Starting a business is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — things you can do. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, creating your dream company, or building a long-term legacy, getting your legal foundation right is essential. That’s where business formation services like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom come in. They promise to handle all the paperwork, simplify compliance, and give you more time to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

But with both claiming to be the best, how do you know which one truly fits your needs?

This guide is here to help you make that decision. ZenBusiness and LegalZoom both offer LLC formation services, registered agent support, and tools to help you stay compliant. However, they approach things very differently.

ZenBusiness is known for its affordability, speed, and user-friendly experience — ideal for new entrepreneurs who want something simple, clear, and cost-effective. LegalZoom, on the other hand, has been around for over two decades and brings legal depth, including access to attorneys and services beyond business formation, like trademarks, contracts, and estate planning.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at everything that matters: pricing, features, customer support, ease of use, processing times, and real-world user feedback. Whether you’re a first-time founder or an experienced business owner looking for the most reliable partner, this side-by-side breakdown will give you the clarity you need.

No technical jargon. No hidden details. Just an honest, easy-to-read comparison to help you make a confident and informed choice between ZenBusiness and LegalZoom.

Let’s dive in.

1. Company Background

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a relatively new player in the business formation space. Founded in 2015, the company is mission-driven and focuses on helping small businesses succeed by making formation fast, simple, and affordable. It has grown quickly and earned high praise from small business owners for its ease of use and transparent pricing.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom, on the other hand, is the veteran in this field. Established in 2001, it’s helped millions of people and businesses with not just LLC formation but also legal documents, trademark registration, estate planning, and more. It has strong brand recognition and a massive customer base.

In short: ZenBusiness is modern, tech-forward, and startup-friendly. LegalZoom is established, well-rounded, and offers a wider array of legal services.

2. Pricing Overview

Let’s look at the core pricing of both platforms. While both offer $0 base packages, the real cost comes in when you start adding the essential features.

ZenBusiness Pricing

• Starter Plan – $0 (plus state fee): Includes name availability check, standard filing service, and operating agreement template.
• Pro Plan – Around $199/year: Adds EIN (Employer Identification Number), faster filing speed, and compliance alerts.
• Premium Plan – Around $299/year: Includes everything in Pro, plus a business website, email address, and domain name.
• Registered Agent Service: Included for the first year, then roughly $119/year.

LegalZoom Pricing

• Basic Plan – $0 (plus state fee): Just the filing service. No EIN, operating agreement, or extras.
• Pro Plan – Around $249/year: Includes EIN and operating agreement, but excludes fast filing unless you pay more.
• Premium Plan – Around $349/year: Offers priority processing and a short-term legal consultation trial.
• Registered Agent Service: Always an added cost, typically around $299/year.

Key Insight: ZenBusiness includes more for less. Their mid-tier plan packs in what many businesses need, while LegalZoom tends to charge extra for the same things.

3. Formation Speed

If you’re eager to get your business started quickly, turnaround time matters.

ZenBusiness

• Standard processing time is typically 1–3 business days.
• Expedited filing is included in Pro and Premium plans.

LegalZoom

• Standard processing takes around 10–14 business days.
• Expedited filing costs extra and is only included in the most expensive plan.

Verdict: ZenBusiness is faster and includes speed boosts in their mid-tier plans. LegalZoom can take longer and charges extra to move things along.

4. Ease of Use

A clean interface and a logical setup process make a big difference when you’re trying to form an LLC without legal expertise.

ZenBusiness

• Offers a smooth, modern, and beginner-friendly experience.
• The platform guides you step-by-step with a sleek dashboard.
• Helpful reminders and a compliance calendar make it easy to stay on track.

LegalZoom

• The setup process is more dated and cluttered.
• Includes several upsell screens, which can be confusing.
• While functional, it may feel more like a legal site than a business-building tool.

Verdict: ZenBusiness wins for simplicity and user experience. LegalZoom can feel more like navigating a legal maze.

5. Registered Agent Service

A registered agent is required in most states for an LLC. This person or service accepts legal and government documents on your behalf.

ZenBusiness

• Free for the first year, then around $119 annually.
• You can opt-out if you already have a registered agent.

LegalZoom

• Always an additional cost, typically $299 annually.
• Cannot be bundled in basic plans for free.

Verdict: ZenBusiness is significantly more affordable in this area and offers flexibility.

6. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.

ZenBusiness

• Included in the Pro and Premium plans.
• Processed and delivered quickly.

LegalZoom

• Only included in more expensive plans or added separately for an additional fee.

Verdict: ZenBusiness includes it at a more reasonable price point.

7. Legal Services & Documents

This is where LegalZoom begins to shine.

ZenBusiness

• Focused strictly on business formation and compliance.
• Offers operating agreements, annual reports, and basic business tools.
• Includes a business website builder and domain (Premium plan).

LegalZoom

• Offers legal documents beyond business formation — such as wills, trusts, and trademarks.
• You can speak with an attorney (at a cost or via short-term consultation trials).
• Offers legal plans for ongoing business needs.

Verdict: LegalZoom is better if you need comprehensive legal services. ZenBusiness is great if you just need formation and digital support.

8. Customer Support

ZenBusiness

• Known for quick, friendly, and knowledgeable support.
• Offers phone, chat, and email options.
• Many customers report positive interactions and minimal hold times.

LegalZoom

• Support is generally reliable but not as fast or personal.
• Wait times can be longer, and customer reviews often mention confusion around billing and upsells.

Verdict: ZenBusiness offers better customer service overall, especially for small business owners who appreciate speed and clarity.

9. Reputation & Reviews

Across multiple third-party review sites, users rate ZenBusiness higher than LegalZoom in categories like:

• Ease of use
• Value for money
• Customer service
• Formation speed

LegalZoom maintains a strong reputation but receives more mixed reviews due to its higher costs and occasional billing complaints.

Verdict: ZenBusiness is highly rated for new entrepreneurs. LegalZoom is respected but seen as less cost-effective.

10. Additional Features

ZenBusiness Extras

• Expense tracking tools
• Business email and domain
• Compliance calendar
• Tax consultation included in some plans

LegalZoom Extras

• Attorney consultations (in higher-tier plans or legal memberships)
• Trademark registration
• Copyright and patent filing
• Estate planning services

Verdict: ZenBusiness packs in practical business tools. LegalZoom excels in advanced legal services.

11. Ideal Customer Profiles

ZenBusiness is best for you if:

• You’re starting an LLC or small business.
• You want fast, simple formation with no surprises.
• You care about affordability and transparent pricing.
• You prefer a modern user experience.
• You don’t need heavy-duty legal services beyond formation.

LegalZoom is better for you if:

• You need legal help beyond just forming an LLC.
• You want access to attorneys or plan to protect intellectual property.
• You’re okay paying more for the comfort of a large, established brand.
• You plan to manage estate or trademark needs through the same service.

12. Should You Form Your LLC Yourself?

Yes, you can go directly to your state’s website and file your LLC without using any third-party service. This can save money, but:

• It requires more time and research.
• You must handle compliance, EIN registration, and legal documents separately.
• Mistakes can cost more later if filings are rejected or incomplete.

Using a service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom provides peace of mind, automated compliance support, and time savings — especially valuable if you’re busy building your brand or working a full-time job.

13. Final Comparison Table

Feature	ZenBusiness	LegalZoom
Year Founded	2015	2001
LLC Formation	Yes	Yes
Starting Price	$0 + state fees	$0 + state fees
EIN Included	Yes (Pro and above)	Only in mid/premium tiers
Registered Agent	Free 1st year, then ~$119	Always extra, ~$299/year
Legal Documents	Basic only	Advanced options
Attorney Access	No	Yes (premium plans)
Filing Speed	1–3 days (Pro/Premium)	10–14 days
Website Tools	Yes (Premium)	Basic
Customer Support	Fast, friendly	Slower, reliable
Best For	Simple LLC setups	Full legal support

Final Thoughts

If your main goal is to form a business quickly, affordably, and without stress, ZenBusiness is the better choice. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and built for modern entrepreneurs who just want to get started.

If you need more robust legal tools — like ongoing consultations, trademark protection, or estate documents — and are willing to pay more for those services, LegalZoom is a dependable choice.

Both are reputable. Both will get your business off the ground. The real question is: do you want affordable simplicity or comprehensive legal power?

Let your business goals guide you — and if you ever need help deciding between specific plans, I’m here to help.

FAQ’s

Is ZenBusiness or LegalZoom cheaper?

ZenBusiness is generally more affordable, especially for essential services like EIN and registered agent.

Which is faster for LLC formation?

ZenBusiness usually processes filings faster, often within 1–3 business days.

Does either include a registered agent?

ZenBusiness includes it free for the first year; LegalZoom charges extra from the start.

Can I get legal advice through these platforms?

Only LegalZoom offers attorney consultations in its higher-tier plans.

Which is better for beginners?

ZenBusiness is simpler and more beginner-friendly with guided steps and fewer upsells.