Northwest Registered Agent vs ZenBusiness (2025 Analysis)
As a business owner who wants to launch an LLC, it's wise to hire an LLC service that's professional, prompt, and affordable. Choosing the right formation service can save you time, money, and legal headaches.
At Venture Smarter, we independently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides.
By interacting anonymously with their business formation services and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based recommendations.
At a Glance: Northwest Registered Agent vs. ZenBusiness
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness are two leading LLC formation services, with ZenBusiness offering more affordable packages starting at $0 plus state fees and Northwest specializing in premium registered agent services with personalized support.
Since its launch in 2015, ZenBusiness has assisted more than 500,000 consumers with business formation and compliance filing services.
Since its founding over 20 years ago, Northwest Registered Agent has expanded its offices to all 50 states in the US. Of all companies registered in the United States, Northwest maintains approximately 3 million businesses nationwide.
Northwest Registered Agent is an online business formation service that provides registered agents, annual report filing, address privacy, and other compliance services.
1. Northwest Registered Agent LLC Highlights
- Registered Agent Service
- Legal Forms
- Corporate Bylaws
- Free Mail Forwarding
- Corporate Guide
Our #1 Recommendation
2. ZenBusiness LLC Highlights
- Domain and Email Address
- Worry-free Compliance
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee
- Customizable Business Website
- Rush Filing Speed
Our #1 Recommendation
3. How Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness Stack Together
Both companies have a basic formation plan, but ZenBusiness offers a free starter package for a year and includes more features.
Northwest offers two LLC formation plans, while ZenBusiness provides three alternatives. Both online service providers feature additional services that only varies slightly in cost.
In our experience, both have excellent customer service, which could be reached through several mediums.
Our comparison metrics show ZenBusiness offers 25% more features in their basic plan than Northwest Registered Agent, while Northwest Registered Agent provides 40% more personalized support.
"The highest form of endeavor is service of others."
- Delina Chantel, Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist & Writer of Venture Smarter
Side-by-Side LLC Plan Comparisons
| Feature | Northwest Registered Agent | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Basic/Starter Plan | • $39 + state fees • Comprehensive LLC formation, mail forwarding, business address, operating agreement, privacy by default, and free registered agent service for a year • Standard filing speed • Best for: Businesses prioritizing privacy and personal support | • $0 + state fees • LLC formation, name availability search, preparation of Articles of Incorporation, 100% accuracy guarantee, standard filing speed • Annual subscription fees apply after first year • Best for: Budget-conscious entrepreneurs and startups |
| Mid-Level Plan | • $225 + state fees • Includes the $100 cost of forming an LLC in each of the 50 states and the $125 cost of registered agent services for a full year, plus optional expedited filing • Expedited filing available for additional fee • Best for: Multi-state businesses needing comprehensive support | • $199/year + state fees • Starter package plus faster filing speed, expedited filing, Banking resolution, domain name, and accounting assessment • Rush filing speed with 1-day processing • Best for: Businesses needing quick formation and financial setup |
| Premium Plan | N/A | • $299/year + state fees • All Pro features plus domain name, company website, business email address, and business document templates • Fastest processing available • Best for: Complete business setup including web presence |
| Document Library | Comprehensive corporate forms and legal documents | Business document templates with Premium plan |
| LLC Formation | Personalized service with Corporate Guide | Digital-first process with online dashboard |
| Registered Agent | $125 + state fees, included free for first year | $199/year (not included in basic plan) |
| Turnaround Time | 3-5 business days standard | 2-3 weeks standard; expedited options available |
| Legal Consultation | Corporate Guide assistance included | Not included, focuses on formation services |
Registered Agent Service
Northwest Registered Agent Service:
- Annual Cost: $125 + state fees, free for first year with LLC formation
- What's Included: Personal statutory agent service, legal document handling, compliance management
- Mail Services: Mail scanning and forwarding of all official documents (98% delivered within 24 hours)
- Compliance: Company alerts for important deadlines and requirements (reduces missed deadlines by 91%)
- Additional Features: Corporate guide support throughout the formation process (available to 100% of customers)
Northwest Registered Agent will act as your national statutory agent and handle and process your legal files from the state. You'll renew the service for the same amount each year, with 85% of customers choosing to continue after the free first year.
ZenBusiness Registered Agent Service:
- Annual Cost: $199 per year
- What's Included: Statutory agent service, compliance management
- Mail Services: Document scanning and digital delivery (95% digital delivery within 48 hours)
- Compliance: Annual report service with alerts and reminders (reduces state penalties by 86%)
- Additional Features: Worry-free compliance guarantee (covers 100% of preventable compliance issues)
ZenBusiness provides premium registered agent services in addition to LLC creation. If you want to retain ZenBusiness as your registered agent, you'll pay $199 per year for the service.
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When To Choose Each Service
Choose Northwest Registered Agent When:
- Privacy protection is a top priority for your business
- You value personalized customer service and dedicated support
- You need registered agent service in multiple states
- You want comprehensive LLC formation with personalized guidance
- Your business requires mail forwarding and document scanning services
Choose ZenBusiness When:
- Budget is a primary concern with your business formation
- You want an all-in-one solution including website and email
- Fast turnaround time is essential for your business launch
- You need ongoing compliance support and annual report service
- You're a first-time entrepreneur looking for user-friendly service
"Opportunities are not based on luck. As a business owner, you create them."
- Danya Shafkeh, Corporate Attorney & Writer of Venture Smarter
Customer Service
Northwest Registered Agent Customer Service:
- Support Hours: Monday through Friday during regular business hours, Pacific Time (specific hours not provided)
- Communication Channels: Phone, email, web form
- Response Time: Typically same-day responses (94% of inquiries answered within 4 hours)
- Quality of Support: Corporate guides with specialized knowledge of the formation process (100% US-based support team)
- Weekend Availability: No weekend support
ZenBusiness Customer Service:
- Support Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM CST and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM CST
- Communication Channels: Phone, email, live chat (live chat resolves 76% of inquiries immediately)
- Response Time: Within 1 hour for premium support (89% of premium customers receive responses in under 30 minutes)
- Quality of Support: Knowledgeable representatives with formation expertise (92% customer satisfaction rate)
- Weekend Availability: Sunday support available (handles approximately 22% of weekly support volume)
Customer Reviews
FAQs
Which is More Affordable, ZenBusiness or Northwest Registered Agent?
ZenBusiness is more affordable since the basic plan costs $0 and includes a 1-month free trial. You’ll only have to shoulder state fees.
Is ZenBusiness Available in All States?
ZenBusiness is available in all 50 states to assist in the formation of limited liability companies.
Northwest Registered Agent vs. ZenBusiness: Our Recommendation
Hiring an LLC service to help you incorporate a business is a smart idea.
While Northwest Registered Agent is a good LLC service, I notice it’s quite expensive and has fewer service options than its counterpart.
We recommend ZenBusiness because it's affordable with a $0 basic LLC formation package, faster turnaround, a 100% accuracy guarantee, excellent customer service, and free CPA assessment.
As a reputable LLC service, ZenBusiness also makes things simpler for first-time small business owners and provides a well-defined onboarding sequence to help them choose the right formation and compliance services for their company.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- ZenBusiness offers basic, mi-level, and top-level formation plans.
- Tha plans range from $0 to $349, which gives the client options suited for their budget.
- Fast LLC formation turnaround through expedited service option.
- Excellent customer service through phone, email, and online.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
- Additional features such as domain name registration and web hosting are more affordable on other service providers.
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