Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the top LLC services providers
LegalZoom connects you with a wide network of attorneys who can help you navigate legal issues, craft iron-clad legal documents, form a limited liability company and more. If you need assistance with launching a business, LegalZoom is a dependable choice. In fact, we at the MarketWatch Guides team ranked the company number one in our industry-wide review of the best LLC formation services.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
Our Take on LegalZoom
LegalZoom is our top pick among 12 business formation services. We reviewed the most popular LLC formation companies, rating each on its features, customer experience, value and reputation. Based on this review, we think LegalZoom provides the most bang for an entrepreneur’s buck.
If you’re a business founder on a budget, LegalZoom offers a free basic LLC startup package. This is a bare-bones offering that features little more than completing and filing the required articles of organization in your state.
LegalZoom’s Pro and Premium service packages come with high initial costs compared to many of its competitors. However, these packages include more in-depth features than many other LLC formation companies offer. LegalZoom’s higher-tier plans include services such as creation of a custom operating agreement, bookkeeping and employer identification number applications.
All of LegalZoom’s services come backed by a strong customer experience, including immediate assistance from a chat feature, a mobile app and service hours that extend into nights and weekends.
Flip Card
LegalZoom
Pros and Cons of LegalZoom
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of working with LegalZoom:
$0 basic LLC filing package
Pro and Premium packages include EIN service, operating agreements and bookkeeping, which is comprehensive compared to competitors
Cost of registered agent services includes applicable state filing fees
Pro and Premium packages carry higher prices compared to other companies
Registered agent only available as add-on service
LegalZoom LLC Services and Features
Below are further details on LegalZoom’s offerings:
LegalZoom LLC Plans
LegalZoom offers three tiers of LLC formation packages. The plans range from basic filing to comprehensive LLC, accounting and legal services.
LegalZoom Add-On Services
Some LegalZoom services are only available as add-ons or standalone services, including:
- LLC compliance checks
- Registered agent services
LegalZoom Customer Service
LegalZoom features robust customer service via phone, email or chat. Its customer service hours extend into nights and weekends, with service access on both Saturday and Sunday. Customers can also get help through the LegalZoom mobile app.
LegalZoom Satisfaction Guarantee
LegalZoom services are backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
How Much Does LegalZoom Cost?
If you choose LegalZoom’s Basic package, which costs $0, you can select the following add-ons at the listed prices:
- EIN application: $79
- Custom operating agreement: $99
- Operating agreement plus EIN: $159
- Operating agreement, EIN, forms and eSign service: $199
LegalZoom also offers a Pro plan for $249 per year and a Premium package for $299 per year. Customers can add these standalone services to any plan with the following fees:
- Compliance filing: $199 per year
- Compliance filing plus licenses and permits: $299 per year
- Registered agent service: $249 per year
You can also buy expedited filing from LegalZoom, which speeds up LLC filing to one business day and costs $99.
In addition to the cost of your chosen LegalZoom LLC package, you can expect to pay any applicable state filing fees.
LegalZoom: Reputation and Reviews
LegalZoom has a strong industry reputation and mostly positive customer reviews. It carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 3.5 out of 5-star rating from customers on the same platform. On TrustPilot, LegalZoom has an “Excellent” rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, built from over 25,000 reviews.
Reviewers on BBB and TrustPilot often praise LegalZoom customer service representatives by name and highlight the company’s fast responses to service requests and minor issues. In contrast, some customers express frustration with fees associated with some of LegalZoom’s services, which may indicate misleading marketing.
We reached out to LegalZoom about these negative reviews but didn’t receive a response.
How LegalZoom’s LLC Formation Service Compares
LegalZoom has competitive LLC formation service rates compared to similar companies. Its registered agent services are more expensive than others, but the company boasts faster filing times for standard LLC paperwork.
| Services and Features | LegalZoom | Bizee | ZenBusiness | MyCompanyWorks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation Plan Cost | $0 + state filing fees (Basic package only) | $0 + state filing fee (Basic package only) | $0 + state filing fee (Starter package only) | $79 + state filing fees |
| Registered Agent Service Cost | $249 per year (all packages) | Free for first year (all packages) | $99 for first year, $199 per year after | $119 per year |
| Operating Agreement Cost | $99 (Basic package only) | $99 (Basic package only) | $99 (Basic package only) | $79 minimum, included in all packages |
| Standard Filing Time | 5 to 7 business days | 3 to 8 weeks | 7 to 10 business days | 2 to 16 business days |
| Expedited Filing Time | 1 business day | Varies by state | 1 business day | 1 to 2 days |
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
FAQ: LegalZoom Review
LegalZoom has been in business for over 20 years, offers assistance from attorneys throughout the LLC formation process and has a money-back satisfaction guarantee. The BBB has given LegalZoom an A+ rating as of 2026. LegalZoom reviews on Trustpilot show that it has earned “Excellent” status, with an average of 4.6 stars from over 25,000 reviews.
LegalZoom’s registered agent service not only accepts important documents on your LLC’s behalf but also gives you a compliance calendar and notifies you when essential filings are due.
However, it is more expensive than other companies, with services at $249 per year. Other formation services, like Northwest Registered Agent, offer the service for free for the first year and are only $125 per year after that.
Both LegalZoom and ZenBusiness offer standard LLC filing for $0 plus the state filing fee. ZenBusiness offers a more affordable Pro LLC formation service at $199 compared to LegalZoom’s Pro package at $249. See our in-depth ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom comparison of the two companies for a more in-depth look at the value each company offers.
Our Methodology
To provide consumers with objective and accurate information, our experts created a comprehensive system for rating limited liability company services. We researched a dozen online LLC, registered agent and trademark registration services.
We conducted a survey in 2025 of 1,000 professionals who had used LLC services within the past year. We analyzed the results of this survey to determine the following rating criteria:
- Features (30% of total score)
- Customer Experience (25% of total score)
- Value (25% of total score)
- Reputation (20% of total score)
Visit the full LLC methodology page for more details on our rating system.
*Data accurate at time of publication
**Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation and should not be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions, you should seek the advice of an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
