Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you sign up for an LLC formation service through our links. So does every comparison site you have read. We disclose this here, at the top, because most competitors bury it. Our honest take is still below.
LLC Formation Services Compared:
LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Northwest, Bizee (2026)
The three things that actually matter: total first-year cost, registered agent renewal price in year two, and whether they pile on upsells.
The Only 3 Things That Matter
Total year-1 cost including state fee
The formation fee headline (often $0) is meaningless without the state filing fee. Add everything: formation + registered agent + state fee.
Registered agent renewal price in year 2+
This is where the traps are. A $99 year-1 RA bundle often becomes $199-$299 in year 2. Check the renewal price before signing.
What you get without upsells
Some services add 12+ optional upsells during checkout and pre-check some of them. Know what you are actually buying.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Service | Formation | RA Year 1 | RA Year 2+ | 5-Year Total | Trustpilot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 (+ state fee) | $125 | $125 | $789 + state | 4.7/5 | Best overall |
| ZenBusiness | $0 (+ state fee) on starter | $99 (bundled year 1) | $199 | $895 + state | 4.8/5 | Best user experience |
| Bizee (formerly Incfile) | $0 (+ state fee) | $119 (bundled year 1) | $119 | $595 + state | 4.5/5 | Cheapest first year |
| LegalZoom | $0 (+ state fee) starter | $249 (year 1) | $299 | $1,445 + state | 4.1/5 | Biggest brand, highest cost |
| Tailor Brands | $0 (+ state fee) on basic | $99 (bundled) | $199 | $895 + state | 4.3/5 | Best for branding bundle |
Prices as of April 2026. All prices exclude the mandatory state filing fee. 5-year total includes formation + RA years 1-5. Does not include EIN, operating agreement, or other add-ons.
Honest Review of Each Service
Northwest Registered Agent
Best overallOwners who want transparency, flat pricing, and good support
Pro
Flat pricing, no renewal price hike, best privacy features, responsive support
Watch out for
EIN costs extra; website is less polished than competitors
ZenBusiness
Best user experienceFirst-time LLC owners who want a smooth, guided process
Pro
Highest customer ratings, clean interface, affordable starter plan
Watch out for
Registered agent jumps from $99 to $199 at renewal. Read the fine print.
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Cheapest first yearBudget-conscious owners who read everything before clicking 'add'
Pro
Cheapest total first year, good for budget-first buyers
Watch out for
Aggressive upsell flow during checkout. Review every add-on before paying.
LegalZoom
Biggest brand, highest costOwners who want access to an attorney consultation alongside formation
Pro
Strongest brand recognition, legal consultation available
Watch out for
Most expensive registered agent renewal ($299/year). Most aggressive upsells.
Tailor Brands
Best for branding bundleOwners who want formation and a basic brand identity in one flow
Pro
Formation + logo + business card + website builder all in one
Watch out for
Formation is secondary to branding. Less specialised than competitors.
The DIY Option: File Directly with Your State
You can file Articles of Organization directly on your state's Secretary of State website and pay only the state filing fee. No formation service needed.
When DIY makes sense
- + Straightforward single-member LLC
- + Budget is limited and state fee is under $100
- + You are comfortable navigating government websites
- + You are willing to write your own operating agreement
When a service adds value
- ! You want registered agent service included
- ! You want a guided process with document reminders
- ! You are in a complex state like New York
- ! Speed matters and expedited service is available