Best LLC Formation Services in 2025
We've reviewed and compared the top 10 LLC formation services to help you make the right choice. Clear pricing, honest reviews, and no hidden surprises.
Choosing the right LLC formation service can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of headaches. We've spent months testing and comparing these services, analyzing their pricing structures, uncovering hidden fees, and evaluating their customer support. Whether you're looking for the cheapest option, the fastest formation, or the most comprehensive service, we'll help you find exactly what you need.
Quick Comparison Table
Compare key features at a glance. Click any service for full details.
| Service | Base Price | Speed | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 4.9/5 | Best Overall Value |
| Bizee | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks | ★ 4.6/5 | Fastest Formation |
| Inc Authority | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 4.4/5 | Free Formation |
| Tailor Brands | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks | ★ 4.3/5 | Best for Branding |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days | ★ 4.2/5 | Best for Legal Support |
| Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days | ★ 4/5 | Legal Documents |
| BetterLegal | $299 all-inclusive | 2 days | ★ 3.9/5 | Speed & Simplicity |
| Active Filings | $199 + state fees | 5-10 days | ★ 3.8/5 | Traditional Service |
| Filenow | $99 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 3.6/5 | Budget Option |
| Northwest | $39 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 3.4/5 | Basic Formation |
Detailed Service Reviews
Each service has been thoroughly tested and evaluated based on pricing, features, speed, customer support, and overall value.
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. Three packages available: Starter ($0 + state fees) includes free year of Worry-Free Compliance, Pro ($199/yr) adds 1-day rush processing and business documents, and Premium ($349 first year, $399 renewal) includes everything plus registered agent service and Money Pro bookkeeping trial. All packages include 100% accuracy guarantee, award-winning lifetime support, Velo AI assistant, and mobile app access.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Free year of Worry-Free Compliance (Starter)
- ✓ Rush 1-day processing (Pro/Premium)
- ✓ Premium saves $199/yr on registered agent
- ✓ 100% accuracy & 60-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning lifetime support included
- ✓ Velo AI assistant and mobile app
- ✓ Business advisor consultation (Premium)
Cons:
- ✗ Registered agent not included in Starter/Pro
- ✗ Special offers auto-renew after trial period
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Inc Authority
Budget-conscious entrepreneurs comfortable with DIY approach
Inc Authority offers genuinely free LLC formation with free registered agent service for the first year. While their basic package is unbeatable for price, be prepared for upselling attempts and note that the registered agent service renews at $119/year. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who want the absolute lowest cost and don't mind a more hands-off approach.
Pros:
- ✓ Truly free basic formation
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Free tax planning consultation
- ✓ No hidden fees on basic package
- ✓ Phone and chat support available
- ✓ Basic compliance tools included
Cons:
- ✗ Aggressive upselling tactics
- ✗ Processing can be slow (7-10 days)
- ✗ Registered agent renews at $119/year
LegalZoom
Businesses that need ongoing legal support and established credibility
LegalZoom brings decades of experience and attorney-backed support to LLC formation. While some add-ons are pricey, their comprehensive legal services, extensive forms library, and ability to connect with attorneys make them ideal for businesses with complex legal needs or those who value the security of working with an established industry leader.
Pros:
- ✓ Attorney support available
- ✓ Comprehensive legal forms library
- ✓ Rush processing available (1 day +$99)
- ✓ Phone and chat support
- ✓ 30+ years in business
- ✓ Peace of mind guarantee
Cons:
- ✗ Registered agent costs $249/year
- ✗ Operating agreement costs extra (+$99)
- ✗ EIN service expensive (+$159)
Rocket Lawyer
Businesses needing ongoing legal support beyond formation
Rocket Lawyer offers comprehensive legal services beyond just LLC formation. Their platform provides access to attorneys, unlimited legal documents with membership, and ongoing legal support. While the formation takes 5-7 days, they're ideal for businesses that anticipate needing regular legal assistance.
Pros:
- ✓ Full legal services platform
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ Attorney consultations available
- ✓ Mobile app for on-the-go access
- ✓ Document library with membership
- ✓ Phone and chat support
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Registered agent costs $149/year
- ✗ EIN service costs extra (+$99)
BetterLegal
Entrepreneurs who want fast, hassle-free formation with everything included upfront
BetterLegal streamlines LLC formation with their all-inclusive $299 package that covers everything you need - formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent. With their 2 business day turnaround and straightforward pricing, they eliminate the confusion and delays common with other services.
Pros:
- ✓ 2 business day formation speed
- ✓ All-inclusive pricing (registered agent included)
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
- ✓ Phone and email support
- ✓ No confusing upsells
Cons:
- ✗ Higher upfront cost than competitors
- ✗ Limited ongoing compliance tools
- ✗ No mobile app
Active Filings
Traditional businesses preferring established service providers
Active Filings provides straightforward LLC formation with phone support and basic compliance tools. While their $199 starting price is higher than many competitors, they offer reliable service with rush processing options and include the first year of registered agent service.
Pros:
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Rush processing available (2 days +$100)
- ✓ Phone and email support
- ✓ Basic compliance tools included
- ✓ Established company
Cons:
- ✗ Higher starting price than competitors
- ✗ Operating agreement costs extra (+$99)
- ✗ No mobile app
Filenow
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs wanting basic formation at low cost
Filenow offers affordable LLC formation with minimal bells and whistles. Their streamlined process and low fees make them attractive for entrepreneurs who know exactly what they need and don't require hand-holding through the process.
Pros:
- ✓ Low starting price
- ✓ Straightforward process
- ✓ Rush processing available (3 days +$50)
- ✓ Low-cost add-ons (Operating agreement +$40)
- ✓ Clear pricing structure
Cons:
- ✗ Email-only customer support
- ✗ No compliance tools
- ✗ Registered agent costs extra (+$125/year)
Northwest Registered Agent
Privacy-conscious business owners on a budget
Northwest Registered Agent offers basic LLC formation at a low price. While they have limitations like email-only support and no rush processing, they maintain a focus on privacy and transparent pricing without aggressive marketing tactics.
Pros:
- ✓ Low formation price
- ✓ Privacy-focused service
- ✓ No upselling or spam
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ Registered agent service available ($125/year)
Cons:
- ✗ Email-only customer support
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ No compliance tools included
- ✗ No mobile app
- ✗ Limited additional services
Need Your LLC Fast?
Fastest LLC Formation Services (24-48 hours)
Pro Tip: Processing times don't include state filing times, which typically add 3-10 business days depending on your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an LLC formation service?
While you can form an LLC yourself directly with your state, a formation service handles all the paperwork, ensures compliance, provides a registered agent, and often includes valuable tools like operating agreements and EIN filing. For most entrepreneurs, the time saved and peace of mind are worth the small fee.
How long does LLC formation take?
Formation services typically process your paperwork in 1-7 business days. However, state processing times vary from same-day (in states like Wyoming) to 4-6 weeks (in states like California). Most states process LLCs within 7-10 business days. Rush processing is available in many states for an additional fee.
What's included in the "$0" formation packages?
The "$0" packages typically include basic formation filing with your state. You'll still pay state filing fees ($50-$500 depending on your state), and most services charge extra for essentials like registered agent service, operating agreements, and EIN filing. Read the fine print carefully to understand the total cost.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes, every LLC is legally required to have a registered agent - someone available during business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. While you can be your own registered agent, most business owners use a service to maintain privacy and ensure compliance.
Which service is best for my business?
It depends on your priorities: ZenBusiness offers the best overall value with comprehensive features. Bizee is fastest and cheapest for basic formation. LegalZoom provides the most legal support. BetterLegal includes everything upfront with no upsells. Consider your budget, timeline, and how much support you need.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
Common hidden costs include: registered agent renewal fees ($99-249/year), compliance monitoring ($50-100/year), mail forwarding fees, and charges for amendments or additional filings. Always check what's included in year two and beyond. We highlight these costs in our detailed reviews above.
Ready to Form Your LLC?
Don't let paperwork and legal requirements hold you back. Choose a service above and get your business started today.
Still not sure? Check out our complete cost breakdown or pros & cons analysis.