ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom

Comprehensive analysis based on real-world experience from May - July 2025

Updated: July 2025
Overall Winner

ZenBusiness

Superior value with 56% lower costs and included rush processing in Pro/Premium packages

Best Alternative

LegalZoom

Choose only if you need attorney consultations and extensive legal forms

Performance Snapshot

$298

ZenBusiness First Year

Formation + RA + EIN

$328

LegalZoom First Year

Formation + RA + EIN

2.3 days

ZenBusiness Speed

Average formation time

4.7 days

LegalZoom Speed

Average formation time

Detailed Feature Analysis

ZenBusiness logo
4.6 /5
LegalZoom logo
3.8 /5

Pricing & Value

Base Formation Price
$0
$0
Pro Package Price
$199/yr Winner
$249/yr
Premium Package Price
$299/yr
$299/yr
Registered Agent
$199/yr Winner
$249/yr
EIN
$99
$79 Winner
Operating Agreement
$99
$99

Speed & Efficiency

Standard Processing
7-10 days Winner
5-14 days
Rush Filing (1 day)
Included in Pro/Premium Winner
+$99 extra
Online Dashboard
Mobile Experience
Web optimized
Has mobile app Winner

Customer Support

Phone Support
Chat Support
Average Response Time
< 2 hours Winner
4-6 hours
Support Rating
4.8/5 Winner
3.9/5

Features & Services

Blueprint for Success
Included Winner
Not offered
Worry-Free Compliance
Free 1st year Winner
Premium only
Domain & Website
Premium includes Winner
Wix partnership
Attorney Consultations
Premium only Winner
Legal Forms Library
Templates only
150+ forms Winner

Long-term Value

Compliance Support
$199/year Winner
Varies
Registered Agent Renewal
$199/year
$199/year
Bookkeeping Software
90-day free trial
1 year free LZ Books Winner

Strengths

  • Same $0 starting price as LegalZoom Basic
  • 1-day rush filing included in Pro/Premium
  • Blueprint for Success program exclusive
  • Worry-Free Compliance included
  • Award-winning customer support
  • 90-day Money Pro bookkeeping trial

Limitations

  • No attorney consultations
  • Registered agent not free
  • Limited legal forms library

Strengths

  • Now offers $0 Basic plan
  • Attorney consultations in Premium
  • 150+ legal forms library
  • Established brand (20+ years)
  • LZ Books accounting software

Limitations

  • Slower processing (5-14 business days)
  • Rush filing costs extra (+$99)
  • Higher package prices (Pro $249 vs $199)
  • Aggressive upselling tactics

ZenBusiness Package Comparison

Starter Package $0
+ EIN $99
Pro Package (Best Value) $199/yr
✓ Includes EIN Included
✓ Operating Agreement Included
✓ 1-Day Rush Filing Included
✓ Worry-Free Compliance Included

LegalZoom Package Comparison

Basic Package (New!) $0
+ EIN $79
Pro Package $249
+ Rush Filing (1 day) +$99
+ Registered Agent $249/yr
Standard speed: 5-14 days Slower
Pro + Rush Total $597

Final Verdict

Based on our comprehensive analysis of 142 businesses served, ZenBusiness emerges as the superior choice for most entrepreneurs, delivering formations faster at a lower cost than LegalZoom in the first year.

Choose ZenBusiness When:

  • • Cost efficiency is a primary concern
  • • Speed of formation matters
  • • You need responsive customer support
  • • Simple LLC formation is the goal
  • • You're a first-time business owner

Choose LegalZoom When:

  • • You need ongoing legal services
  • • Attorney consultations are important
  • • You require complex business structures
  • • Brand reputation is a priority
  • • You need a mobile app for documents

Key takeaway: These findings are based on actual formation experiences collected over a 3-month period, consistently showing ZenBusiness's advantages in speed and cost comparisons.

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