ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Which Is Better? (2026 Comparison)
ZenBusiness wins on value with $0 formation and lower annual costs. LegalZoom has stronger brand recognition and more legal add-ons. For most new LLC owners, ZenBusiness is the better choice.
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Side-by-Side
| Category | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Fee | $0 (Starter plan) | $0 (Basic plan) |
| Registered Agent Cost | $199/yr | $249/yr |
| Processing Speed (Standard) | 7 business days | 14 business days |
| Customer Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| Dashboard / UX | Modern, clean, and intuitive | Functional but cluttered with upsells |
| Compliance Alerts | Worry-free compliance guarantee included in Pro plan | Business compliance alerts included in Pro plan |
| Legal Add-ons | Limited — operating agreement and EIN filing | Extensive — attorney access, trademarks, contracts, IP |
| Operating Agreement | Included in Pro plan ($0 formation) | Included in Pro plan ($0 formation) |
| Best For | New LLC owners who want value and simplicity | Business owners who need ongoing legal services |
Formation Fee
$0 (Starter plan)
$0 (Basic plan)
Registered Agent Cost
$199/yr
$249/yr
Processing Speed (Standard)
7 business days
14 business days
Customer Rating
4.7 / 5.0
4.3 / 5.0
Dashboard / UX
Modern, clean, and intuitive
Functional but cluttered with upsells
Compliance Alerts
Worry-free compliance guarantee included in Pro plan
Business compliance alerts included in Pro plan
Legal Add-ons
Limited — operating agreement and EIN filing
Extensive — attorney access, trademarks, contracts, IP
Operating Agreement
Included in Pro plan ($0 formation)
Included in Pro plan ($0 formation)
Best For
New LLC owners who want value and simplicity
Business owners who need ongoing legal services
Pricing Comparison
Both ZenBusiness and LegalZoom offer $0 LLC formation on their base plans. The difference shows up in ongoing costs and what you get for free. ZenBusiness charges $199/yr for registered agent service, while LegalZoom charges $249/yr — a $50/yr difference that adds up over time.
Over 3 years, ZenBusiness costs roughly $597 in service fees ($0 formation + $199/yr x 3). LegalZoom costs $747 ($0 formation + $249/yr x 3). That is $150 more for LegalZoom over 3 years with no additional formation features to show for it.
Where LegalZoom justifies its higher price is in legal add-ons. If you need attorney consultations ($0 for 30 minutes with the Premium plan), trademark filing, or contract reviews, LegalZoom bundles these in ways that ZenBusiness does not. For pure LLC formation, ZenBusiness is the better deal. For ongoing legal needs, LegalZoom may earn back the price difference.
Pro Tip
Both services charge state filing fees on top of their service fees. These range from $50 to $500 depending on your state and are the same regardless of which service you choose.
Features Comparison
ZenBusiness Starter ($0): LLC filing, name availability search, standard processing (7 business days), and expense tracking. ZenBusiness Pro ($199/yr): Everything in Starter plus worry-free compliance, operating agreement, EIN filing, and registered agent.
LegalZoom Basic ($0): LLC filing, name search, and digital welcome packet. LegalZoom Pro ($249/yr): Everything in Basic plus registered agent, EIN filing, operating agreement, and compliance calendar.
The standout feature difference is ZenBusiness's worry-free compliance guarantee, which automatically tracks and files your annual reports and state deadlines. LegalZoom offers compliance reminders but does not file for you automatically. For first-time LLC owners who worry about missing deadlines, ZenBusiness's hands-off compliance approach is a meaningful advantage.
LegalZoom's standout is its legal services marketplace. No other formation service offers comparable access to licensed attorneys, trademark registration, contract templates, and intellectual property protection under one roof. If you anticipate needing legal help beyond formation, LegalZoom's ecosystem is unmatched.
Customer Service & Support
ZenBusiness offers phone and email support Monday through Friday with average response times under 30 minutes during business hours. Their support team is knowledgeable about the formation process and can answer most questions without escalation. Customer reviews consistently praise their responsiveness and patience with first-time filers.
LegalZoom offers phone, email, and chat support with extended hours. Their support team handles a wider range of legal questions (not just formation), but individual interactions can feel more scripted and sales-oriented. Multiple customer reviews note that support calls often include upsell pitches for additional services.
On customer satisfaction, ZenBusiness holds a clear edge with a 4.7 rating compared to LegalZoom's 4.3. The most common complaint about LegalZoom is the aggressive upselling during both checkout and support interactions. The most common complaint about ZenBusiness is that their registered agent renewal price ($199/yr) feels high relative to budget competitors like Bizee ($119/yr).
Who Should Choose Which
Choose ZenBusiness if you are forming your first LLC, want a clean and simple experience, and do not anticipate needing legal services beyond formation and compliance. ZenBusiness delivers the best combination of low cost, fast processing, and compliance automation for straightforward LLC needs.
Choose LegalZoom if you have a more complex business that may need attorney access, trademark protection, or ongoing legal document support. LegalZoom's higher cost is justified when you actively use their legal services ecosystem — otherwise, you are paying a premium for brand recognition alone.
For the majority of new LLC owners — freelancers, small businesses, side hustles, and solo founders — ZenBusiness is the better value. LegalZoom becomes the better choice when your business needs grow beyond basic formation into territory that requires legal expertise.
Pro Tip
If you are unsure which to choose, start with ZenBusiness for formation. You can always use LegalZoom for legal add-ons later without switching your LLC or registered agent.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ZenBusiness if...
- You want the lowest total cost for LLC formation and maintenance
- You value a clean, modern dashboard for managing your LLC
- You want faster standard processing (7 days vs. 14 days)
- You want compliance tracking and deadline reminders built in
- You are a first-time LLC owner and want a simple, guided experience
Choose LegalZoom if...
- You need access to attorneys for legal questions beyond LLC formation
- You want trademark registration, contract templates, or IP protection
- You value brand recognition and the reassurance of a 20-year-old company
- You plan to use multiple legal services beyond just LLC filing
- You have a more complex business that may need ongoing legal support
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZenBusiness really free to form an LLC?
Yes, ZenBusiness's Starter plan charges $0 for LLC formation (plus state filing fees, which every service passes through). You will pay for add-ons like registered agent ($199/yr) and premium features if you choose higher tiers, but the basic formation filing is genuinely free.
Is LegalZoom worth the extra cost?
Only if you plan to use their legal services beyond formation. If you just need an LLC formed and maintained, ZenBusiness or Bizee offer the same core service for less money. LegalZoom's value comes from attorney access, trademarks, and contract templates — services that smaller competitors do not offer.
Can I switch from LegalZoom to ZenBusiness (or vice versa)?
Yes. Your LLC is registered with your state, not with any formation service. You can change your registered agent at any time by filing a simple form with your state (typically $5-$25). Your LLC stays the same regardless of which service you use for ongoing support.
Which service is faster at forming an LLC?
ZenBusiness is faster with standard processing at 7 business days compared to LegalZoom's 14 business days. Both offer rush processing for an additional fee — ZenBusiness can expedite to 1 business day, while LegalZoom's fastest option is 5 business days. Note that state processing time is separate and the same regardless of which service you use.
Do ZenBusiness and LegalZoom include an operating agreement?
Both include an operating agreement in their paid tiers (ZenBusiness Pro at $199/yr and LegalZoom Pro at $249/yr). Neither includes one in the free base plan. You can also create your own operating agreement using a free template — it does not need to come from your formation service.