LawDepot vs LegalZoom (2025 Honest Comparative Review)

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: February 17, 2025
FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

If you're planning to launch a company, you could consider using LawDepot and LegalZoom as a platform to help you start the business.

As a business consultant with a decade of practice in the LLC formation industry, I've gained experience working with various companies and am familiar with the features and services needed to efficiently form a limited liability company.

I'll share my insights on both companies and provide enough information regarding their plans, additional services, and other features to enable you to decide which platform best suits your company.

At a Glance: LawDepot vs LegalZoom

Comparing LawDepot and LegalZoom in side an office

LawDepot is one of the most successful online legal document services that provide customizable templates and contracts carefully reviewed and updated by legal professionals.

Since the company was established in 2001, they have helped over 10 million users save on legal fees.

LegalZoom is a leading full-service legal platform that offers LLC formation, lawyer, and family law services for entrepreneurs and has catered to over 4 million individuals and businesses.

1. LawDepot LLC Highlights

Using a laptop to check LawDepot information
  • Business formation
  • Legal services
  • Legal document options
  • Intellectual property
  • Copyright registration

WE RECOMMEND ZENBUSINESS

Writing on a document for LawDepot files

LawDepot

Rated 4.85/5
4.9
Features
4.9
Security
4.8
Support
4.8
Pricing

2. LegalZoom LLC Highlights

  • Legal services
  • Company formation
  • Legal document options
  • Registered agent services

WE RECOMMEND ZENBUSINESS

LegalZoom CTA

LegalZoom

Rated 4.90/5
4.9
Features
4.9
Security
4.9
Support
4.9
Pricing

3. How LawDepot and LegalZoom Stack Together

LegalZoom features an LLC formation service as well as legal consultation, documentation, and registered agent. You can choose from three different LLC formation packages that best suits the needs of your company.

If your company is inclined to focus on legal aspects and documentation, subscribing to LawDepot will give you unlimited access to business templates and other company needs.

Side-by-Side LLC Plan Comparisons

Top view calculating pricing for LegalZoom and LawDepot
Plan Level LegalZoom LawDepot
Basic Plan LegalZoom Basic ($0 + state fees):
- Filing of Articles of Organization
- Name check service
- Digital welcome packet (includes LLC maintenance guidelines)
- Customizable website
LawDepot Free Trial (One Week):
- Access to templates for legal document generation
- After the trial, users can opt for a monthly or annual subscription plan
Mid-Level Plan LegalZoom Pro ($249):
- Includes Basic plan features
- Customizable operating agreement
- EIN acquisition
- Access to legal templates
- Initial phone consultations (business insurance and taxes)
LawDepot Monthly Subscription ($35):
- Unlimited access to all documents on the website
- Over 150 customized legal document templates
Top-Level Plan LegalZoom Premium ($299 + state fees):
- Includes Pro plan features
- Firsthand attorney guidance
- Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations
- 30-day amendment period for LLC formation documents
LawDepot Yearly Subscription ($107.88 annually):
- Ideal for businesses requiring regular legal documentation
- Pay-per-use option available ($7.50 to $119 for single documents)

 

"The best way to start a business is to quit planning and start doing."

- Danya Shafkeh, Corporate Attorney & Writer of Venture Smarter

Registered Agent Service

After contacting LawDepot, Venture Smarter learned that the company uses Northwest Registered Agent for their registered agent services, which costs $125 annually.

The package includes mail scanning, annual report reminders, privacy by default, and corporate guide service.

LegalZoom provides its own professional registered agent service for $249 a year. The registered agent will receive service of process on behalf of the business, and emails about tax and annual report deadlines.

When to Choose Each Service

Choose LegalZoom if:

  • You need a comprehensive formation service that includes business license reports, DBA registration, and trademark filing.
  • You prefer LegalZoom’s in-house registered agent service with email notifications for tax and report deadlines.
  • You require legal support for trademark registration and want guidance from an experienced trademark attorney.
  • You need annual report filing assistance to maintain compliance with state regulations.
  • You value priority customer support with extended service hours, including weekends.

Example Scenario: You’re an entrepreneur launching a brand that requires DBA registration, trademark protection, and compliance assistance. LegalZoom offers an all-in-one service with professional legal guidance, making it the better choice for businesses needing more than just basic formation services.

Choose LawDepot if:

  • You’re looking for a budget-friendly business formation option without additional legal services.
  • You prefer Northwest Registered Agent’s service for registered agent needs, which is more affordable at $125 annually compared to LegalZoom.
  • You only need basic LLC formation documents and don’t require trademark, DBA, or business license filings.
  • You want simple, one-time document access without ongoing service fees.
  • You’re comfortable handling business permits and annual reports independently.

Example Scenario: You’re a small business owner forming an LLC in a low-regulation industry and only need basic incorporation documents and registered agent services. LawDepot is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to minimize costs while handling compliance independently.

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Our #1 Recommendation

Logo of ZenBusiness with a background of a woman writing down notes in front of a laptop

ZenBusiness

Rated 4.95/5
5.0
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Features
4.9
Turnaround

Customer Service

LegalZoom offers priority support and typically answers my queries within 24 hours. You can also reach customer service by email and phone, Monday to Friday between 5 am to 7 pm PST and on the weekends from 7 am to 4 pm PST.

LawDepot’s customer support is available by phone, email, and chat Monday to Friday between 8 am to 7 pm EST. They also have a lot of frequently asked questions on their website that are useful.

Their customer service team was highly knowledgeable and very responsive to my concerns.

Customer Reviews

According to Trustpilot reviews, both LawDepot and LegalZoom receive favorable feedback from their users. Customers praise LawDepot for its comprehensive questionnaire-based system that helps create customizable legal documents, ranging from rental agreements to business contracts. Users appreciate that the platform simplifies complex legal documentation processes.

Similarly, LegalZoom receives positive reviews for its efficient LLC formation services and helpful customer support, with users specifically noting the non-pushy, informative guidance they receive throughout their document creation process.

Both services maintain strong ratings, though some users note minor interface limitations with LawDepot's document creation flow.

FAQs

What is LawDepot Best Used For?

LawDepot is best used for as a document library. You can gain access to customizable legal document templates without having to employ the services of an attorney.

Which Company is Rated Higher as an LLC Formation Service, LawDepot or LegalZoom?

LegalZoom is rated higher as an LLC formation service, while LawDepot is noted as a legal consultation and document creation company.

LawDepot vs. LegalZoom: Our Recommendation

LegalZoom is great option for business formation and legal consultation while LawDepot provides access to legal documents in an affordable and simplified manner.

In my experience with LLC formation, management, and maintenance, I am aware that both companies have been in the industry for more than 2 decades.

They have years of experience and will help you start a business and maintain compliance.

While both platforms offer great LLC formation services, we recommend ZenBusiness.

ZenBusiness offers free business formation, affordable registered agent services, a 100 percent accuracy guarantee, fast filing, and business money planning.

Our #1 Recommendation

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness CTA
Rated 4.95/5
5.0
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Features
4.9
Turnaround
Pros
  • ZenBusiness offers a wide range of packages from $0 to $349.
  • The basic plan features a 1-year free compliance service.
  • The formation process turnaround time can be completed within 1–5 days through an expedited option.
  • They have a user friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of February
Cons
  • The packages offered does not include the services of a registered agent. You have to avail it separately.

About The Author

Venture Smarter | LawDepot vs LegalZoom ([y] Honest Comparative Review)
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Venture Smarter | LawDepot vs LegalZoom ([y] Honest Comparative Review)
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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