.
- Inc Authority: Inc Authority offers LLC formation for free plus the state fees. This company also offers Registered Agent service free for a year.
- BetterLegal: BetterLegal offers the best prices for Registered Agent services and other formation services.
- Incfile: Incfile (Now Bizee) offers essential services for free. The LLC formation package starts from $0 + state fees.
Top LegalZoom Competitors Breakdown
LegalZoom has everything an entrepreneur looks for while setting up an LLC. However, as mentioned, the company offers some pricey deals that might not fit many business owners. Here are the services I recommend as the competitors of LegalZoom that one can use.
ZenBusiness
Key Features
- It offers an LLC formation package starting from $0 + mandatory state filing fee
- ZenBusiness offers a standalone registered agent service at $99 per year.
- It guarantees 100% accuracy and transparency.
- The premium package offers multiple options and expedited filings like EIN, domain, name, and compliance guarantee.
- You can get a CPA assessment record to understand the formation’s finances and costs.
Pros👍
- It offers LLC formation at $0 + state fees.
- It offers standalone registered agent service at $99/year.
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Positive customer review on Trustpilot
- Offers all types of business formation and maintenance services
- BBB a+ Accredited
Cons👎
- Additional charges to obtain EIN
- No formation for Non-profit business
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom
- Both ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, both of the services offer free LLC formation in their basic package.
- For both companies, LLC formation packs have similar pricing ranges. However, other add-ons are more pricey in LegalZoom compared to ZenBusiness.
- LegalZoom has elaborate legal services for professionals, unlike ZenBusiness which has elaborate business formation services.
- ZenBusiness offers 100% accuracy and transparency, unlike LegalZoom.
- For a small business, choosing ZenBusiness over LegalZoom will be better as the latter offers a lot of legal assistance that small businesses might not require.
- LegalZoom offers a free website with its basic package but ZenBusiness does not have anything like that.
So, choosing ZenBusiness over LegalZoom will be better if you want basic services. LegalZoom will be a better choice if you’re looking for more services, such as a website, legal advice, or any other legal services other than the essential services.
Zenbusiness offers three packages, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Pro package ($249 + State fees) is highly recommended if you want more than just basic formation services. The premium package ($299 + state fees) offers everything, including business domain, business bank account service, and other supportive services. Read the ZenBusiness Review to know more about the services and pricing.
TailorBrands
Key Features
- It offers a single plan that includes basic LLC formation services.
- Registered Agent service does not come with the basic plan.
- Other packages offer logo-making, domain names, and other business and marketing plans to grow your business.
Pros👍
- Low-cost formation services
- Excellent turnaround time
- Additional services, like logo, domain, and merchandise
- Positive customer reviews
- Cheaper filing services
Cons👎
- Not BBB accredited
- The business domain does not come with incorporation services.
TaiorBrands vs LegalZoom
- TailorBrands offers complete branding services at a very reasonable price, including logo design, website, and other branding services.
- LegalZoom offers the same basic services at a bit high price.
- TailorBrands does not offer any legal services while LegalZoom offers an elaborate legal service at a very basic price.
Overall it will be cheaper to choose TailorBrands over LegalZoom for the basic formation services. For strictly legal issues, LegalZoom is the service you need.
TailorBrands is comparatively new in the market, while LegalZoom has been operating its business for a long time. Hence, the latter has more impressions in the market than TailorBrands. Those who want to go with the experienced team can go with LegalZoom. However, TailorBrands offers incredible business services that help you set up your company and brand. Read TailorBrands Review to learn more about the company and its services.
Northwest Registered Agent
Key Features
- It offers only one formation package at $39 + State fees.
- It offers a standalone registered agent at $125 a year.
- It offers Registered Agent service, LLC formation, and maintenance at $225 + State fees.
- They have in-house Corporate Guides to help you through your business. It comes at no additional fee.
Pros👍
- Standalone registered agent service
- DIY formation packages
- Personalized services
- Start and maintain the business
- Lifetime business guide
- Fast Services
- Transparent pricing
Cons👎
- Additional charges to obtain EIN
- Compared to other companies, Registered Agent is expensive (ZenBusiness offers at $99)
- Not BBB accredited
LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent
- The biggest difference between Northwest and LegalZoom is the price of the registered agent service. Northwest offers this service at $125 a year, while LegalZoom offers it at $299 per year.
- The basic formation pack from Northwest starts from $39 + state fees. LegalZoom offers its basic pack at $0 + state fees.
- LegalZoom is an expert in the market, while Northwest is a simple family-owned business. There is no ChatBot for communication.
Northwest is anything but a corporate. Hence, choosing an expert at a high price will not be a bad deal. Also, LegalZoom offers LLC formation for free. Northwest does not offer any legal help with the formation service. But it offers all the needful services needed to form an LLC.
Northwest Registered Agent is popularly known for its registered agent service and their DIY packages. The company offers various formation and maintenance services at a reasonable price. If you are not looking for any legal advice but only formation services, or standalone registered agent services, then Northwest Registered Agent can be the option. Read Northwest Registered Agent Review to learn more about its services and plans.
Inc Authority
Key Features
- It offers free LLC formation and free registered agents for a year.
- It offers business services like websites, business credit cards, etc.
- It has express filing, which means you can speed up the process.
- It has a wide range of services and additional features such as website marketing, business credit coaching, tax consulting, etc.
Pros👍
- Free LLC Formation
- Free registered agent service for a year
- Free LLC name search
- User-friendly online services
- Express processing
Cons👎
- Not transparent pricing
- Add-ons are expensive
- No price was mentioned for the Registered agent premium package.
Inc Authority vs. LegalZoom
- Both Inc Authority and LegalZoom offer LLC formation at $0 + state filing fee.
- Inc Authority offers free registered agent service for one year. LegalZoom charges $299 per year for the same service.
- After a year, Inc Authority charges $179 for the Registered Agent service whereas LegalZoom offers a comparatively higher price.
- The add-on services from Inc Authority are too expensive as they outsource most of them, unlike LegalZoom.
Both these companies have online business formation services that do not take much time to file. However, LegalZoom is more efficient and stable in terms of experience and pricing. Even though Inc Authority offers cheaper plans, the company’s pricing policy is not very clear regarding renewal services. Hence, it might be expensive, but choosing LegalZoom over Inc Authority will be profitable.
Inc Authority offers free LLC formation and free registered agent service for a year. Small businesses with a tight budget, startups, and other medium businesses can easily opt for this service. Read Inc Authority Review to learn more about the services and prices.
BetterLegal
Key Features
- BetterLegal offers a flat price of $299 with no hidden cost.
- BetterLegal offers registered agents at $90 a year and $10 monthly.
- BetterLegal offers a resource center. They have several articles on forming businesses by experts. Users can search and read those articles for their references.
- BetterLegal does not have any refund system. All sales are final.
- BetterLegal has the best customer service. You can directly talk to the executives via its website.
Pros👍
- Fast turnaround time
- LLC filing within 10 min to 2 business days
- Flat package for online incorporation services
- Registered agent service is cheaper than competitors.
- A+ BBB Accredited
Cons👎
- Additional charges to obtain EIN
- None of the basic business formation packages include registered agent service.
- No attorney or legal service
- Limited customer support services
BetterLegal vs. LegalZoom
- BetterLegal does not offer any legal services or attorneys. It only offers a complete package to form your business, unlike LegalZoom.
- BetterLegal offers business compliance services but not business law services.
- LegalZoom’s business formation package pricing is cheaper than what BetterLegal offers.
- If we compare both, BetterLegal stands out in terms of turnaround time. The company provides LLC filing within 2 business days, whereas LegalZoom takes a couple of weeks.
- The registered agent service from BetterLegal costs $90 per year, which is far cheaper than what LegalZoom offers ($299 per year).
- In terms of customer service, LegalZoom has competent customer service, unlike BetterLegal.
BetterLegal does not offer any refund. One has to make the final payment and there is no way to get back the money. LegalZoom has a 60-day money-back guarantee. Hence, choosing LegalZoom over BetterLegal will be a wise decision.
BetterLegal has a flat package that offers standard formation services. The package is a bit expensive compared to LegalZoom but the registered agent service is much more affordable. Read BetterLegal Review to learn more about its services and pricing in detail.
Bizee (Powered by Incfile)
Key Features
- It offers a free LLC formation service.
- Free Registered Agent for a year
- After one year of formation, you can get the Annual Reporting service in Gold and Platinum plans.
Pros👍
- Free LLC Formation
- Free registered agent service for a year
- LLC filing within a day
- No auto-renewal
- No hidden cost
- Refund policy
Cons👎
- Slow refund process
- Expensive add-ons
- Limited add-ons
- Not-so-reliable customer service
Incfile vs. LegalZoom
- Bizee offers free LLC formation like ZenBusiness. But, it offers free Registered Agent for one year which LegalZoom does not.
- Bizee is much cheaper than LegalZoom. However, comparing service features, LegalZoom has more items on its menu than Bizee.
- Bizee offers a bunch of add-ons but other competitors offer more services in their Add-on list.
LegalZoom offers an entire package with various formation services, including legal forms and such. Unlike, Bizee, which does not offer any legal plans or such. Bizee offers low-cost introductory packages but that isn’t enough for entrepreneurs who are looking for more business and legal services.
Overall in terms of price Bizee is desirable, especially for the ones with tight budgets. LegalZoom is a bit expensive compared to Bizee. But it offers many services, including business compliance-related services. Hence, it is inevitable to choose LegalZoom over Bizee if you’re not looking for a budget-friendly service. Read Incfile (Bizee) Review to know more about Incfile services and premium packages.
What LegalZoom Offers
LegalZoom is popular among entrepreneurs for its diverse services. If you want to start an LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp, LegalZoom has everything for you. Not only just the business formation service, but this company also provides legal support, attorneys, personal legal solutions, and so on. LegalZoom mainly offers 3 LLC formation packages.
Packages Offered By LegalZoom
Basic: $0 + State Fees
- Name search & business entity filing
- Digital LLC welcome pack
- Tax consultation
- Standard turnaround time
- Free website with Wix
Pro: $249 + State Fees
- All services from the Basic Pack
- Fast filing
- Delux LLC kit
- Personalized notebook
Premium: $299 + State fees
- All services from Pro Pack
- Expedited filing
- Express shipping
The Basic pack offers all the essential services needed to form an LLC. Along with that, a few Wix websites are available with this package. The other two packages offer expedited filing. In the Pro Package, the filing will be done 5 days before the standard time. Whereas in the Premium package, they offer filing within 1 day.
Why Do You Look for LegalZoom Competitors?
LegalZoom offers a pretty good deal when it comes to forming your LLC. However, there are things that are not suitable for all kinds of entrepreneurs. LegalZoom has a bunch of add-on services. Those services are quite expensive compared to other competitors in the market.
The Economy plan takes 30 business days to file your business which is a lot for many. On the other hand, there are some companies that offer your LLC to be filed within a day or so. Besides, these companies have flexible refund options that can grab more attention. LegalZoom has a 60-day money-back guarantee. The upsells are pricey and so is the Registered Agent service.
Because of these shortcomings, there might be a need for LegalZoom alternatives.
F.A.Q.
In 2024, the best LegalZoom competitor is ZenBusiness. The company offers similar services as LegalZoom. However, the pricing is affordable. The biggest advantage of ZenBusiness is it offers a free trial package. You can try the trial pack from ZenBusiness and then decide whether to continue with the premium package. They have excellent services at an affordable price.
LegalZoom offers legal services along with formation services. Compared with other competitors in the business service industry, LegalZoom offers fewer formation services than others at a high price. Several competitors offer business advice, entrepreneur package, and such at a much lower price.
Yes, there are cheaper legal service providers than Legalzoom. Many of these providers offer similar services to Legalzoom, such as document preparation and filing of documents with government agencies. Companies such as RocketLawyer, allow you to save money by offering all-in-one packages where you can create multiple entities with various documents needing to be signed up at once. Additionally, many local entrepreneurs search for lawyers and legal professionals in their area who specialize in the particular needs of a startup business. By utilizing local resources, an entrepreneur can often find cheaper legal professionals that provide more personal attention to their situation.
Legal Zoom’s competitors offer a wide range of prices depending on the legal services being offered. For example, services like Rocket Lawyer offer competitive pricing for basic legal services, such as document preparation, starting at around $20 per month. On the other hand, more specialized services from companies such as UpCounsel can cost over $100 per hour for highly-skilled attorneys. Ultimately, because LegalZoom offers a range of packages from basic to more complicated legal work, their pricing remains competitive when compared to other online competitors.
How to Choose Best Legalzoom Alternative
First and foremost, it is important to consider the range of services offered by the alternative legal services provider. While LegalZoom may be known for its document templates and forms, there are other providers that offer a wider range of legal services, such as personalized legal advice, representation in court, and business formation services. Depending on your needs, it may be beneficial to opt for a provider that offers more comprehensive services beyond simple document preparation.
Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a LegalZoom alternative. While LegalZoom may offer competitive pricing for its services, there may be other providers that offer more affordable options or different pricing structures, such as subscription-based models or pay-as-you-go plans. It is important to evaluate your budget and determine the most cost-effective option for your legal needs.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the reputation and credibility of the alternative legal services provider. Conducting research on the provider’s background, customer reviews, and accreditation can help you gauge the quality of services offered and the level of customer satisfaction. Choosing a reputable provider can give you peace of mind and ensure that you are receiving reliable and trustworthy legal assistance.
Another important consideration when choosing a LegalZoom alternative is the level of customer support and accessibility provided by the provider. Legal matters can be complex and overwhelming, so having access to knowledgeable and responsive customer support can make a significant difference in your experience with the provider. Look for alternatives that offer multiple channels of communication, such as phone, email, and live chat, and prompt responses to inquiries.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider the customization and personalization options offered by the alternative legal services provider. While LegalZoom may offer standard templates and forms, there are other providers that provide more tailored and individualized solutions to meet your specific legal needs. Look for providers that offer customization options, document review services, and access to legal professionals who can offer personalized advice and assistance.
In conclusion, there are numerous alternatives to LegalZoom available in the market, each offering unique benefits and features. When choosing the best LegalZoom alternative for your legal needs, consider factors such as the range of services offered, cost, reputation, customer support, and customization options. By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select a provider that aligns with your requirements and provides you with the quality legal assistance you deserve.
Conclusion
LegalZoom is a kind of company that everyone relies on. However, apart from trust and transparency, the cost of starting a business is a huge burden on entrepreneurs. Hence, many people look for LegalZoom alternatives. On this page, we shared the closest competitors of LegalZoom that people can opt for.
For the editors in LLCBuddy, ZenBusiness stands out to be the best alternative to LegalZoom. ZenBusiness not only offers LLC formation at $0 but also offers diverse other business formation services. However, the choice simply depends on your business requirements. Based on different components, premium packages or basic packages should be chosen. You will find huge customer reviews for popular companies. Check online customer reviews before you select the most suitable one for your business.