Alternatives for Rocket Lawyer’s LLC Service
Forming an LLC is a big step for any entrepreneur, and online services like Rocket Lawyer make it easier by handling the paperwork and legal details. Known for its subscription-based model that bundles LLC formation with legal support, Rocket Lawyer is a solid choice—but it’s not the only one.
If you’re looking for alternatives that might better fit your budget, timeline, or needs, here are the top five Rocket Lawyer competitors for LLC formation: Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Let’s dive into what each offers and why they might work for you.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent stands out for its simplicity and stellar customer service. For $39 plus state fees, they’ll file your LLC and throw in a year of free registered agent service (normally $125/year). What’s the draw? Their in-house Corporate Guides—real people, not bots—walk you through the process, and they prioritize privacy by using their own address on public filings instead of yours.
Unlike Rocket Lawyer’s $99.99 formation fee (or free with a $39.99/month subscription), Northwest skips the subscription trap, making it ideal for one-and-done formation. It’s perfect if you value personalized support and want to avoid ongoing legal fees.
2. Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is the budget king, offering LLC formation for $0 plus state fees. You also get a year of free registered agent service (then $119/year), but the catch is the bare-bones package—Articles of Organization only. Need an EIN or Operating Agreement? You’ll pay extra or upgrade to their Gold ($149) or Platinum ($249) plans.
Compared to Rocket Lawyer, Bizee’s free tier beats the subscription model for cost, though it lacks Rocket’s legal document library and attorney access. It’s a great pick if you’re cash-strapped and okay with handling some extras yourself.
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness blends affordability with value, starting at $0 plus state fees for LLC formation. The base plan includes filing, a registered agent for a year (renews at $199), and a worry-free compliance guarantee to keep you on track with annual reports. Higher tiers—Pro ($199) and Premium ($349)—add an EIN and expedited filing.
Rocket Lawyer’s $99.99 standalone formation fee (or subscription) can’t match ZenBusiness’s free option, and its legal focus doesn’t include compliance tools. ZenBusiness shines for startups wanting a hands-off, all-in-one package without breaking the bank.
4. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the big name in online legal services, offering LLC formation at $0 plus state fees. The basic plan covers filing, but extras like an EIN ($79) or registered agent service ($299/year) jack up the cost fast. Higher plans—Pro ($199) and Premium ($299)—bundle more, like an Operating Agreement and legal consultations.
Rocket Lawyer’s $39.99/month subscription with free formation for new members edges out LegalZoom on legal support value, but LegalZoom’s brand recognition and optional attorney advice appeal to those needing a trusted, full-service vibe. It’s best if you’re willing to pay for peace of mind.
5. Do It Yourself (DIY)
Why pay anyone when you can DIY? Forming an LLC yourself costs only the state filing fee—typically $50–$500, depending on where you are. You’ll file the Articles of Organization directly with your state’s Secretary of State (online or by mail), grab a free EIN from the IRS, and draft your own Operating Agreement (templates are online).
Rocket Lawyer’s $99.99 fee (or subscription) adds convenience and legal extras, but DIY skips all that, saving you cash and time waiting for a service to process. It’s the ultimate choice if you’re confident, tech-savvy, and want full control.
How They Stack Up Against Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer’s pitch is its $99.99 LLC formation (or free with a $39.99/month legal subscription), plus access to legal documents and attorney consultations. Northwest offers better value with no subscription and top-tier support.
Bizee and ZenBusiness crush it on price with free formation, though they skimp on legal perks. LegalZoom matches Rocket’s premium feel but upsells hard. DIY beats them all on cost but demands your time and know-how.
Which One’s Right for You?
- Northwest Registered Agent: Best for privacy and personalized help without ongoing fees.
- Bizee: Ideal for tight budgets and basic formation needs.
- ZenBusiness: Perfect for a cheap, comprehensive startup package with compliance support.
- LegalZoom: Great if you want a big-name service and don’t mind extra costs.
- DIY: The go-to for hands-on folks who’d rather save money than time.
Wrapping Up
Rocket Lawyer’s mix of formation and legal services is handy, but these alternatives cater to different priorities. Northwest brings support and privacy, Bizee and ZenBusiness keep it cheap, LegalZoom offers polish, and DIY puts you in the driver’s seat.
Pick based on your budget, how much help you need, and whether legal extras matter. Ready to form your LLC? Check out these options, crunch the numbers, and get your business rolling today!