ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom (2026): LLC Formation Prices Compared

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Updated October 31, 2026. Prices below were checked on ZenBusiness’s and LegalZoom’s websites on this date. State fees are extra with both.

Note: This page compares service prices and features. It isn’t legal or tax advice.

ZenBusiness and LegalZoom are two of the best-known LLC formation services, and both start at $0 + state fees. The difference is in what you pay for next: ZenBusiness’s upgrades focus on ongoing compliance and getting online, while LegalZoom’s focus on advisors, attorneys and tax experts.

The short answer

• Choose ZenBusiness if you want low-cost filing plus ongoing compliance filings handled for you, with a simple yearly price.
• Choose LegalZoom if you want an attorney or tax expert available while you set up your business.

ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom at a glance

	ZenBusiness	LegalZoom
Free tier	Starter: $0 + state fees (7–10 day processing)	Basic: $0 + state fees (Articles of Organization only)
Middle tier	Pro: $199 + state fees, renews $199/yr	Managed Service: $249 + state fees
Top tier	Premium: $299 + state fees, renews $299/yr	Expert Service: $299 + state fees
What upgrades add	1-day processing, compliance filings, EIN, operating agreement; Premium adds domain and email	Business advisor (Managed) or attorney and tax expert (Expert) for 30 days
Ongoing cost	Pro/Premium renew yearly; registered agent $199/yr add-on	Advisor support renews at $49/mo (Managed) or $99/mo (Expert) unless canceled

Where ZenBusiness wins

• Compliance included on Pro. Ongoing state-required filings are handled for $199 a year.
• Predictable yearly pricing. No monthly support subscription to remember to cancel.
• Getting online. Premium adds a domain with privacy and a business email.

Where LegalZoom wins

• Legal and tax experts. Expert Service includes access to an attorney and tax expert for 30 days, plus an attorney review of your filing.
• Business advisor. Managed Service pairs you with a business advisor for setup and compliance questions.
• Well-known brand with a wide range of legal documents and services beyond formation.

Our verdict

For most small businesses that just need the LLC filed and kept in good standing, ZenBusiness is the better value. If you want professional legal or tax guidance during setup, LegalZoom‘s Expert Service is worth considering; just note when the monthly support renews. See all four services in our guide to the best LLC formation services.

Frequently asked questions

Is ZenBusiness or LegalZoom cheaper?

Both start at $0 + state fees. ZenBusiness Pro ($199) costs less than LegalZoom Managed Service ($249), and both top tiers are $299, though ZenBusiness renews yearly and LegalZoom’s advisor support renews monthly after 30 days unless canceled.

Does either include a registered agent?

ZenBusiness offers registered agent service as a $199-a-year add-on. Check LegalZoom’s checkout for its current registered agent terms.

See all four LLC services in our guide to the best LLC formation services, or read Northwest vs ZenBusiness.