LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose LegalZoom if: Owners wanting compliance filings plus optional attorney access
Skip it if: Budget is tight; registered agent is $249/yr, higher than most rivals.
Visit LegalZoomChoose ZenBusiness if: Owners who want annual reports filed on a yearly plan
Skip it if: You only need a registered agent; $199/yr costs more than some rivals.
Visit ZenBusinessQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Tie (8.1 vs 8.1) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | ZenBusiness (From $21/mo vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | ZenBusiness (4.6 vs 4.7 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (Not confirmed vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Owners wanting compliance filings plus optional attorney access | Owners who want annual reports filed on a yearly plan |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | Budget is tight; registered agent is $249/yr, higher than most rivals. | You only need a registered agent; $199/yr costs more than some rivals. |
| Free plan or trial | Free plan | Free plan |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone, chat; M-F 5am-7pm, Sat-Sun 7am-4pm PT | Phone, chat; M-F 8-8, Sat-Sun 9-6 CT |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.6/5 (Trustpilot, 33,327) | 4.8/5 (Trustpilot, 32,795) |
| Registered agent | $249/yr (first-time price); no free 1st year | $199/yr; $99 1st year with new LLC |
| Files your annual report | Yes; $99 + state fee, or $199/yr plan | Yes; $100 + state fee per report, or $199/yr plan |
| Deadline alerts | Yes, mail alerts and annual report reminders | Yes, reminders and compliance scorecard |
| Mail scanning | RA mail scanned; Virtual Mail from $39/mo | RA documents scanned to dashboard |
| Keeps your address private | RA address only; Virtual Mail address from $39/mo | RA address only; not usable as business address |
| Switch an existing LLC | Yes; they file and pay state fees | Yes; they file the change (state fee may apply) |
| EIN service | $79 | $99 (included in Pro/Premium) |
| Operating agreement | $99 ($199 rush); included in Managed/Expert | $99 template (included in Pro/Premium) |
| Forming a new LLC | $0 / $249 / $299 + state fees | $0 / $199 / $299 + state fees |
| Guarantee | 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee | 60-day money-back; 100% accuracy |
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Your yearly cost, by state
| Service | Agent per year | They file your report |
|---|---|---|
| LegalZoom | $249 | $99 + state fee |
| ZenBusiness | $199 | $100 + state fee |
| Do it yourself Be your own agent; file the report yourself | $0 | State fee only |
List prices for an existing LLC, before promotions. Report totals apply in years a report is due.
LegalZoom
- Switching agents: they file the paperwork and pay state fees.
- Compliance Filings ($199/yr) auto-files annual reports and amendments.
- 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee: their errors are corrected free.
- Phone 7 days: weekdays 5am–7pm PT, weekends 7am–4pm PT.
- Registered agent costs $249/yr and auto-renews until you cancel.
- Managed and Expert plans auto-renew at $49 or $99 per month.
- EIN ($79) and operating agreement ($99) are sold separately.
ZenBusiness
- Worry-Free Compliance files your annual report plus 2 amendments for $199/yr.
- 60-day money-back guarantee and 100% accuracy guarantee on filings.
- Phone and chat 7 days a week; weekdays 8am–8pm CT.
- iPhone app rated 4.5/5 from about 1,700 ratings.
- Registered agent is $199/yr and not included in any plan.
- EIN and operating agreement cost $99 each on Starter.
- Registered agent address can't be used as your business address.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is LegalZoom or ZenBusiness cheaper?
ZenBusiness starts lower: From $21/mo for LegalZoom vs From $17/mo for ZenBusiness. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
ZenBusiness, with 4.7/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
LegalZoom: Not confirmed. ZenBusiness: Not confirmed.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.