Starting a business is exciting, but choosing the right online service for setting it up can feel overwhelming. Swyft Filings and LegalZoom are two of the most popular platforms that promise to simplify forming an LLC or corporation. Each has its strengths and trade‑offs, depending on what you value: price, speed, legal support, or ongoing compliance. I’ve combed through reviews, user feedback, and recent data to give you a balanced, detailed comparison that helps you make the best decision for your business.

1. Company Background and Focus

Swyft Filings

• Launched in 2015 by a former attorney aiming to cut through bureaucracy with a fast, affordable, and user‑friendly business formation experience. Reviews emphasize its clean dashboard and compliance alerts system.
• It focuses heavily on LLC formation, registered agent services, operating agreements, and helping small to solo entrepreneurs turn ideas into official entities quickly and affordably.
• Not a law firm—so you won’t get direct legal representation—but it partners with experts to offer tax consultations and registered agent filings.

LegalZoom

• Founded in 2001 (with origins starting in 1999), LegalZoom is the pioneering brand in the online legal tech industry.
• It offers a vast array of services, spanning business formation, trademarks, patents, estate planning, tax consultations, and ongoing attorney support.
• Has helped form millions of companies and prides itself on deep legal resources, including access to paid attorneys for custom documents and consultations.
• It operates like a traditional legal support company, focusing on establishing relationships and selling additional legal services over time.

2. Pricing and Packages

These pricing comparisons are based on publicly listed service fees and recent review data. State filing fees are additional and vary by location.

Swyft Filings

• $0 service fee (plus state fee).
• Includes name availability check and Articles of Organization filing.
• Operating agreement available for $35 optional fee.
• EIN available for $79 optional fee.
• Includes free compliance alerts indefinitely.
• Registered agent $199/year if added.

LegalZoom

• $0 service fee (plus state fee).
• Includes name check and Articles of Organization filing.
• Operating agreement offered separately—usually $99 when added.
• EIN kit optional for $79.
• Registered agent service runs about $299/year.
• Compliance alerts cost extra through separate subscriptions.

Takeaway: While both start with zero service fee, Swyft gives you more flexibility at lower cost for the fundamental needs. Swyft’s optional operating agreement is significantly cheaper, and their compliance alerts are included for free.

Mid‑Tier and Premium

• Swyft Filings Standard ($199)
  • Includes EIN, operating agreement, banking resolution, and 24/7 web access to your documents.
• Swyft Filings Premium ($299)
  • Adds express filing (processing in as little as 3–5 business days), digital corporate kit including business seal and registry, FedEx shipping, and compliance tools.
• LegalZoom Pro ($249)
  • Bundles EIN, operating agreement, and faster processing than the Economy option.
• LegalZoom Premium ($299)
  • Includes express processing, company seal, binder, and express shipping.

Comparison: Swyft’s mid‑tier stands out because it includes EIN and useful formation documents at a lower price point than LegalZoom. In top‑tier plans, both are priced the same, but their value differs based on what you need. Swyft emphasizes digital tools, while LegalZoom adds more legal‑branding extras.

3. Turnaround Time

How fast can you get your business officially filed and moved forward?

• Swyft Filings reports:
  • Basic: 5–10 business days.
  • Standard: 3–7 business days.
  • Premium: 3–5 business days (depending on state).
• LegalZoom estimates:
  • Economy: ~30 calendar days.
  • Pro: ~15 calendar days.
  • Premium: ~7–10 business days.

In practice: Swyft is generally faster across all tiers. Users report cleaner timelines and fewer delays. LegalZoom is slower at the entry-level—possibly due to internal reviews and upselling processes—but its top tier catches up in speed.

4. Core Features Compared

Federal EIN

• Swyft: $79 extra, but included for free in Standard and Premium.
• LegalZoom: $79 extra, included in Pro and Premium.

Takeaway: Similar cost, but Swyft saves you money by including EIN in its mid‑tier.

Operating Agreement

• Swyft: $35 add‑on or free in higher tiers.
• LegalZoom: $99 add‑on or included in upper packages.

Swyft offers a similar document for a fraction of the cost.

Registered Agent Service

• Swyft: $199/year with compliance alerts, mail scans, and a digital dashboard.
• LegalZoom: $249–$299/year with physical mail forwarding, digital reminders, but typically less online interaction.

If you want a modern digital interface and compliance alerts, Swyft is more cost-effective. LegalZoom is more expensive, but may feel more traditional to some users.

Compliance Alerts

• Swyft includes these for free, via its “ComplianceGuard” system.
• LegalZoom charges $99 plus state fees for similar service.

Another point in Swyft’s favor for sensitive entrepreneurs who worry about missing reminders.

Digital Corporate Kit vs Traditional Binder

• Swyft’s Premium includes a digital kit with registry records, virtual seal, online file storage.
• LegalZoom Premium includes a physical binder and seal, mailed to you.

If you prefer digital convenience, Swyft wins. LegalZoom keeps the old‑school presentation for those who want physical documentation.

5. Customer Experience

Website and Ordering

• Swyft: The review consensus says it’s clean, intuitive, with minimal upsells during checkout. It’s designed to make the formation experience painless.
• LegalZoom: Slick, branded, but heavy on upsells and questions. Many users feel it’s designed to push you into additional services.

Customer Reviews

Swyft Filings:

• Positive: Fast processing, helpful support, easy-to-use platform.
• Criticisms: Some customers report aggressive upselling, occasionally unclear automatic renewals, and difficulty canceling services like registered agent or EIN bundles.

LegalZoom:

• Positive: Quality of preparation, reliable legal products, legal guidance availability.
• Criticisms: Higher pricing, upselling environment, occasional slow support.

6. Legal Services Availability

Access to Attorneys

• Swyft: Offers a free 30-minute tax consultation with tax professionals. Access to attorneys is generally limited; it does not offer ongoing legal or business advisory plans.
• LegalZoom: Offers attorney services for custom documents and legal advice at additional cost. They also have a subscription‑based Business Advisory Plan ($259 to $469/year, depending on size), which provides ongoing legal and tax guidance.

If you expect needing legal counsel, contracts, trademarks, or ongoing support, LegalZoom offers more options—though at a cost.

7. Customer Support and Reputation

Tracking Overall Ratings

• Swyft: Trustpilot rating around 4.8/5 from over 6,500 reviewers; BBB rating 4.3/5; Google reviews lower because of a few complaints about upselling.
• LegalZoom: Trustpilot around 4.5/5 from roughly 3,000 reviews; A+ with BBB; widely trusted and recognized.

Summary: Swyft is rated slightly higher in pure service satisfaction, but both are generally strong.

User Feedback Highlights

Reddit and Trustpilot user comments reveal:

• On Swyft:
  “Their service was speedy, and I appreciated the compliance reminders.”
  Some users, however, warn:
  “They charged me quarterly for nothing after I canceled.”
• On LegalZoom:
  “Perfect for first-time business owners—legal documents felt polished.”
  Other users note frustration with upselling and support wait times.

8. Registered Agent: A Closer Look

You can self‑file and serve as your own registered agent in most states. But many prefer using a professional service for privacy and reliability.

• Swyft ($199/year): Includes compliance alerts, dashboard access, legal document reminders; it’s modern and cost‑effective.
• LegalZoom ($249–299/year): Traditional service with physical forwarding and legal calendar, but no digital interface is standard.

Swyft’s offering feels more modern unless you want physical paperwork in hand.

9. Pros and Cons Summary

Swyft Filings

Pros:

1. Affordable foundation, free core forming package.
2. Operating agreements and compliance alerts included or inexpensive.
3. Fast processing times and digital dashboard.
4. Clean online experience with fewer upsells.

Cons:

1. Some users report upsell pressure during checkout.
2. Difficulties reported in canceling services later.
3. Not a law firm—limited legal counsel.
4. Might require trusted partners to fulfill all services, which can add cost.

LegalZoom

Pros:

1. Established brand with wide legal offerings.
2. Access to attorneys, document reviews, and advisory plans.
3. Polished package—includes company seal, binder, and physical tools.
4. Strong certification and trust indicators.

Cons:

1. Somewhat pricier, especially with optional services.
2. Slower turnaround for low-tier packages.
3. Heavier upselling environment during the process.
4. Compliance alerts and registered agent are add‑ons.

10. Who Should Choose Which Service?

Swyft Filings

Best for:

• New entrepreneurs or solo founders on a tight budget.
• People who want quick formation, digital tools, and built‑in reminders.
• Anyone comfortable without full legal counsel and fine with a tax consultation.

LegalZoom

Ideal for:

• Founders who want a single provider for business and legal needs.
• Customers needing legal advice, custom documents, trademarks, or estate planning.
• People who value heritage branding, physical tools, and customizable attorney support.

11. Real‑World User Scenarios

Scenario 1: Side Hustle Owner

You’re launching a small business on Etsy. Cost matters most. You don’t need contracts, just want LLC protection and compliance reminders. Swyft is a strong choice—low price, speedy setup.

Scenario 2: Fast‑Growth Startup

You’re building an app with plans to raise outside funding. You’ll need custom investor agreements, IP protection, and detailed bylaws. LegalZoom’s lawyer access and advisory packages give you needed backing and flexibility.

Scenario 3: Brick‑and‑Mortar Local Business

You need LLC protection and someone to receive documents reliably. Digital notifications matter more than physical binder. Swyft’s registered agent service is good value; upgradable as needed.

Scenario 4: Serial Entrepreneur

You form multiple entities and need trademarks, contracts, and legal continuity. LegalZoom’s advisory plan and broad legal services will pay off over time, although you’ll pay more per year.

FAQ’s

Can I switch from Swyft to LegalZoom?

Yes, you can transfer your registered agent at any time in most states. Just pay the new service and file a change with your state. Some delays may occur during transfer.

What about complaints around upselling?

Both companies use upselling to boost revenues. Swyft is leaner; LegalZoom has more legal extras to offer. Be aware, read each step carefully during checkout, and decline extras if they’re not needed.

Is filing DIY still an option?

Absolutely. Many states allow direct online filing of Articles of Organization. EINs are free through the IRS website. Investors and bootstrapped entrepreneurs sometimes choose DIY to save on service fees.

Can these platforms help with foreign or multi-state filings?

Yes, both support foreign qualification and additional state filings for extra fees. Swyft’s dashboard will guide you; LegalZoom charges by service.

What if I need legal advice later?

• Swyft offers a one-time consultation, not ongoing legal service.
• LegalZoom includes attorney access via plans or “pay-as-you-go” options—helpful for contract drafting, disputes, hiring, and more.