Best LLC Formation Service: 10 Top Picks for 2026
The cheapest LLC filing isn't always the best deal. A $0 headline price can still leave you paying state fees, registered-agent renewals, EIN add-ons, operating-agreement charges, and subscription costs that show up after checkout. For founders, the better question is simpler, what does the full ownership experience cost in year one and again in year two, and how much hand-holding do you need?
That matters because LLC formation is part filing service, part compliance system, and part operational setup. You may need speed, privacy, legal access, licensing help, multi-state support, or help if you're forming from outside the U.S. The right provider depends on whether you want just the filing, or a broader setup that includes registered agent coverage, tax help, and post-formation workflow.
The comparison below focuses on real ownership trade-offs, not marketing language. It also separates formation-only value from broader startup infrastructure, because a service that files your LLC well isn't automatically the best place to manage launch visibility, SEO, or distribution after approval. That's where Aura++ comes in, not as an LLC filer, but as a launch and discoverability platform with permanent project pages, AI-written launch assets, social distribution, and scheduling that can help a newly formed business build durable visibility after formation day.
Table of Contents
- 1. StartGlobal
- 2. Northwest Registered Agent
- 3. ZenBusiness
- 4. Bizee
- 5. LegalZoom
- 6. Swyft Filings
- 7. BetterLegal
- 8. Rocket Lawyer
- 9. Harbor Compliance
- 10. CorpNet
- 11. Firstbase
- Top 11 LLC Formation Services Comparison
- Choose the Service That Fits Your Next Three Years
- Frequently asked questions
1. StartGlobal
StartGlobal is the strongest fit for founders who want a U.S. LLC formed and managed without living in the U.S. or owning the usual setup friction. It's built for global operators, so the value isn't just the filing. It's the combination of formation, EIN support, banking guidance, registered agent coverage, and ongoing compliance in one place. For a non-resident founder, that bundled experience can matter more than shaving a few dollars off the filing fee.
The platform's formation package covers filing in any U.S. state, approval tracking, first-year registered agent service, and a state name availability check. It also prepares and submits the EIN application, including for owners without a U.S. SSN, which closes one of the most common gaps for international founders. StartGlobal also supports remote bank account setup through partners such as Mercury and Lili, which is especially useful when the company needs to become operational quickly.
Where it goes beyond formation
StartGlobal is closer to an operating system than a one-time filing tool. It includes ongoing registered agent service with legal mail receipt and forwarding, annual or biennial report filing, bookkeeping, federal tax filing, and a managed LLC plan that bundles several of those tasks into a flat monthly price. It also adds business utilities like a U.S. mailing address, U.S. phone number, invoicing, team chat, and referral management.
Practical rule: if the founder is outside the U.S. or expects to run lean without a local back office, bundling compliance and operating tools usually beats buying a cheap filing and stitching the rest together later.
That said, StartGlobal is not the right answer for every founder. If you only need a one-off domestic filing and already know how to handle EIN, registered agent renewal, and annual reports yourself, a lighter provider may be enough. But if the core problem is getting a U.S. entity live, bankable, and compliant from anywhere, StartGlobal is one of the most complete choices in the category. See the platform directly at StartGlobal's LLC formation page.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the privacy-first option for founders who care more about direct support and clean ownership costs than flashy bundles. Its appeal is straightforward. You get LLC formation for a low service fee, one year of registered agent included, and a reputation built around human help instead of upsell-heavy funnels. The company also leans into privacy by letting founders use its address on public filings.
That structure makes Northwest especially useful for solo founders and small teams who want a stable, no-nonsense process. The business identity bundle, including a domain, email, phone, website, and business address, adds practical value without turning the checkout into a maze. If your main concern is keeping your personal address off public records and avoiding subscription drift, this is a strong fit.
What the ownership experience feels like
Northwest's support model is a real differentiator. Its “Corporate Guides” are known for responsive, human support, which matters when you're trying to file in a state with unfamiliar rules or you don't want to wait through a generic ticket queue. The trade-off is that Northwest doesn't try to be a full legal or tax platform. If you need attorney access, tax prep, or a broader back-office bundle, you'll need another provider or separate tools.
If you want fewer decisions and fewer surprise renewals, Northwest is one of the safest places to start.
Its pricing also looks more honest over time than many “free” offers. The first year is simple, but the registered-agent renewal after that is a real consideration, so the better comparison is year one versus year two, not the headline filing fee alone. For founders who value privacy, transparent pricing, and direct support, Northwest remains one of the clearest answers in the market.
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is built for founders who want guidance, reminders, and a modern dashboard rather than a bare filing utility. Its $0 entry point is attractive, but the question is what you add after that. EIN, operating agreement, rush filing, and compliance support can all raise the actual cost, so ZenBusiness makes most sense when you plan to use the surrounding tools, not just the initial filing.
The platform's strength is clarity. It lays out add-ons and compliance options in a way that's easier to understand than many competitors, and that can help first-time founders avoid accidental blind spots. The state fee and timing checker is particularly useful when you're trying to decide whether to file now, file later, or pay for speed. That kind of visibility matters more than a temporary discount.
Best fit and trade-offs
ZenBusiness works well for founders who want reminders and a guided experience after the entity is approved. If you're worried about missing deadlines, forgetting filings, or building an operating agreement from scratch, the dashboard-centric model can save time. The downside is that the cost rises quickly if you stack registered agent service and multiple subscription features.
The registered agent price is also a meaningful part of the comparison. At the category level, it's one of the higher recurring charges among specialist options, so founders who plan to keep the entity lean should compare the second-year total carefully. If you want a polished platform and don't mind paying for the convenience, ZenBusiness is easy to work with. If you're optimizing for the lowest long-term cash outlay, it may not be the leanest choice.
4. Bizee
Bizee is one of the most cost-efficient options when you care about year-one cash flow. Its basic package can start at $0 plus state fees, and the first year of registered agent service is included in many promotions. That makes it appealing to founders who want to get the company filed without overcommitting to a bundle they may not need.
The key advantage is how much you can do at low upfront cost if you keep the package simple. Standard and Premium tiers add items like EIN, operating agreement, and faster filing, so the platform can scale with a founder who starts lean but expects to add services later. That's useful for solo operators and side businesses that need a proper entity now and don't want to buy a full back office on day one.
Renewal math matters here
Bizee's attraction changes once the first year ends. The renewal and registered-agent costs can become less friendly if you let the package auto-continue without checking what you need. That doesn't make the service bad. It means the best value depends on whether you use it as a low-friction starter and then reassess, or whether you intend to keep the subscription stack long term.
For founders comparing Bizee against more expensive all-in-one platforms, the practical question is whether you need compliance help, legal support, or tax guidance beyond filing. If the answer is no, Bizee can be a smart budget move. If the answer is yes, a broader provider may be more efficient even if the headline price is higher.
See how launch infrastructure can be paired with formation using Aura++ pricing.
5. LegalZoom
LegalZoom stands out because of brand recognition, and that matters if you want a provider that feels established before you even file. MarketWatch coverage of a 2025 comparison said it was selected by nearly half of respondents and received the highest reviewed score in that set, which helps explain why it stays on so many founder shortlists. MarketWatch comparison coverage
That said, LegalZoom only makes sense if you evaluate the full ownership experience, not the entry price alone. Formation is one part of its offer. The broader draw is the surrounding legal stack, which includes business legal products and attorney consultations through separate plans. For founders who expect to need contracts, trademarks, or ongoing document help later, that broader catalog can justify paying more than a bare-bones filing service.
The trade-off shows up in renewal costs and add-ons. Its registered agent service is priced higher than leaner specialists, and the final bill can rise quickly once subscriptions are layered in. That structure works for buyers who want a single provider and expect to use multiple services. It is a weaker fit for founders who only need the filing handled once.
Best use case: founders who want a familiar legal brand for formation and later legal support, and who are willing to pay for that convenience.
For a founder building a new company, the practical question is whether LegalZoom is buying peace of mind or just a larger invoice. If you only need an LLC, a registered agent, and maybe an EIN, the service is usually hard to justify on cost alone. If you want formation plus a wider legal toolbox, it becomes a more defensible choice.
Broader startup visibility can be added later through Aura++ legal launch support, which fits after formation rather than replacing it.
6. Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings is a good middle-ground option for first-time founders who want clear package structure without overcomplicating the decision. The package table is one of its strongest features. You can see the difference between the free entry path, the Standard tier, and the Premium tier, which helps avoid the “what am I paying for?” problem that shows up on some formation sites.
The service also tends to run promotions, especially on the higher tiers, which makes it appealing if you're watching upfront cash carefully. Faster processing is available on the higher plans, so it's a reasonable choice when time matters and you still want a guided checkout. The platform's detailed inclusions are useful for founders who want to compare the operating agreement, digital kit, and other extras before paying.
Where to be careful
The biggest caution is the registered-agent line item. It's displayed separately, so the total can move up quickly if you need ongoing compliance support. That's not unique to Swyft Filings, but it matters because many buyers focus on the low first-year package and miss the renewal stack.
If you're comparing it to a budget provider, Swyft Filings can look attractive at checkout and then become less competitive once the full package is assembled. If you're comparing it to a higher-end service, it may make sense because the packaging is clearer and the workflow is more guided. This is a service where the package matrix does a lot of work for the buyer.
7. BetterLegal
BetterLegal is for founders who hate pricing surprises and don't want to assemble a long menu of add-ons. Its flat formation fee includes core documents and EIN, which makes the first-step decision simpler than on most competing sites. If you want a predictable bill and a simplified filing process, that structure is appealing.
The company's real value is clarity. You know what the base formation includes, and you can decide separately whether you want registered agent service or state compliance support. That helps founders who are comfortable handling some tasks themselves but still want a professional filing process. It's especially useful if you prefer a one-time payment model over recurring subscriptions.
Where it fits, and where it doesn't
BetterLegal is not trying to be a broad legal or tax platform. That leaner product shape is part of the appeal, but it also means the add-on ecosystem is smaller than some founders expect. If you want legal consultations, bundled compliance, or marketing tools, you'll need other vendors.
The service is strongest for founders who value speed and predictability over a big feature set. It's less compelling if you're trying to buy formation plus ongoing legal help in one place. For a clean, direct LLC filing with a simple price structure, it's one of the more efficient choices on the list.
8. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is closer to a legal membership than a pure formation service. That makes it a good fit for founders who expect to keep asking legal questions after the LLC is formed. The membership includes access to legal documents and attorney consultations, and the first business registration is free with an active membership, plus state fees.
That model works when formation is part of an ongoing legal workflow. If you need contracts, templates, and occasional attorney guidance, the membership structure can be rational. If you only need a one-time filing, the subscription model may feel heavier than necessary.
Value depends on usage
The question with Rocket Lawyer is continuity. You get the best value if you're going to use the membership beyond formation. The registered-agent fee for members is competitive, but the service still makes the most sense for founders who want to keep legal access on tap rather than treat filing as a one-time event.
For solo founders, consultants, and small businesses that regularly review documents, this can be practical. For founders trying to minimize recurring commitments, a specialist formation provider may be easier to live with. Rocket Lawyer is less about cheap formation and more about keeping legal tools nearby.
9. Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the serious compliance option for businesses that expect complexity. It's a strong match for regulated industries, professional firms, and companies that may need foreign qualification or licensing help. The platform is built around project-managed filings and long-term compliance, so it looks less like a consumer checkout flow and more like a business operations tool.
That matters if your formation is only the first step in a larger regulatory picture. Some founders need more than an LLC. They need state registrations, license research, records management, and a team that can keep track of filings across jurisdictions. Harbor Compliance is designed for that reality.
Why it stands apart
The service is not the cheapest option, and it doesn't pretend to be. That's part of its value. If you need hands-on help with multiple states or specialized filings, a low-cost starter package can end up costing more in time and corrections than a managed service would have in the first place.
Harbor Compliance makes sense when compliance risk is part of the business model, not an afterthought.
If your company is simple, single-state, and mostly digital, you may not need this level of support. If your business touches multiple jurisdictions or regulated categories, Harbor Compliance is one of the more credible places to start.
10. CorpNet
CorpNet is a solid choice for founders who want transparent public pricing and a wide set of filing services. Its tier structure makes it easier to understand what you get at each level, and the company is known for responsive phone and email support. That combination is useful if you don't want to chase hidden requirements through a sales funnel.
The service also covers a lot of practical post-formation work, including annual reports, BOI filings, and payroll tax registrations. For founders who want one vendor that can continue handling administrative work after the LLC exists, that breadth is valuable. Registered agent service is available in all 50 states, which also helps businesses with a more geographic spread.
Watch the small print
CorpNet's basic tier comes with only 60 days of free registered agent service, so the ownership math changes quickly if you need longer coverage. The company also notes a card convenience fee on its price sheet, which is exactly the sort of detail buyers should look for before checkout. Neither issue is fatal, but both affect the true first-year cost.
CorpNet is a practical option when you want a mix of transparency, support, and ongoing filing help. It's less compelling if you're only shopping for the lowest possible opening price. For founders who value a detailed pricing sheet and a broader compliance menu, it deserves a serious look.
11. Firstbase
Firstbase is the startup-native option in this list, especially for international founders and software companies that want more than just a filing. It's focused on Delaware and Wyoming formations, and the surrounding stack includes registered agent service, mailroom, virtual address options, tax filing packages, and banking-related tooling. That makes it a natural fit for founders building a U.S. entity as part of a broader startup setup.
Its interface is cleaner than many traditional filing sites, and the documentation tends to be more founder-friendly. That matters when you're trying to connect formation, banking, compliance, and tax from outside the country. The service is also more comfortable than average for non-U.S. founders who need entity creation without a U.S. presence.
Best for a startup stack
Firstbase is strongest when the business is a startup, not just an LLC. If you want the formation plus a broader launch stack, the product makes sense. If you need a simple home-state LLC with minimal ongoing services, the focus on Delaware and Wyoming may not be ideal.
The tax filing support for foreign-owned entities is another differentiator. That's the kind of detail many generic formation services leave out. For founders building globally from day one, Firstbase can reduce the number of vendors involved in the first operational layer.
You can also connect the launch side of a new company through Aura++ launch guide, which is useful once formation is done and visibility becomes the next problem.
Top 11 LLC Formation Services Comparison
| Company | Core features ✨ | Support & quality ★ | Pricing / Value 💰 | Target audience 👥 | Standout USP 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartGlobal | End-to-end formation, EIN, remote bank setup, registered agent, bookkeeping, tax filing, AI agent Neo | ★★★★★ Transparent bundles; multi‑language human support | 💰 All‑inclusive formation + managed plans; clear fees | 👥 Non‑resident founders; global startups needing US banking | 🏆 Integrated OS + remote banking pathways + AI compliance agent |
| Northwest Registered Agent | LLC filing help, 1st‑yr registered agent, privacy/business identity bundle | ★★★★★ Fast, live “Corporate Guides” support | 💰 Stable, flat fees; registered agent $125/yr after | 👥 Privacy‑focused founders and small businesses | 🏆 Privacy-first filings; no data resale policy |
| ZenBusiness | $0 entry option, add‑ons (EIN, rush), compliance plans, dashboard | ★★★★ Modern UX; large help content & reviews | 💰 $0 start but add-ons/subscriptions raise cost | 👥 Founders wanting easy dashboard + compliance | 🏆 “Worry‑Free Compliance” subscription & clear add-ons |
| Bizee (Incfile) | Free basic package, tiered Standard/Premium, often 1st‑yr agent included | ★★★ Cost‑efficient; extensive state guides | 💰 Very low year‑one outlay; renewals can add up | 👥 Price‑sensitive founders seeking basic formation | 🏆 Lowest upfront cost promotions + broad state guides |
| LegalZoom | $0 formation flow, attorney consultation plans, broad legal product catalog | ★★★ Ubiquitous brand; familiar UX | 💰 $0 base but many upsells; registered agent $249/yr | 👥 Founders wanting wide legal services and attorney access | 🏆 Large legal product ecosystem and brand recognition |
| Swyft Filings | Basic $0, promo Standard/Premium tiers, faster processing options | ★★★ Clear package tables; guided process | 💰 Frequent promos; verify final add‑on costs | 👥 First‑time founders who want guided, promo pricing | 🏆 Promotional pricing and transparent inclusions table |
| BetterLegal | Flat fee formation ($299) incl. EIN & core docs; registered agent separate | ★★★★ Fast turnaround; predictable deliverables | 💰 Flat, predictable pricing; fewer surprises | 👥 Founders needing speed and price predictability | 🏆 Predictable flat‑fee model with included EIN/docs |
| Rocket Lawyer | Membership model, legal docs library, attorney access; formation included with membership | ★★★ Membership support; attorney consults available | 💰 Membership pays off if ongoing legal needs exist | 👥 Founders needing recurring legal help & docs | 🏆 Ongoing attorney access + document templates under membership |
| Harbor Compliance | Formation + licensing, multi‑state filings, project‑managed compliance | ★★★★ Hands‑on account management; expert support | 💰 Higher, quoteable pricing suited to regulated firms | 👥 Regulated businesses, multi‑state or professional firms | 🏆 Deep licensing & multi‑state compliance management |
| CorpNet | Formation tiers (from $99), registered agent nationwide, filings & BOI services | ★★★★ Detailed pricing and responsive support | 💰 Transparent pricing sheets; some convenience fees | 👥 Businesses needing complete filing options & support | 🏆 Detailed public pricing and broad compliance services |
| Firstbase | Founder-centric stack (Delaware/Wyoming focus), mailroom, agent, banking partners, tax filings | ★★★★ Clean UX; startup tooling & docs | 💰 Promotional start price; add‑ons for agent/compliance | 👥 International founders & software startups | 🏆 Startup-focused stack with banking integrations |
Choose the Service That Fits Your Next Three Years
The best LLC formation service isn't the one with the lowest headline fee. It's the one whose total cost and support model fit your next three years, not just your checkout page. Start by confirming your state filing fee, then compare the first-year total and the renewal-year total, because that's where many “free” offers become expensive. After that, check whether you need an EIN, an operating agreement, registered-agent coverage, and compliance reminders, because those basics often determine whether the service is useful.
The choice gets clearer once you decide what kind of founder you are. A solo domestic operator in a simple state can often get by with a lean filing service and a low-cost registered agent. A founder in a regulated industry may need licensing help, project-managed filings, or ongoing records management. An international founder may need a provider that can handle EIN applications without a U.S. SSN, remote banking support, and compliance workflows that don't assume a local office.
A few comparisons are worth making before you buy. Check filing speed, because state timelines vary and some providers offer expedited options while others don't. Verify registered-agent renewal pricing, because that cost often outlives the flashy promo. If you expect to need legal consultations or tax advice, make sure the provider offers those services instead of implying they do through broad marketing copy.
Practical rule: if the provider can't clearly explain year-two costs before you pay, keep shopping.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still have to pay state fees if the LLC formation fee is $0?
Yes. A $0 formation offer usually covers the provider's service fee, not the state's filing fee. The state fee is still required to file the LLC.
What's the difference between formation service and registered agent service?
Formation service files the LLC paperwork. Registered agent service receives legal and government notices for the company and helps keep the business address private.
Can I get an EIN and operating agreement through these services?
Often yes, but not always in the base package. Some providers include them, while others sell them as add-ons. If you need both, compare the package details carefully.
Why do subscription renewals matter so much?
Because the cost usually changes after year one. Registered agent service, compliance tools, and membership plans often renew automatically, so the second-year bill can look very different from the first.
How fast can my LLC be filed?
That depends on the state and the provider. Some offer expedited processing, but state approval times still control the final timeline.
When should I get legal or tax advice instead of using a standard formation service?
Use professional advice when the entity is multi-member, multi-state, regulated, foreign-owned, or tied to tax complexity that a standard checkout flow can't handle well.
Shortlist two providers, read the exclusions, prepare your business details, and file once you've checked the full renewal math. Then calendar your compliance deadlines on day one, and use Aura++ to schedule a product launch, create search-focused launch assets, and extend visibility beyond formation day.
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