LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness: Which LLC Service Is Better?
Which service fits better depends on what you weigh most: both LegalZoom's Basic package and ZenBusiness's Starter plan are $0 plus the state fee, but ZenBusiness's registered agent and annual-report add-on prices are published lower than LegalZoom's, while ZenBusiness also bundles a free compliance-monitoring subscription that converts to a paid renewal. Compare the published facts below rather than a general reputation for either company.
By LLC Register · Last reviewed October 5, 2026
Comprehensive Guide
Comparing the Base Formation Price
As published on each company's own site in October 2026, LegalZoom's Basic LLC package and ZenBusiness's Starter plan are both $0 plus the state's own filing fee. At this starting tier, the two are published at the same price.
What Each Starting Tier Actually Includes
Neither $0 tier includes registered agent service by default. ZenBusiness's Starter plan does include the first year of its Worry-Free Compliance service free, a compliance-monitoring subscription that renews at $199 a year afterward. LegalZoom's Basic package does not include a comparable bundled service.
Registered Agent Pricing
ZenBusiness's registered agent page advertises $99 for the first year, renewing at $199 a year (a separate ZenBusiness products page lists $199 a year as a flat standing rate, so confirm which applies at checkout). LegalZoom charges a flat $249 a year for registered agent service, the same in year one and at renewal, though LegalZoom notes the renewal rate is subject to change. On registered agent pricing specifically, ZenBusiness publishes the lower figure at both stages.
Higher-Tier Packages Compared
LegalZoom's $249 Pro package includes an operating agreement and EIN filing with formation. ZenBusiness's Pro plan is $199 a year and similarly includes an operating agreement and EIN; ZenBusiness's Premium plan is $299 a year. Note that ZenBusiness's Pro and Premium tiers are recurring annual prices, while LegalZoom's Pro and Premium tiers are one-time formation-package prices, a structural difference to account for when comparing the numbers directly.
Annual Report Filing and Other Add-Ons
ZenBusiness charges $100 plus the state's own fee for annual report filing. LegalZoom charges $99 per filing plus the state fee, or $199 a year for a standing subscription. The two are close on a per-filing basis.
How LLC Register compares
LLC Register's registered agent service is $99 a year, the same price at renewal. LLC formation in year one and annual report filing are included, while most providers charge $99 to $199 a year extra for annual report filing. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before checkout.
Answering "Which Is Better" With the Published Facts
If registered agent cost is your priority, ZenBusiness's published figures are lower than LegalZoom's at both the first-year and renewal stage. If you want a one-time, non-recurring formation-package price structure for your add-ons, LegalZoom's Pro and Premium tiers are structured that way, while ZenBusiness's equivalent tiers are recurring annual charges. Neither company is objectively "better" in general; which published pricing structure matches your preference is the more useful question.
Practical Considerations
Recurring vs. One-Time Tier Pricing Changes the Real Comparison
ZenBusiness's Pro and Premium tiers are annual, recurring prices, while LegalZoom's Pro and Premium tiers are one-time formation charges. A $249 one-time LegalZoom Pro package is not directly comparable to a $199-a-year recurring ZenBusiness Pro plan without accounting for this structural difference over multiple years.
ZenBusiness's Bundled Compliance Subscription Adds to Year-Two Cost
If you choose ZenBusiness's Starter plan, remember that its free first year of Worry-Free Compliance converts to a $199-a-year charge in year two, in addition to any registered agent renewal, when estimating your total ongoing cost.
Confirm Which ZenBusiness Registered Agent Price Applies
Because ZenBusiness's own pages show two different registered agent prices, confirm the one that actually applies to your order at checkout rather than assuming the lower, advertised figure.
A Flat LegalZoom Rate Can Still Cost More Over Time
LegalZoom's registered agent rate does not increase from year one to year two, but it is a higher number throughout than ZenBusiness's published figures, so a flat rate is not automatically the lower-cost option.
This Is Not Legal or Tax Advice
Which company's structure fits your business depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the LLC. Talk to a tax professional about ongoing compliance costs before deciding based on price alone.
Sources
The official sources used for this article.
FTC: The Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule, Questions and Answers | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumer-reviews-testimonials-rule-questions-answers |
|---|---|
IRS: Apply for an EIN online | irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online |
SBA: Choose a business structure | sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure |
Created by: LLC RegisterLast reviewed October 5, 2026
Updated: October 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom or ZenBusiness better for a new LLC?
It depends on what you weigh most. Both publish a $0 base package plus the state fee, but ZenBusiness's registered agent and annual-report pricing is published lower than LegalZoom's, while LegalZoom's higher tiers are one-time charges rather than recurring annual fees.
Does ZenBusiness's Starter plan include registered agent service for free?
No. Registered agent service is a separate purchase at ZenBusiness; its registered agent page advertises $99 for the first year, renewing at $199 a year. ZenBusiness's Starter plan does separately include a free first year of its Worry-Free Compliance service.
Are LegalZoom's and ZenBusiness's Pro packages priced the same way?
No. LegalZoom's $249 Pro package is a one-time formation charge. ZenBusiness's Pro plan is $199 a year, a recurring annual price, so the two are not directly comparable without accounting for that structural difference.
Which company publishes a lower registered agent renewal price, LegalZoom or ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness's $199-a-year renewal price is lower than LegalZoom's $249-a-year rate, as published on each company's site in October 2026.
Form your business with LLC Register
$99 a year for a registered agent, with LLC formation in year one and annual report filing included. State fees are passed through at cost.
