LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness: Best LLC Service for 2026?
You want to start an LLC, not drown in paperwork. LegalZoom is the 800-pound gorilla, but ZenBusiness is the hungry challenger. We compared their “$0 Packages” to see who actually gives you the best deal without hidden upsells.
The “$0 Package” Lie
Both companies advertise a “Free” ($0 + State Fee) plan. But “Free” isn’t really free. Here is what you actually pay to get the essentials (LLC Filing + EIN + Registered Agent).
| Feature | LegalZoom (Basic) | ZenBusiness (Starter) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $0 | $0 |
| EIN Number | $79 (Add-on) | $99 (Add-on) |
| Registered Agent | $249/yr | $199/yr |
| Processing Speed | Slow (30 days) | Fast (2-3 weeks) |
| Goal | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best UX | ZenBusiness |
| Brand Trust | LegalZoom |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
LegalZoom: The “Old Guard”
They have been around since 2001. They are reliable and huge.
Pros: Excellent brand recognition. They offer a “Legal Advisory Plan” where you can call a lawyer for advice on contracts (extra fee).
Cons: Constant upsells. At checkout, they try to sell you everything from business cards to expensive compliance kits.
ZenBusiness: The “New School”
They are a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), meaning they care about small business success, not just profit.
Pros: Faster standard filing times. Their dashboard is modern and easy to navigate. “Worry-Free Compliance” is a solid feature.
Cons: Their price for an EIN (Employer ID) is slightly higher than LegalZoom if bought separately.
Pro Tip: Do You Need an EIN?
Both services charge you ~$70-$99 to get an EIN for you.
Don’t pay for this!
How to Save $99
Use LegalZoom or ZenBusiness for the LLC filing (the hard part), but skip the EIN add-on. Do that yourself on IRS.gov Monday-Friday (7am – 10pm).