ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom (2025 Comparison: What’s Better?)
Setting up a business entity and handling legal formalities can be overwhelming, but ZenBusiness and LegalZoom simplify the process with comprehensive formation services.
Both companies offer entrepreneurs a quick and hassle-free way to establish their businesses with well-structured plans and additional services.
With over a decade of experience as a business consultant, I’ve worked with various formation services and understand how they operate. In this guide, I’ll break down ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom—covering their features, pricing, and overall performance—to help you choose the best fit for your LLC.
At a Glance: ZenBusiness and LegalZoom
ZenBusiness is a business formation company founded in 2015. Since then, the company helped over 500,00- entrepreneurs form their businesses. They provide a comprehensive platform with tools and educational programs to support aspiring business owners.
ZenBusiness often receives high customer satisfaction ratings, with over 90% of customers reporting positive experiences with their services.
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom is a trusted business formation service and legal company that helped over 4 million clients. They offer an array of legal services, including the creation of legal documents without the need to hire a lawyer.
1. ZenBusiness LLC Highlights
- Business formation services
- Registered agent services
- Compliance assistance
- Website design and hosting
Our #1 Recommendation
2. LegalZoom LLC Highlights
- Legal document templates
- Business formation services
- Trademark services
- Legal advice and consultation
WE RECOMMEND ZENBUSINESS
3. How ZenBusiness and LegalZoom Stack Together
Comparatively, both companies feature a basic platform and complete packages needed to form an LLC. However, LegalZoom offers legal consultation, guidance, and a business legal plan.
Apart from its basic formation package, ZenBusiness offers financial services through business banking, expense tracking, business credit cards, and tax consultation.
They offer professional registered agent services to perform service of process and help businesses meet their legal obligations for $199 annually. You have to avail of the service as an add-on since it is not included in their basic plan.
Side-by-Side LLC Plan Comparisons
| Service Level | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan (Starter vs Basic) | $0 + State Fees
| $0 + State Fees
|
| Mid-Level Plan (Pro vs Pro) | $199 + State Fees
| $249 + State Fees
|
| Top-Level Plan (Premium vs Premium) | $299/year + State Fees
| $299 + State Fees
|
"The key to business success is consistent effort and planning."
- Danya Shafkeh, Corporate Attorney & Writer of Venture Smarter
When to Choose Each Service
Choose ZenBusiness if:
- You want the most affordable LLC formation with $0 starter package
- You need integrated business banking and bookkeeping services
- You prefer worry-free compliance monitoring in the first year
- You want expedited filing options (1-5 business days with Pro plan)
- You're looking for comprehensive website-building tools and domain services
Example scenario: A freelance web developer is starting their first LLC and wants an all-in-one solution for business formation, banking, and website creation. ZenBusiness's Premium package provides all necessary tools while keeping initial costs manageable.
Choose LegalZoom if:
- You need comprehensive legal support and attorney consultations
- You want trademark registration services
- You prefer nationwide DBA registration availability
- You need extended customer service hours including weekends
- You want customizable legal document templates
Example scenario: A retail business owner is launching a brand with plans for nationwide expansion. They need trademark protection and ongoing legal guidance, making LegalZoom's Premium package with attorney support ideal.
Service-Specific Recommendations
| Service Type | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Reports | $100 + state fees | $99 + state fees | ZenBusiness for bundled compliance; LegalZoom for one-time filing |
| DBA Registration | Varies by state (limited availability) | $99 + state fees | LegalZoom for nationwide coverage and straightforward pricing |
| Business Banking | $5/month with bookkeeping | Not available | ZenBusiness for integrated financial services |
| Business Licenses | $99 | $99 | Either service offers comparable features |
| Trademark Registration | Not available | $599 + federal fees | LegalZoom is the only option with full trademark services |
Customer Service Comparison
| Feature | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation |
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| Contact Methods |
|
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| Customer Experience |
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Customer Reviews
Based on TrustPilot reviews, both ZenBusiness and LegalZoom receive consistently positive feedback for their customer service.
ZenBusiness customers praised their quick response times and helpful representatives, particularly noting how they handle billing issues and make LLC formation "almost too easy."
LegalZoom customers highlighted their seamless process and knowledgeable staff, with one customer specifically commending their ability to explain complex topics like the differences between copyrights and trademarks.
Both companies seem to provide strong customer support, though they excel in slightly different areas - ZenBusiness in immediate problem resolution and LegalZoom in detailed guidance through complex legal processes.
FAQs
Which Company has Catered to More Clients, ZenBusiness or LegalZoom?
LegalZoom has catered to more than 2 million clients while ZenBusiness has helped over 500,000 businesses in the industry.
Which is More Affordable, ZenBusiness or LegalZoom?
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom offer affordable packages at $0 basic plan. Coincidentally, their mid-level and top-level packages both costs $548 when computed collectively.
ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom: Our Recommendation
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom are two of the very best business formation services. Their offerings are affordable, and thousands of businesses patronize them globally.
In my years in the industry, I have considerable experience working with both companies. ZenBusiness and LegalZoom provide entrepreneurs and new business owners a comprehensive platform in order to launch their companies successfully.
While both platforms offer excellent LLC formation services, we recommend ZenBusiness.
ZenBusiness offers cost-effectiveness, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners with limited budgets to access quality services. Their commitment to worry-free compliance ensures businesses stay on top of critical deadlines.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- ZenBusiness offers a wide range of business formation packages: Basic, Pro, and Premium.
- A 1-year free compliance service is included in the basic plan.
- The Pro and Premium packages feature a 1-5 day expedited filing service.
- ZenBusiness ranks among the top 5 in business formation reviews.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
- Registered agent service is not included in the formation packages and can be availed of separately.
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