LegalZoom vs. Northwest 2024
An LLC Formation Service Comparison
Searching for the right online business formation service to help you start an LLC? For this review, we used Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom to form a limited liability company (LLC), then compared their features.
In this LegalZoom vs. Northwest comparison, we answer three simple questions to help guide you through choosing the best LLC service for starting your business.
Recommended: Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
Recommended Step Before Using LegalZoom or Northwest
It’s important to name your business before going through the LLC formation process with a service provider. TRUiC’s Free LLC Name Generator will help you to do the following:
- Discover the perfect business name for your company.
- Conduct a business name search to make sure your desired name is available in your state and not already taken.
- Help verify the availability and secure a domain name for your LLC.
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 about LegalZoom and Northwest that will simplify the process and steer you toward the right decision.
Is It a Good Deal?
Northwest
Yes, Northwest is an excellent deal!
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; for just $29 plus state fees, 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 $0 plus state fees.
*The $0 formation package from LegalZoom includes formation only with significant upsells to important services - see the comparison chart below.
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?
There isn't much of a better deal than Northwest, which offers affordable LLC formation packages and registered agent services. However, if you're looking to build your brand and online presence, Tailor Brands provides a variety of tools in addition to LLC formation.
Takeaway
Based on the questions above, Northwest is a great choice if you want premium features and knowledgeable customer support.
LegalZoom is a decent choice if you prefer a more well-known brand.
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 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 vs LegalZoom Side by Side Comparison
Basic Plan Highlights
For $29, Northwest will form your LLC and give you expert customer support, and provide premium registered agent services. LegalZoom, by contrast, will only form your LLC, and requires an additional $249 for a year of registered agent service.
Best LLC Formation Services
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($0 + State Fees)
ZenBusiness ($0 + State Fees)
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Bizee ($0 + State Fees)
Swyft Filings ($0 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($99 + 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.
Value
Northwest offers expert support and premium registered agent services in their business formation package.
Northwest's incorporation service is $29 plus state fees, and 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 (after the first year of included services) compared to LegalZoom's registered agent service of $249 for the first year.