LegalZoom vs. Northwest
An LLC Formation Service Comparison
Searching for the right online business formation service to help you start an LLC? For this review, we used LegalZoom and Northwest Registered Agent to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC), then compared their features.
In this LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent comparison, we answer three simple questions to help guide you through choosing the best LLC service for starting your business.
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TOP 5 LLC FORMATION SERVICES
We recommend checking out our list of the top 5 LLC formation services.
SKIP AHEAD TO
TOP 5 LLC FORMATION SERVICES
We recommend checking out our list of the top 5 LLC formation services.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS: NORTHWEST VS. LEGALZOOM
Choosing a service that helps you start and manage your own business can be stressful. That’s why we’ve presented three questions that will simplify the process and steer you toward the right decision.
Is It a Good Deal?
Northwest
Yes, however, there are better options out there, such as ZenBusiness.
Northwest’s checkout process is one of the most straightforward we’ve seen. There are no hidden costs, and the process is easy to complete.They have one LLC formation option. It's on the more expensive side at $225 plus state fees, but it includes premium registered agent services, excellent customer support, and more.
Want to learn more about what a registered agent is and why it’s required for LLC formation? Read our guide here!
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is ideal if you would rather use a service with brand power and are willing to pay premium prices. Their LLC formation prices start at $79 plus state fees.
Who Uses Northwest and LegalZoom?
Northwest
Those who want to start their own business, or just need a new registered agent, use Northwest.
While LegalZoom is one of the most recognized service providers, Northwest has built a strong reputation and trust with their customers. This is pretty impressive, since the company is relatively new to the LLC filing industry.
Here are some verified reviews (pulled from Better Business Bureau) by people who used Northwest to help launch their businesses:
“I LOVE Northwest. The handled my LLC filing efficiently, and answered all of my questions in a timely manner ( there were many, and they responded within 24hours). Well worth the money for their expertise. I couldn’t have done it without them. I highly recommend their services.”
“Down-to-earth pricing with no hidden gotchas, fast turnaround, responsive customer service and all round pleasurable company/service to deal with.”
LegalZoom
Similar to Northwest, those who want to start an LLC, corporation, non-profit, and so forth use LegalZoom. One of the main differences is that LegalZoom is more focused on full legal services for business beyond just company formation. Here are some reviews (pulled from LegalZoom’s website) by people who used LegalZoom to help launch their businesses:
"I had never started a business before, so LegalZoom was a perfect place to go. It let me take my vision for the company and make it a reality, legally."
"We've used [LegalZoom] for quite a few things over the years, and overall it's gone very smoothly. They've been easy to work with and very affordable."
Is There a Better Deal to Form My LLC?
Yes! Our top-rated LLC service is ZenBusiness due to their high-quality and affordable business formation packages.
Takeaway
Based on the questions above, Northwest Registered Agent is a good choice if you want premium features and fast service.
LegalZoom is a decent choice if you prefer a more well-known brand.
ZenBusiness is the best choice for those looking to start a small business at an affordable price.

RECOMMENDED ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)
RATING DETAILS: NORTHWEST VS. LEGALZOOM
After answering the three questions, we further investigated what you should keep in mind before making your choice. We’ve separated these points into four topics which are outlined below.
Northwest | LegalZoom | |
---|---|---|
Overall | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
Cost Value | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 | 3.7/5 |
Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
Included Features | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
Value
Northwest offers expert support and premium registered agent services in their business formation package.
Although Northwest's incorporation service is $225 plus state fees, you'll get expert support by their Corporate Guides®. Not to mention, Northwest is known for their quality registered agent service, which is included in the package.
Customer Service
Northwest's customer service is the best among the LLC formation services we’ve reviewed.
The customer support reps we talked to from Northwest are extremely knowledgeable and consistent, and they always answer the phone. You can even choose to work with a rep you’ve worked with before if you had a good experience.
Ease of Use
Both companies have a user-friendly checkout process.
Northwest has an advantage over LegalZoom because the service offers a convenient online dashboard, which neatly organizes all of your LLC paperwork. Northwest’s site isn’t quite as easy to navigate as other competitors’, but the order forms and checkout pages are laid out in a way that provides great transparency to their customers.
Included Features
Northwest includes their premium registered agent service.
Northwest's registered agent service is $125 per year compared to LegalZoom's registered agent service of $159 per year. Also, Northwest includes an Operating Agreement in their formation service.
SEE OUR TOP 5 SERVICE REVIEWS
FORM AN LLC FOR FREE USING OUR GUIDE
ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($99 + State Fees)
Incfile ($0 + State Fees)
Inc Authority ($0 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees)
SEE OUR TOP 5 SERVICE REVIEWS
ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($99 + State Fees)
Incfile ($0 + State Fees)
Inc Authority ($0 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees)
FORM AN LLC FOR FREE USING OUR GUIDE
PRODUCT COMPARISONS: NORTHWEST VS. LEGALZOOM
Northwest and LegalZoom offer additional services beyond forming your LLC. Some features can be purchased independently, offering even more pricing flexibility. Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison. NOTE: LegalZoom offers three business formation packages; however, we will not be covering what all of these packages include below. Instead, since Northwest Registered Agent only offers one filing option, we will compare it to LegalZoom's basic LLC package.
Please, be aware that LLC pricing and options are subject to change.
Basic Plan Comparison
Northwest | LegalZoom | |
ORDER PROCESSING TIME | 1-3 business days | 30 days |
REGISTERED AGENT | $125 per year | $159 extra per year |
OPERATING AGREEMENT | Yes | $99 Extra |
EIN REGISTRATION | No | $60 extra, must be bundled with Operating Agreement for a total of $159 |
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE | Included with their registered agent | One month free, $320/year after |
Basic Plan Highlights
For $225, Northwest will form your LLC and give you expert customer support, an Operating Agreement, and premium registered agent services. LegalZoom, by contrast, will only form your LLC, and requires an additional $159 for a year of registered agent service.
See our top 5 service reviews
ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($349.99 + State Fees)
Incfile ($0 + State Fees)
Inc Authority ($0 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees)