If you want to start a business but are feeling stuck on the legal stuff, you must consider opting for the best LLC services. Setting up an LLC comes with a lot of paperwork and decisions, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Online LLC formation services can take care of the legal work while you focus on building your business.
There are many services out there, each promising to be the best. We’ve tested and researched the major LLC services to find out what they actually deliver. This guide will help you pick the right one for your needs and budget in 2025, with clear breakdowns of costs, features, and who they are best for.
At a glance, here are the five best LLC services we’ll cover:
- LLCBuddy: Best overall value and features
- ZenBusiness: Best for affordability and reliability
- Northwest Registered Agent: Best for privacy protection
- LegalZoom: Best for brand recognition and experience
- Rocket Lawyer: Best for ongoing legal services
Check Out These Related Posts – Find the Most Reliable Incorporation Services in 2024
Before we dive into the specific services, let’s quickly cover some LLC basics.
Contents
What is an LLC?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) gives you the best of both worlds – it protects your personal stuff like a corporation would but keeps taxes simple like a partnership. If someone sues your business or it goes into debt, they can’t come after your personal bank account, house, or other assets. When tax time rolls around, the money your LLC makes or loses just shows up on your personal tax return – much simpler than dealing with corporate taxes.
Think of it as building a wall between your business and personal life. Your LLC handles all the business activities and risks, while your personal assets stay safe on the other side of that wall. It’s like having a shield for your personal finances while keeping the paperwork manageable.
Why Use an LLC Service?
Yes, you can set up an LLC on your own – but using a professional service can make life easier. These services know all the rules for each state, handle the paperwork, and keep track of deadlines. Plus, they often include extras like acting as your registered agent (the person who receives legal papers for your business) and reminding you when you need to file important documents.
While you could learn all the rules and do them yourself, many people prefer having a pro handle it to save time and avoid mistakes. LLC services work the same way. They’ve done this hundreds of times and know exactly what paperwork each state wants to see.
Our Top Picks of Best LLC Services for 2025
Let’s look at each service in detail:
1. LLCBuddy
LLCBuddy stands out as our top pick for 2025, offering comprehensive LLC formation services at competitive prices with excellent customer support. When you visit their website, you can easily find what you are looking for, whether the services you need from LLC guides. While they have no live chat, their customer support is available by phone and email, so you can reach them whenever you have LLC-related questions. Their turnaround time may vary depending on the package you avail of, but you can expect around 2 to 3 business days.
Key Features:
- Quick LLC formation processing
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Lifetime customer support
- User-friendly dashboard
- Comprehensive compliance alerts
- Business tax consultation included
Pricing:
LLCBuddy offers LLC formation for $0. You only have to pay the state fees, and they vary depending on your state. For other essential LLC services and beyond, you may expect to pay up to $299. LLCBuddy does not upsell, and there are no hidden charges, making them suitable for those who are on a high budget.
Pros:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent customer support
- Comprehensive document preparation
- User-friendly interface
- Helpful guides are available on their website
Cons:
- Relatively newer in the industry
Who Should Choose LLCBuddy?
LLCBuddy works great for:
- New business owners who want a simple, clear process for setting up their LLC
- Anyone watching their budget but still wanting quality service
- People who like being able to call or email and get real help from actual humans
2. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness started in 2015 and has helped form thousands of LLCs. Their online platform walks you through LLC formation step by step. Their customer support is available by phone, email, or chat Monday through Friday. Basic orders take 10-15 business days, while rush filing can be completed in 2-3 days.
Key Features:
- Automated annual report filing
- Free registered agent for the first year
- Digital dashboard for document access
- Basic accounting and tax assessment
- Customizable business website
- Operating agreement template
- Business website and domain
- Banking resolution
- Federal tax ID (EIN)
- Worry-free compliance
Pricing:
ZenBusiness has three LLC formation packages. The Starter Package costs $0 plus state fees and gives you the basics: standard filing services, a 100% accuracy guarantee, and the option to add Worry-Free Compliance for your first year (which costs $199 per year after that).
For $199 per year plus state fees, the Pro Package builds on the Starter Package by adding faster processing (just one business day), Worry-Free Compliance, an operating agreement, and help to get your EIN. It’s a good fit if you want to get your business up and running quickly.
The Premium Package, at $299 per year plus state fees, gives you everything in the Pro Package plus some extra tools: a business document template library, a domain name with privacy protection, an AI website builder, a business email, and premium customer support. Like the Pro Package, it offers one-business-day processing.
Pros:
- Low starting price
- Good value in all packages
- Strong customer reviews
- Helpful compliance tools
- Clear pricing structure
Cons:
- Some features require higher-tier packages
- Registered agent renewal fees can be high
Who Should Choose ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness fits well for:
- Budget-conscious entrepreneurs
- Those who want ongoing compliance help
- People starting their first business
3. Northwest Registered Agent
Known for their top-notch privacy protection and personalized support, Northwest Registered Agent lives up to their name. Northwest Registered Agent focuses on privacy and personalized service. They scan every document locally and give each customer a dedicated support representative. Their processing typically takes 3-5 business days, with expedited options available.
Key Features:
- Premium privacy protection
- Dedicated support representative
- Local scanning of all documents
- Corporate guides for business advice
- Same-day filing available
- Free mail forwarding
- Local offices in every state
Pricing:
Basic LLC formation costs $39 plus state fees with a free Registered Agent for 1 year. They offer transparent pricing with no packages – just add what you need.
Pros:
- Strong privacy protection
- Dedicated support person
- No aggressive upselling
- Simple pricing model
- Experienced customer service
Cons:
- Higher base pricing
- Fewer extras included
Who Should Choose Northwest?
Northwest works best for:
- Privacy-focused business owners
- Those who want consistent support
- People who prefer straightforward pricing
4. LegalZoom
LegalZoom has been in business since 1999 and has helped millions of customers. Their website offers a simple questionnaire to start your LLC formation. They provide phone support and live chat, so you can reach them quickly. Standard processing takes 1 week to 10 business days, but you can pay extra for faster service.
Key Features:
- Business name availability check
- State document filing
- Articles of organization
- Phone and email support
- Legal forms and documents
- Real-time order status tracking
- Extensive legal document library
- Attorney consultations available
- Strong customer support
- Peace of mind guarantee
Pricing:
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages. The Basic Package ($0 + state fees) includes articles of organization, name checking, and 1-800Accountant consultation. Pro Package ($249, or $224 with discount) adds an operating agreement, EIN, one-year bookkeeping tools, 150+ legal document templates, and unlimited eSignatures. Premium Package ($299, or $269 with discount) includes Pro features plus attorney advice.
Pros:
- Well-known company with a long track record
- Extended customer service hours
- Many additional legal services are available
- Good for multi-state businesses
Cons:
- Higher prices than competitors
- Lots of upselling during checkout
- Slower standard processing times
Who Should Choose LegalZoom?
LegalZoom works well for:
- Business owners who want a well-established company
- People who might need extra legal services later
- Those who value weekend customer support
5. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer provides LLC formation alongside ongoing legal services. They offer legal document creation and attorney consultations. Their support team is available weekdays by phone, email, and chat. Standard processing takes 7-10 business days.
Key Features:
- Access to legal documents library
- Attorney consultations
- Digital signature tool
- Real-time document customization
- Incorporation filing service
- Registered agent service
Pricing:
The Monthly Membership costs $39.99 per month, starting with a free 7-day trial. You’ll get as many personalized legal documents as you need for both personal and business use. The package includes RocketSign® for electronic signatures, plus you can ask legal and tax experts your questions.
The Annual Membership (Rocket Legal+) drops the price to $19.99 per month when you pay $239.88 for the year – that’s half off the monthly plan. Along with all the monthly benefits, you’ll get one free business registration (LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, though you’ll still need to pay state fees). You’ll also get big discounts on extra services like trademark registration and registered agent services.
Pros:
- Access to legal help
- Useful document library
- Good subscription value
- Regular legal updates
- Attorney access included
Cons:
- Higher ongoing costs
- Membership model might not suit everyone
- It can be overwhelming for simple needs
Who Should Choose Rocket Lawyer?
Rocket Lawyer works best for:
- Businesses needing regular legal help
- Those who want attorney access
- Companies with ongoing document needs
Each of these services has its own sweet spot. LLCBuddy is an excellent overall choice because of its budget-friendly LLC formation, ease of use, excellent customer support, and helpful guides. ZenBusiness is great for budget-conscious entrepreneurs who still want quality service. Northwest Registered Agent is perfect if privacy is your top concern, while LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are ideal if you think you’ll need ongoing legal support.
How to Choose the Best LLC Service
When selecting an LLC formation service, consider these key factors:
Consider Your Budget
Start by looking at the complete picture of costs. Besides the service fees, you’ll need to factor in:
- State filing fees (these vary widely by state)
- Annual maintenance fees
- Additional services you might need
- Any subscription or renewal costs
Think long-term here – sometimes paying a bit more upfront can save you money down the road.
Processing Time is Key
If you’re eager to get your business up and running, processing time matters. Each service offers different turnaround times:
- Standard processing usually takes 2-3 weeks
- Expedited services can cut this down to 5-7 business days
- Rush filing might get you set up in 1-2 days
Remember, faster service usually means higher fees, so balance speed with your timeline and budget.
What Support Do You Need?
Think about how much hand-holding you want through this process. Some key support features to consider:
- Customer service availability and quality
- Access to legal consultations
- Help with ongoing compliance
- Document preparation assistance
- Online access to your documents
The Bottomline
After diving deep into these LLC formation services, we have found out that LLCBuddy stands out as our top pick for 2025. We also conclude that the “best” service really depends on your specific needs.
- Go with LLCBuddy if you want the best overall value and straightforward service.
- Pick ZenBusiness when you’re looking for affordable, reliable service.
- Select Northwest Registered Agent if privacy is your top concern.
- Choose LegalZoom if brand recognition and extensive legal resources matter to you.
- Opt for Rocket Lawyer if you need ongoing legal support.
Remember, forming an LLC is just the first step in your business journey. Take your time to compare services, read the fine print, and choose a provider that can support your business as it grows.
LLC Advisers is your go-to source for expert guidance on forming and managing your LLC. Get the inside scoop on LLC formation and management with LLC Advisers, the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs.
FAQs
Yes! State requirements and fees vary significantly. A good LLC service should be familiar with your state’s specific requirements and help you navigate them.
Both can be good choices. Established companies often have more resources and experience, while newer services might offer better prices and more modern tools. Focus on what fits your needs rather than just the brand name.
Every LLC needs a registered agent. While many LLC formation services include this for the first year, check the renewal fees – they can vary quite a bit and add to your long-term costs.
Most LLCs need annual report filing and registered agent services. Some services offer compliance monitoring and legal document access.
Yes, by filing directly with your state. Services simplify the process and handle paperwork but aren’t required.
Basic packages range from $0-49 plus state fees. Premium packages with added features cost $200-300+. State fees vary by location.