Hey there! If you’re dreaming of starting your own business or finally getting that LLC set up, you’ve probably heard of ZenBusiness and LegalZoom. These two are giants in the online legal services world, making it easier for everyday folks like us to handle the paperwork without hiring a pricey lawyer right off the bat.

But with so many options out there, which one should you pick? In this in-depth comparison, I’ll break it all down in simple terms—like we’re chatting over coffee. We’ll look at everything from pricing to customer support, using the latest info from 2025. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which service fits your needs. Let’s dive in!

1. Company Background

Starting a business is exciting, but it’s smart to know who you’re trusting with the details. Both ZenBusiness and LegalZoom have solid histories, but they’ve taken different paths to get where they are today.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness kicked off in 2015 with a mission to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, no matter your background or budget. Based in Austin, Texas, they’re a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), which means they’re legally committed to doing good—like supporting communities and offering grants to underrepresented voices. They’ve helped over 845,000 business owners form and grow their companies, focusing on small businesses and startups. Think of them as the friendly tech-savvy helper that simplifies the nitty-gritty stuff. In 2025, they’re still growing fast, emphasizing AI tools and seamless platforms to keep things worry-free.zenbusiness.comzenbusiness.com

LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been around much longer, launching in 1999 and really hitting its stride by 2001. They’re the veterans here, having supported over 9 million legal milestones and trusted by millions. Founded to democratize legal help, they offer a wide range of services beyond just business formation—like estate planning and intellectual property. With more than 20 years under their belt, they’ve evolved into a one-stop legal shop, blending tech with attorney guidance. In 2025, they’re still a household name, especially for folks who want that extra layer of professional support.marketwatch.comlegalzoom.com

In short, ZenBusiness feels like the fresh, affordable upstart, while LegalZoom is the established pro with broader expertise. If you’re a newbie entrepreneur, ZenBusiness might feel more approachable; if you anticipate needing ongoing legal advice, LegalZoom could be your go-to.

2. Pricing Overview

Money talks, right? Both services offer “free” basic formation (plus state fees), but the real value comes in their packages. State filing fees vary—think $50 to $300 depending on where you are—so factor that in. Let’s compare their 2025 pricing.

ZenBusiness Pricing

ZenBusiness keeps it simple with three tiers, billed annually for ongoing perks:

• Starter: $0 + state fees. Includes standard filing, accuracy guarantee, operating agreement, EIN, and one optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/year). Great for bare-bones setups.
• Pro (Most Popular): $199/year + state fees. Adds rush filing (1 business day internal processing), business document templates, domain name with privacy, AI website builder, business email, and premium support.
• Premium: $299/year + state fees. Everything in Pro, but with even more bells and whistles like advanced compliance tools.

They often run deals, and add-ons like registered agent are $199/year. Overall, ZenBusiness wins on affordability for mid-tier plans—you can save up to 64% compared to competitors in your first year.zenbusiness.comzenbusiness.com

LegalZoom Pricing

LegalZoom’s plans are similar but pricier for extras:

• Basic/Economy: $0 + state fees. Covers name check, articles of organization, lifetime support, and a banking resolution.
• Pro: $249 + state fees. Includes operating agreement, EIN, guides, and VIP processing (faster internal handling).
• Premium: $299 + state fees. Adds expedited state processing, express shipping, and more customization.

Add-ons like registered agent run $299/year, and they charge for things like EIN ($99) separately in lower plans. While the base is free, their Pro package can cost up to $746 in some comparisons, making ZenBusiness cheaper for similar features.marketwatch.com+2 more

Bottom line: ZenBusiness edges out on value, especially if you want extras without breaking the bank. LegalZoom might feel worth it if you bundle more legal services.

3. Formation Speed

Time is money when you’re eager to launch. Both handle internal processing, but state approval varies (1-4 weeks typically).

ZenBusiness

• Starter: 7-10 business days internal.
• Pro/Premium: 1 business day rush.

They’re known for faster standard times (1-2 days in some cases), outperforming rivals.zenbusiness.comwebsiteplanet.com

LegalZoom

• Basic: Up to 30 days.
• Pro: 15 days.
• Premium: 7-10 days.

They offer expedited options, but ZenBusiness generally gets you started quicker.marketwatch.comstartupsavant.com

If you’re in a rush, go ZenBusiness—it’s the clear winner here.

4. Ease of Use

No one wants a headache from confusing forms. Both platforms are user-friendly, with step-by-step guides.

ZenBusiness

Their dashboard is intuitive, taking just 5-10 minutes to input details. AI tools and clear prompts make it feel modern and straightforward, perfect for beginners.zenbusiness.com

LegalZoom

They use questionnaires that complete in minutes, with a 24/7 dashboard for updates. It’s solid, but some users note it’s less “fun” than ZenBusiness’s sleek interface.marketwatch.com

ZenBusiness takes the lead for pure simplicity, but both are beginner-friendly.

5. Registered Agent Service

Every LLC needs a registered agent to receive legal docs. Both offer this, but costs differ.

ZenBusiness

$199/year, often with a free first year in Starter (optional). Reliable and compliant-focused.zenbusiness.com

LegalZoom

$299/year. Solid, but pricier and not always included free.marketwatch.comllcuniversity.com

ZenBusiness is more budget-friendly here.

6. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Like a business SSN, an EIN is key for taxes and banking.

ZenBusiness

Included in all plans—super convenient.zenbusiness.com

LegalZoom

Add-on for $99 in Basic, included in higher tiers.marketwatch.com

ZenBusiness makes this effortless from the start.

7. Legal Services & Documents

Beyond formation, what else do they offer?

ZenBusiness

Focuses on business docs like operating agreements (included), templates in Pro+, and compliance alerts.zenbusiness.com

LegalZoom

Broader: Wills, trusts, trademarks, and more. Great if you need diverse legal help.marketwatch.comsmallbusinesshq.co

LegalZoom shines for comprehensive legal needs.

8. Customer Support

Stuck? Good support is crucial.

ZenBusiness

Premium support in higher plans, available extended hours. Users rave about helpful reps like Claire and Antonette.zenbusiness.comtrustpilot.com

LegalZoom

Phone support (under 2 minutes connect), but some complaints about delays or transfers.marketwatch.comtrustpilot.com

ZenBusiness gets higher praise for responsiveness.

9. Reputation & Reviews

Real users tell the story. Both have strong ratings, but let’s see the details.

ZenBusiness boasts 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (23,000+ reviews) and A+ on BBB, with praise for ease and support. Some gripes about upsells or cancellations.trustpilot.com+2 more

LegalZoom scores 4.3/5 on Trustpilot (21,000+ reviews) and A+ on BBB, lauded for reliability. Complaints include hidden fees, delays, and poor communication.trustpilot.com+2 more

ZenBusiness has a slight edge in satisfaction, especially for startups. On X, users share mixed but mostly positive stories, like quick ZenBusiness help or LegalZoom’s scam alerts.