LegalZoom Alternatives 2023: If you are a new entrepreneur and looking for a suitable formation service, then this is the right page for you. LegalZoom is one of the popular business formation and legal service providers. It offers industry-best prices for several legal and formation services. However, not everything LegalZoom offers is good for all. Some people may or may not find these services useful; some may find them over-priced. In that case, several other alternatives and competitors offer the same services at various prices. Some of the competitors have attractive refund policies as well.
Looking at those companies and their service offerings, I have listed 6 LegalZoom competitors you can try. You can compare their prices, basic services, additional services, and other features before you select them.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What LegalZoom Offers
Before we dive into the list of LegalZoom competitors, we must talk about the company LegalZoom itself. LegalZoom is popular among entrepreneurs for its diverse services. If you want to start an LLC or 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.
Economy: $79 + State Filing Fees
- Name search & business entity filing
- Digital LLC welcome pack
- Tax consultation
- Standard turnaround time
- Free website with Wix
Standard: $329 + State Filing Fees
- All services from Economy Pack
- Fast filing
- Delux LLC kit
- Personalized notebook
Express Gold: $349 + state filing fees
- All services from Standard Pack
- Expedited filing
- Express shipping
The Economy pack offers all the essential services needed to form an LLC. Along with that, a few Wix website is available with this package. The other two packages offer expedited filing. In Standard Package, the filing will be done 5 days before the standard time. Whereas in the Express Gold 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. Following are companies that you must check out and compare the prices and services.
Top LegalZoom Competitors List in 2023
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 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
- 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
If we compare ZenBusiness with LegalZoom, we will see ZenBusiness offers cheaper options than LegalZoom. It offers LLC formation at $0 + state fees, while LegalZoom offers formation at $79 + state fees. On the other hand, ZenBusiness charges $99/year for the registered agent service, while LegalZoom charges $299/year for the same.
LegalZoom offers a free website with its basic package but ZenBusiness does not have anything like that. Besides, LegalZoom offers legal advice, which Zen does not have. So, if you want basic services, then choosing ZenBusiness over LegalZoom will be a better idea. If you’re looking for more services, for example, a website, legal advice, or any other legal services other than the essential services, then LegalZoom will be a better choice.
Zenbusiness offers three packages, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Pro package ($199 + 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. For business owners who are willing to form an LLC at a low price, along with getting a logo, website, and other branding services, Tailorbrands is the best choice. On the other hand, LegalZoom offers the same basic services at a bit high price. So, for basic services, TailorBrands is the company you need.
LegalZoom offers many legal services a business might require if anyone needs legal services along with the LLC formation service, then LegalZoom can be selected. 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
- 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. Hence, it is obvious that entrepreneurs will go with the Northwest instead of LegalZoom.
The basic formation pack from Northwest starts from $39 + state fees. The full package is available at $225 + State fees. LegalZoom offers its basic pack at $79 + state fees and the full pack at $349 + state fees. Again, the latter offers more expensive packages and services than Northwest. Hence, it is inevitable that for the standard formation services, Northwest will win this game.
As mentioned, LegalZoom is an expert in the market, while Northwest is a simple family-owned business. There is no Bot that chats with you. They have reachable customer service staff. Humans reply to your emails and messages within two hours of contacting them. Northwest is anything but a corporate, unlike LegalZoom. Hence, choosing an expert at a high price will not be a bad deal. Northwest does not offer any legal help with the formation service. But it offers all the needful services needed to form an LLC. Northwest is a cheaper option than LegalZoom.
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
Inc Authority provides LLC formation at $0 + state fees, while LegalZoom offers the basic formation package at $79 + state fees. Comparing the two prices it is inevitable to choose Inc Authority. On the other side, Inc Authority offers free registered agent service for one year. LegalZoom charges $299 per year for the same service.
If you have decided to choose Inc Authority over LegalZoom already then I will recommend you give it a second thought. Even though Inc Authority offers cheaper plans, it is not clear what price they offer in the second year. The company’s pricing policy is not very clear regarding renewal services.
LegalZoom offers transparent pricing and high-quality legal services. Both these companies have online business formation service that does not take much time to file. However, LegalZoom is more efficient and stable in terms of experience and pricing. Besides, the add-on services from Inc Authority are too expensive as they outsource most of them. 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 and LegalZoom sound similar. However, there are not many similarities between the two companies. BetterLegal does not offer any legal services or attorneys. It only offers a complete package to form your business. BetterLegal offers business compliance services but not business law services. LegalZoom provides helpful services when it comes to legal issues. 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. Besides, 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. Besides, LegalZoom has a low-cost starter plan at $79 + state fees, while BetterLegal charges $299 + state fees. BetterLegal, on the other side, 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.
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
Incfile is similar to Inc Authority. It provides free LLC formation and also a free registered agent service for a year. On the contrary, LegalZoom not only costs $79 for LLC formation but also charges $299 annually for the registered agent service. Incfile is much cheaper than LegalZoom. If we compare the service features, LegalZoom has more items in its menu than Incfile. Incfile 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, Incfile, which does not offer any legal plans or such. Incfile 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 Incfile is desirable, especially for the ones with tight-budget. LegalZoom is a bit expensive compared to Incfile. But it offers many services, including business compliance-related services. Hence, it is inevitable to choose LegalZoom over Incfile if you’re not looking for a budget-friendly service. Read Incfile Review to know more about Incfile services and premium packages.
F.A.Q.
In 2023, the best LegalZoom competitor is Rocket Lawyer. The company offers similar services as LegalZoom. However, the pricing is affordable. The biggest advantage of Rocket Lawyer is it offers a seven-day free trial package. You can try the trial pack from Rocket Lawyer 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.
Conclusion
On this page, I have shared the best companies that can be used as LegalZoom alternatives. 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. Do share your experience with us in the comment section below.