Starting a business in the United States usually begins with choosing the right legal structure.
Many entrepreneurs prefer forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because it protects personal assets and offers flexible tax treatment.
However, forming an LLC involves several steps, such as filing formation documents with the state, appointing a registered agent, and staying compliant with annual requirements.
For many founders, using an online formation service makes the process faster and easier.
Two of the most well-known platforms are Bizee and LegalZoom.
Both services help entrepreneurs start businesses online, but they differ in pricing, features, and the level of support they provide.
This comparison examines their pricing, features, formation speed, and overall value to help you decide which service is the better choice.
Quick Comparison: Bizee vs LegalZoom
| Feature | Bizee | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | Free first year | ~$249/year |
| Formation Packages | 3 plans | 3 plans |
| Processing Speed | 1–5 business days | 5–14 business days |
| Legal Services | Limited | Extensive |
| Best For | Budget friendly startups | Businesses needing legal support |
Bizee vs LegalZoom: The Honest Showdown
Overview of Bizee
Bizee, previously known as Incfile, is one of the most popular LLC formation services in the United States.
The platform has helped hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs start businesses across all 50 states.
The biggest reason many founders choose Bizee is its free LLC formation package. Entrepreneurs only pay the state filing fee, which makes it one of the most affordable ways to register a business.
Bizee focuses on providing a simple online platform that allows business owners to complete the formation process quickly.
Key features of Bizee
- Free LLC formation – Entrepreneurs can start an LLC without paying a service fee.
- Registered agent service – Free registered agent service for the first year.
- EIN filing assistance – Support for obtaining a federal Employer Identification Number.
- Compliance alerts – Automatic reminders for important filing deadlines.
- Business license research – Guidance for identifying required permits and licenses.
Because of its affordable pricing and beginner-friendly platform, Bizee is often recommended for first-time entrepreneurs.
Overview of LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the oldest and most recognized online legal service platforms in the United States.
The company has been operating for more than two decades and provides a wide range of legal services for individuals and businesses.
Unlike many LLC formation platforms, LegalZoom focuses not only on business formation but also on legal assistance, document preparation, and intellectual property services.
Key services offered by LegalZoom
- LLC formation services – Preparation and filing of formation documents with the state.
- Legal document library – Access to legal forms and contract templates.
- Attorney consultations – Some plans include access to licensed attorneys.
- Compliance support – Tools that help businesses stay compliant with state requirements.
- Trademark and legal services – Support for trademark registration and intellectual property protection.
Because of its wide range of services, LegalZoom is often used by entrepreneurs who want legal guidance along with business formation.
Bizee vs LegalZoom Pricing Comparison
Pricing is one of the most important factors when choosing an LLC formation service.
Both Bizee and LegalZoom offer three main pricing plans, but the value included in those plans differs.
Bizee pricing
| Package | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 + state fee | LLC formation, compliance alerts |
| Standard | $199 + state fee | EIN filing, operating agreement |
| Premium | $299 + state fee | business templates, domain name |
The most attractive feature of Bizee is the Basic plan, which allows entrepreneurs to form an LLC without paying a service fee.
Registered agent service is free for the first year and then costs about $119 per year afterward.
LegalZoom pricing
| Package | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 + state fee | LLC formation |
| Pro | $249 + state fee | operating agreement, EIN |
| Premium | $299 + state fee | faster filing, business tools |
LegalZoom’s registered agent service costs approximately $249 per year, which increases the overall cost compared to Bizee.
Formation Speed Comparison
Processing speed can be important for entrepreneurs who want to launch their business quickly.
Bizee formation speed
- Typical processing time – Most orders are processed within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the package.
- Faster order handling – Higher tier packages may include quicker filing options.
LegalZoom formation speed
- Standard processing – Formation filings usually take 5 to 14 business days.
- Expedited services – Faster processing is available for an additional fee.
In most cases, Bizee tends to process formation orders faster.
Feature Comparison
Both platforms provide tools that simplify the process of forming and managing a business.
Bizee features
1. Free LLC formation
Entrepreneurs only pay state filing fees.
2. Free registered agent service
Included for the first year.
3. Compliance reminders
Automatic alerts for annual reports and deadlines.
4. EIN registration assistance
Help obtaining a federal tax identification number.
5. Business license research
Guidance for identifying required permits.
LegalZoom features
1. LLC formation filing
Preparation and submission of formation documents.
2. Legal document templates
Access to contracts and legal forms.
3. Attorney consultations
Legal advice through licensed professionals.
4. Trademark registration
Support for protecting brand names and logos.
5. Compliance tools
Monitoring of legal deadlines and filing requirements.
LegalZoom offers more legal services overall, while Bizee focuses primarily on business formation.
Customer Support Comparison
Customer support is an important factor for entrepreneurs starting their first business.
Bizee support
- Phone support
- Email assistance
- Online help center
Bizee also provides a dashboard where users can manage formation documents and track order progress.
LegalZoom support
- Phone support
- Email support
- Legal consultations
LegalZoom stands out because it offers access to legal professionals for certain services.
Pros and Cons of Bizee
Pros
- Free LLC formation plan
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Faster formation processing
- Affordable pricing for startups
Cons
- Upsells during checkout
- Limited legal services compared to LegalZoom
Pros and Cons of LegalZoom
Pros
- Long established legal services company
- Access to licensed attorneys
- Wide range of legal services
- Strong brand reputation
Cons
- Higher overall cost
- Registered agent service not included
- Slower formation speed
Final Verdict: Bizee vs LegalZoom
Both Bizee and LegalZoom are trusted platforms that help entrepreneurs start businesses online.
Bizee stands out for its free LLC formation plan, faster processing speed, and lower overall cost. This makes it a strong option for startups and budget conscious entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom focuses on providing legal support, document services, and access to attorneys. This makes it a better choice for businesses that need ongoing legal guidance.
For most entrepreneurs who simply want to start an LLC quickly and affordably, Bizee usually provides better value.
However, LegalZoom remains a strong option for businesses that need broader legal services.