Starting a new business is exhilarating, but navigating the legal paperwork can be a source of immediate stress. Choosing the right Limited Liability Company (LLC) formation service is one of the most critical early decisions you will make. It dictates your initial outlay, your ongoing compliance burden, and, most importantly, the level of protection your personal assets receive.
In this guide, we cut through the marketing hype and the "free" offers to analyze the true long-term costs and features of the top US-based LLC services for 2025.
⚠️ Essential Legal & Financial Disclaimer
The content on BizShieldTech is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) before making business formation decisions. Prices, packages, and state fees are subject to change.
Affiliate Disclosure: BizShieldTech is an independent review site. We provide affiliate links to the services reviewed, which may earn BizShieldTech a commission at no extra cost to you. We recommend services based on value, features, and cost.
The Critical Factor: Why the Initial Price is a Distraction
Many services advertise a "Free LLC Formation," which means they waive their service fee but still require you to pay the mandatory state filing fee (which can range from $50 to over $500, depending on your state).
The real money trap, and the crucial point of comparison, is the Registered Agent (RA) renewal fee. Every LLC in the US requires a Registered Agent—a designated party to receive legal and government documents. After the first year's discount or free period, this annual renewal can jump to anywhere from $119 to over $250, drastically changing your business's 3-year operating cost.
Key Features Every Startup Needs
When evaluating services, ensure the package includes these three non-negotiable items:
- Articles of Organization/Filing: The essential paperwork to legally form your LLC with the state.
- Registered Agent Service (1 Year): The necessary legal compliance contact.
- Operating Agreement Template: The internal document that defines ownership structure and rules, critical for legal protection.
Top 3 LLC Formation Services: A True 3-Year Cost Comparison
| Service | Best For | 1st Year Cost (Basic Package + State Fee Est.) | Registered Agent Annual Renewal Cost | 3-Year Estimated Cost (The True Cost) |
| Bizee (Incfile) | Budget-Conscious Startups | $0 + State Fee | $119/year | Lowest overall long-term cost |
| ZenBusiness | Value, Compliance, and Support | $0 to $49 + State Fee | $199/year | Excellent balance of features and value |
| LegalZoom | Brand Trust and Legal Access | $0 to $149 + State Fee | $249/year | Highest premium, best for attorney access |
In-Depth Reviews of the Top 3 Platforms
1. Bizee (Formerly Incfile): The Budget Champion
Bizee is the undisputed leader for entrepreneurs prioritizing the lowest possible cost of entry. Their core offering is designed to get you registered with maximum simplicity.
Key Features
- $0 LLC Formation: You only pay your state's mandatory filing fee.
- Free First-Year Registered Agent: This is the best initial value proposition on the market, offering substantial savings.
- Simple Dashboard: Their platform provides a straightforward digital dashboard for tracking important deadlines and documents.
Pricing
- Basic Package: $0 + State Fee. Includes the filing and one year of Registered Agent.
- Standard Package: $199 + State Fee. Includes the Operating Agreement and EIN filing.
- Registered Agent Renewal: $119/year. This is one of the lowest ongoing RA fees in the industry.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lowest Long-Term Cost: The $119 annual RA fee is highly competitive. | Slower Processing: Standard filing can take 3–4 weeks without paying for expedited service. |
| Free First Year RA: Saves new startups immediate funds. | Aggressive Upsells: You will encounter multiple offers for additional services during checkout. |
2. ZenBusiness: The Best Balance of Value and Compliance
ZenBusiness has quickly become a favorite for its focus on compliance and user experience, aiming to keep your LLC in good standing long after the initial filing.
Key Features
- Worry-Free Compliance (WFC): Included in some packages, the WFC service handles annual reports and filing alerts, offering peace of mind.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Excellent for managing documents and tracking filing status.
- Socially Conscious: ZenBusiness is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), appealing to entrepreneurs who value social responsibility.
Pricing
- Starter Package: $0 + State Fee. Includes filing and an annual report alert.
- Pro Package: $199/year + State Fee. Adds faster filing and the Operating Agreement.
- Registered Agent Renewal: $199/year. (Free for the first year with most packages).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent Customer Reviews: High rating on platforms like Trustpilot. | Higher RA Renewal: The $199/year RA fee is higher than Bizee's. |
| Compliance Management: WFC service minimizes the risk of losing good standing. | Upfront Pricing: Some necessary features (like EIN) are often add-ons or included in higher-tier packages. |
3. LegalZoom: The Brand Powerhouse
LegalZoom is the most established and widely recognized brand in the online legal space. While often the most expensive, they excel in offering services that go far beyond basic LLC filing, providing a seamless path to ongoing legal support.
Key Features
- Attorney Access: LegalZoom’s primary advantage is its large network of independent attorneys for consultations on business and personal matters.
- Broad Service Portfolio: They cover everything from Trademark/Patent filing to Estate Planning, making them a true one-stop legal shop.
- High Brand Trust: With over four million customers, the name recognition itself offers a layer of comfort for many founders.
Pricing
- Basic Package: $0 + State Fee. Name availability check and Articles of Organization filing.
- Pro Package: $249 + State Fee. Includes Operating Agreement and EIN.
- Registered Agent Renewal: $249/year. This is one of the highest RA fees on the market.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Legal Plan Integration: Easy access to legal advice for contracts and compliance issues. | The Highest Long-Term Cost: The RA renewal is expensive, making it the least cost-effective for simple LLCs. |
| Most Trusted Brand: Unparalleled reputation and experience. | Slower Standard Filing: Non-expedited processing can be slower than competitors. |
7 Other Strong Contenders to Consider
For a complete picture, here are other highly-rated services that excel in specific areas:
| Service | Best Feature | Why it Made the List |
| 4. Northwest Registered Agent | Privacy by Default | All documents are scanned locally; one of the industry's best for customer support and privacy. RA is $125/year. |
| 5. Rocket Lawyer | Legal Documents & Trial | Offers a 7-day free trial providing access to an extensive legal document library and attorney consultations (subscription model). |
| 6. MyCompanyWorks | Fastest Filing | Known for having one of the quickest turnaround times (often same-day processing for higher tiers) and excellent customer service. |
| 7. Inc Authority | Free Starter Package | $0 LLC formation (plus state fees), similar to Bizee, and includes a free tax consultation. |
| 8. Harbor Compliance | Best for Multi-State | Ideal for businesses expanding beyond one state due to its expertise in complex compliance and licensing. |
| 9. Swyft Filings | Quick Turnaround | Focuses on speed and is a good option if you need your LLC formed in a rush without the highest LegalZoom price tag. |
| 10. BetterLegal | All-in-One Simplicity | Offers one simple, all-inclusive package $299 + State Fee that handles filing, EIN, and operating agreement with a fast 2-day turnaround. |
Conclusion: Avoiding the Registered Agent Trap
When forming your LLC, your strategy should be to secure the best combination of essential services while minimizing the unavoidable annual fees.
- If your budget is tight and you need the lowest possible long-term cost, Bizee (Incfile) is the clear winner due to its $0 initial service fee and the low $119/year Registered Agent renewal.
- If you prioritize ongoing compliance, technology, and superior support, ZenBusiness offers the best overall value, despite the higher RA renewal.
The single most important takeaway: Do not ignore the Registered Agent renewal fee. It is the hidden, recurring cost that will impact your business for years. Choose the service that offers compliance tools and support at a sustainable annual price point.
The video below offers another perspective on the best LLC services available for small businesses.
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