Starting a business means dealing with legal paperwork—whether you’re forming an LLC, incorporating, or setting up compliance protections. While LegalZoom has long been a popular choice for entrepreneurs seeking online legal services, it may not be the most cost-effective, transparent, or customer-friendly option for everyone. Over the past few years, several powerful competitors have emerged offering faster turnaround, better pricing, and more tailored services.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the Top 5 LegalZoom Alternatives (Compared) in terms of features, price, customer support, and overall value. Whether you’re launching your first business or looking for more efficient compliance tools, this article will help you choose the best platform for your needs.
Why Consider LegalZoom Alternatives?
LegalZoom has carved out a strong reputation—but it comes with trade-offs. Here are the most common concerns that push entrepreneurs to look elsewhere:
-
Expensive Registered Agent Services: LegalZoom charges $299/year, while many competitors offer this service for free or under $150/year.
-
Heavy Upselling: Users frequently report being directed into expensive packages with confusing add-ons.
-
Slower Processing: Standard filing can take 2–4 weeks unless you pay for expedited service.
-
Limited Personalized Support: Customer service is not always quick or tailored, especially for budget plans.
These pain points have opened the door for more streamlined, transparent, and customer-centric services.
How We Ranked the Top LegalZoom Alternatives
Each of the five services below was reviewed based on the following criteria:
-
Pricing Transparency
-
Registered Agent Costs
-
Turnaround Time
-
Ease of Use
-
Customer Reviews
-
Additional Services (e.g., legal support, tax help, business credit tools)
Now, let’s compare the top 5 options one by one.
1. ZenBusiness
Overview
ZenBusiness is one of the most trusted LegalZoom alternatives for entrepreneurs who want an affordable, no-frills solution for business formation and compliance. Founded with the mission to simplify entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is known for its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and excellent customer support.
Key Features
-
Free LLC formation (pay only state fees)
-
One-year free compliance alerts
-
Operating agreement, EIN, and worry-free compliance available
-
Add-on services: Registered agent, bookkeeping, website tools
Pricing
-
Starter Plan: $0 + state fees
-
Pro Plan: $199/year — includes EIN, compliance tools
-
Premium Plan: $349/year — adds domain/website/email tools
Registered agent service is not included in the free plan, but can be added for $199/year.
Pros
-
Simple, intuitive onboarding
-
Affordable pricing and clear plans
-
Fast standard processing
-
Excellent customer service
Cons
-
Registered agent service costs extra unless you upgrade
-
Some upsells exist, though they are less aggressive than LegalZoom
Best For
First-time business owners who want an easy, affordable, and reliable LLC filing service with modern tools and friendly support.
2. Incfile (now Bizee)
Overview
Incfile, recently rebranded as Bizee, has gained recognition for offering a genuinely free LLC formation service. With more than a million businesses formed, Incfile is trusted by budget-conscious entrepreneurs looking for a quick start.
Key Features
-
Free LLC filing (pay only state fees)
-
Free registered agent service for the first year
-
Lifetime alerts and compliance reminders
-
Personalized dashboard with document storage
Pricing
-
Silver Plan: $0 + state fee (includes 1-year RA)
-
Gold Plan: $199 + state fee — adds EIN, operating agreement, IRS filings
-
Platinum Plan: $299 + state fee — includes expedited filing, contract templates
Registered agent renewal after year one: $119/year.
Pros
-
Very budget-friendly for new businesses
-
Transparent pricing structure
-
Well-reviewed customer dashboard
-
Free registered agent for the first year
Cons
-
Customer support can be slow during peak periods
-
Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Entrepreneurs and freelancers launching a business on a tight budget who want to minimize startup costs without sacrificing quality.
3. Inc Authority
Overview
Inc Authority has carved a niche as a value-focused legal service provider. Like Incfile, it offers free LLC formation with a bonus: a free year of registered agent service and business credit assistance.
Key Features
-
Free LLC formation (state fees only)
-
Free registered agent for one year
-
Access to credit and funding consultations
-
Add-ons: EIN, operating agreement, business license reports
Pricing
-
Basic Plan: $0 + state fees
-
Starter Bundle: $399 (adds EIN, operating agreement, tax ID, minutes)
-
Executive Package: $799 (adds business credit tools, website domain)
Registered agent renewal: $179/year.
Pros
-
Free registered agent and credit consultation
-
Great customer feedback (4.8+ Trustpilot)
-
Strong support team for small businesses
Cons
-
Sales calls and upsells can feel pushy
-
Premium packages get expensive
Best For
New founders who want help not just with formation but also with business credit and long-term growth.
4. BetterLegal
Overview
BetterLegal positions itself as the fastest and most straightforward option on the market. With a one-time flat fee and guaranteed same-day filing (in some states), it’s ideal for those who value speed and simplicity.
Key Features
-
Flat-rate pricing: $299 + state fees
-
Includes EIN, operating agreement, banking resolution
-
Expedited processing (1–2 business days)
-
Optional registered agent ($90/year)
Pricing
-
All-In-One Plan: $299 flat fee + state fees
No upselling, no tiered packages.
Pros
-
No hidden costs or pricing confusion
-
Fastest standard turnaround on the list
-
No upselling or marketing calls
-
Highly rated customer experience
Cons
-
Registered agent service is optional and costs extra
-
No access to legal advice or document templates
Best For
Entrepreneurs looking for a no-nonsense, rapid, and fixed-cost filing experience.
5. Rocket Lawyer
Overview
Rocket Lawyer differs from the rest by offering a legal subscription model. Instead of just helping with business formation, it provides access to legal documents, contracts, and attorney consultations—making it ideal for ongoing business needs.
Key Features
-
LLC filing: $99.99 or free with subscription
-
$39.99/month subscription includes:
-
Unlimited legal documents
-
Ask-a-lawyer feature
-
Discounts on attorney services
-
-
Additional services: Contracts, compliance, HR docs
Pricing
-
Non-members: $99.99 per LLC
-
Members: $39.99/month, with free LLC filing and unlimited legal access
Registered agent service costs $149.99/year.
Pros
-
Ideal for legal-heavy businesses
-
Robust document library and legal help
-
Free business filing for subscribers
-
Attorney network for more complex cases
Cons
-
Subscription adds up if not used frequently
-
Not as beginner-friendly as others for LLC formation only
Best For
Business owners who anticipate needing regular legal help or documents, such as contracts, NDAs, and HR templates.
Comparison Table
| Service | LLC Formation Fee | Free Registered Agent | Turnaround Time | Legal Help Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | No (Add-on) | 2–4 business days | No | Balanced value and ease-of-use |
| Incfile (Bizee) | $0 + state fees | Yes (1st year) | 3–5 business days | No | Budget-minded new businesses |
| Inc Authority | $0 + state fees | Yes (1st year) | 5–7 business days | Some | Startup credit & growth-focused |
| BetterLegal | $299 + state fees | No (Add-on: $90/year) | 1–2 business days | No | Speed and simplicity |
| Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 (or free) | No | 3–5 business days | Yes (subscription) | Ongoing legal documents & advice |
LegalZoom vs. the Competition
| Feature | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | Incfile | Inc Authority | BetterLegal | Rocket Lawyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Cost | $0–$299 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $299 | $99.99 (or free) |
| Registered Agent Cost | $299/year | $199/year | $119/year | $179/year | $90/year | $149.99/year |
| Turnaround | 7–21 days (standard) | 2–4 days | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | 1–2 days | 3–5 days |
| Upselling Level | High | Low | Medium | High | None | Medium |
| Ongoing Legal Services | Limited (extra cost) | No | No | No | No | Yes (subscription) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really safe to use an online LLC formation service?
Yes. As long as you’re working with a reputable provider like those listed above, your formation is legally valid and secure. All of these services handle filings directly with state authorities.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes. Every business entity in the U.S. must designate a registered agent. This is the person or service that receives official government correspondence. Most platforms include it for free in year one.
Which service is fastest?
BetterLegal offers the quickest turnaround (1–2 business days) with no tier-based delays. ZenBusiness also delivers speedy filings with premium plans.
Are these platforms better than a lawyer?
For standard formations (LLCs, corporations), yes—these services are much cheaper and more efficient. However, for complex structuring or legal disputes, a traditional business attorney is better suited.
Which service offers the best long-term value?
It depends on your goals. If you want legal advice, Rocket Lawyer is ideal. If you just want simple, low-cost formation, Incfile or ZenBusiness may be better.
Final Thoughts
LegalZoom may have led the market for years, but it’s far from the only option. For today’s entrepreneurs, many alternatives offer a better combination of affordability, speed, and service.
Our Top Picks:
-
ZenBusiness: Best overall for first-time business owners.
-
Incfile: Ideal for those on a tight startup budget.
-
BetterLegal: Fastest processing with no upsells.
-
Rocket Lawyer: Perfect for ongoing legal document needs.
-
Inc Authority: Great for founders wanting credit support.
By evaluating the Top 5 LegalZoom Alternatives (Compared), you can choose the right partner to launch your business with confidence and clarity.
Would you like a downloadable comparison chart, pricing calculator, or help picking the best option for your state? Let us know—we’re here to help.
