Jake Lawson here. So you’ve been researching ZenBusiness for your LLC formation and started having second thoughts. Smart move. While ZenBusiness isn’t terrible, they’re definitely not the best option for most entrepreneurs—despite what their massive advertising budget might suggest.
After 15 years of testing formation services and helping thousands of business owners make this decision, I can tell you that ZenBusiness falls into the “overpriced and overhyped” category. They spend more on marketing than they do on actual service improvements, and it shows.
Let me cut through the noise and show you the ZenBusiness alternatives that actually deliver better value, superior service, or both. Some will save you money, others will give you features ZenBusiness doesn’t offer, and one stands out as clearly superior in almost every way.
Why Entrepreneurs Seek ZenBusiness Alternatives
Before diving into the alternatives, let’s be honest about ZenBusiness’s problems:
ZenBusiness‘s Major Issues
Overpriced Services
- $199/year for registered agent service (industry average is $100-125)
- Expensive add-ons for basic services
- Hidden subscription renewals that auto-charge
Marketing Over Substance
- Huge advertising spend creates false impression of market leadership
- Flashy website but mediocre actual service
- More focus on sales than customer support
Limited Privacy Protection
- No address privacy features
- Your personal information goes on public record
- No competitive advantage in privacy protection
Subscription Traps
- Auto-renewing services that are hard to cancel
- Unclear pricing between one-time and recurring fees
- Complex package structures designed to maximize revenue
Average Customer Service
- Representatives often lack deep expertise
- Limited proactive business guidance
- Slow resolution of complex issues
If any of these issues concern you, you’re right to look for alternatives.
My Top 5 ZenBusiness Alternatives (Ranked by Value)
#1. Northwest Registered Agent – The Clear Winner
My Rating: 9.8/10
Formation Cost: $39 + state fee
Why It’s Better Than ZenBusiness: Superior privacy protection, honest pricing, exceptional service
Northwest Registered Agent isn’t just the best alternative to ZenBusiness—it’s the best LLC formation service, period. After testing dozens of services, Northwest consistently delivers what entrepreneurs actually need: privacy protection, honest pricing, and genuine customer support.
What Makes Northwest Superior:
Complete Address Privacy Protection Unlike ZenBusiness, Northwest lets you use their address throughout your entire LLC filing. Your personal information stays completely off public records—a feature ZenBusiness simply doesn’t offer.
Honest, Simple Pricing
- $39 formation fee (vs. ZenBusiness’s hidden costs)
- $125/year registered agent (vs. ZenBusiness’s $199)
- No auto-renewing subscriptions or surprise charges
- What you see is what you pay
Genuine Customer Service
- Real experts answer the phone
- No high-pressure sales tactics
- Proactive business guidance
- 20+ years of experience
What You Get:
- LLC formation with your state
- First year of registered agent service free
- Complete address privacy protection
- Operating agreement template
- Lifetime customer support
- Annual report reminders
Special Deal: Get Northwest’s service for $39 + state fee with first year of registered agent included.
Why Choose Over ZenBusiness: Better service, lower cost, unique privacy features, and honest business practices.
#2. DIY Formation – The Budget Champion
My Rating: 8.5/10 (for right candidates)
Total Cost: Just your state’s filing fee ($50-500 depending on state)
Why It’s Better Than ZenBusiness: Massive cost savings, no middleman delays
Filing your LLC yourself is often the smartest choice for entrepreneurs who are comfortable with basic paperwork and want maximum cost savings.
DIY Advantages Over ZenBusiness:
- Huge Cost Savings: Only pay state filing fees (typically $50-200)
- Faster Processing: No middleman delays
- Complete Control: You handle everything directly
- Learning Experience: Better understanding of your business structure
What You’ll Need to Handle:
- Research your state’s LLC requirements
- Complete Articles of Organization
- Choose and maintain a registered agent
- Create operating agreement
- Apply for EIN with IRS
Best DIY Candidates:
- Detail-oriented entrepreneurs
- Budget-conscious startups
- Simple business structures
- Those comfortable with research and paperwork
When DIY Doesn’t Make Sense:
- You value privacy protection
- You’re extremely busy
- You have complex business structures
- You want ongoing compliance support
DIY Resources:
- State Secretary of State websites
- Free operating agreement templates
- IRS EIN application (free online)
- Business compliance guides
#3. Bizee (formerly IncFile) – The Value Alternative
My Rating: 7.5/10
Formation Cost: $0 + state fee
Why It’s Better Than ZenBusiness: Lower cost, fewer upsells, straightforward approach
Bizee offers genuinely free LLC formation (you only pay state fees) and provides better value than ZenBusiness across most service levels.
Bizee’s Advantages Over ZenBusiness:
- Actually Free Formation: $0 service fee vs. ZenBusiness’s hidden costs
- Lower Registered Agent Fees: $119/year vs. ZenBusiness’s $199
- Less Aggressive Marketing: More substance, less sales pressure
- Better Value Packages: More inclusions for the money
What You Get with Basic Package:
- LLC formation filing
- Free business name search
- First year registered agent service
- Email support
Bizee’s Limitations:
- No Address Privacy: Like ZenBusiness, no privacy protection
- Basic Customer Service: Adequate but not exceptional
- Limited Guidance: Less hand-holding than premium services
Choose Bizee When:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You don’t need extensive support
- You want simple, straightforward service
- You’re comparing purely on cost vs. ZenBusiness
#4. MyCompanyWorks – The Comprehensive Option
My Rating: 8.0/10
Formation Cost: $79 + state fee
Why It’s Better Than ZenBusiness: Better value, faster processing, clearer pricing
MyCompanyWorks provides more comprehensive service than ZenBusiness at a better price point, with clearer communication and faster turnaround times.
MyCompanyWorks Advantages:
- Better Package Value: More inclusions for lower cost
- Faster Processing: Typically 1-2 business days vs. ZenBusiness’s 7-10 days
- Clear Communication: No confusing subscription terms
- Quality Add-Ons: Useful services at reasonable prices
What You Get with Basic Package:
- LLC formation filing
- Operating agreement template
- EIN application assistance
- First year registered agent service
- Business license research guidance
MyCompanyWorks Strengths:
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise renewals
- Fast Turnaround: Among the fastest in the industry
- Good Customer Service: Knowledgeable, helpful representatives
- Useful Resources: Quality business guidance and templates
Choose MyCompanyWorks When:
- You want comprehensive service at fair pricing
- Fast processing is important
- You need business license guidance
- You appreciate clear, honest communication
#5. Harbor Compliance – The Multi-State Specialist
My Rating: 7.8/10
Formation Cost: $99 + state fee
Why It’s Better Than ZenBusiness: Multi-state expertise, bulk pricing, compliance focus
Harbor Compliance specializes in businesses with complex, multi-state operations—something ZenBusiness handles poorly.
Harbor’s Advantages Over ZenBusiness:
- Multi-State Expertise: Specialized knowledge ZenBusiness lacks
- Bulk Pricing: Discounts for multiple businesses or states
- Compliance Focus: Better understanding of ongoing requirements
- No Marketing Fluff: Substance over style approach
What You Get:
- LLC formation filing
- Registered agent service
- Multi-state compliance coordination
- Bulk pricing discounts
- Compliance expertise
Choose Harbor When:
- You operate in multiple states
- You have several businesses
- You need compliance expertise
- You prefer substance over marketing
Detailed Comparison: Alternatives vs. ZenBusiness
Cost Comparison (First Year)
| Service | Formation Fee | Registered Agent | Total Year 1 |
| Northwest | $39 + state fee | Free (then $125) | ~$150-200 |
| DIY | State fee only | $0 (self-serve) | ~$50-200 |
| Bizee | $0 + state fee | Free (then $119) | ~$100-200 |
| MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Free (then $119) | ~$200-300 |
| Harbor | $99 + state fee | Included | ~$200-300 |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | Free (then $199) | ~$250-400 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Northwest | DIY | Bizee | MyCompanyWorks | Harbor | ZenBusiness |
| Address Privacy | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Honest Pricing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Customer Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | N/A | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Processing Speed | Fast | Fastest | Fast | Fastest | Fast | Average |
| No Upsells | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes | Yes | Many |
Why Each Alternative Beats ZenBusiness
Northwest’s Unique Advantages
- Only service with address privacy protection
- 20+ years of proven reliability
- Genuine expertise, not sales representatives
- Simple, honest pricing structure
DIY’s Unique Advantages
- Massive cost savings
- Complete control over timing and details
- No ongoing vendor relationships
- Educational value for business owners
Bizee’s Unique Advantages
- Truly free formation (not a marketing gimmick)
- Lower ongoing registered agent costs
- Less aggressive sales tactics
- Good business license research services
MyCompanyWorks’ Unique Advantages
- Fastest processing times in the industry
- Most comprehensive basic packages
- Clear, jargon-free communication
- Quality business guidance resources
Harbor’s Unique Advantages
- Multi-state operation expertise
- Bulk pricing for multiple businesses
- Deep compliance knowledge
- No marketing overhead passed to customers
What You’re Actually Paying For
ZenBusiness’s Business Model
ZenBusiness spends heavily on:
- Online advertising and SEO
- Slick website design and user experience
- Marketing partnerships and affiliate commissions
- Auto-renewing subscription revenue
They spend less on:
- Actual customer service improvements
- Innovative features like privacy protection
- Competitive pricing
- Long-term customer relationships
Better Alternatives’ Business Models
Superior alternatives typically focus on:
- Service quality over marketing spend
- Customer retention through value delivery
- Innovation in useful features
- Long-term business relationships
How to Choose the Right ZenBusiness Alternative
Choose Northwest If:
- Privacy protection is important to you
- You want the best overall service quality
- You don’t mind paying slightly more for superior features
- You value honest, straightforward business practices
Choose DIY If:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You’re comfortable with research and paperwork
- You want to understand your business structure completely
- You don’t need ongoing support
Choose Bizee If:
- You want the lowest possible cost
- You need basic formation with minimal frills
- You’re comfortable with limited customer service
- You’re purely price shopping
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You want comprehensive service at fair pricing
- Fast processing is important to your timeline
- You need good business guidance and resources
- You appreciate clear, honest communication
Choose Harbor If:
- You operate or plan to operate in multiple states
- You have complex compliance requirements
- You need specialized business structure expertise
- You prefer substance over marketing flash
Common Mistakes When Leaving ZenBusiness
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider what features matter most to your business.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Privacy Implications
If you don’t want your home address on public record, make sure your alternative offers privacy protection.
Mistake #3: Not Planning for Growth
Choose services that can grow with your business rather than forcing you to switch later.
Mistake #4: Falling for “Free” Marketing
Truly evaluate total costs, including ongoing fees and necessary add-ons.
Mistake #5: Not Reading the Fine Print
Understand renewal terms, cancellation policies, and what’s actually included.
The Migration Process: Switching from ZenBusiness
If you’re already using ZenBusiness and want to switch:
For Formation Services
- You can’t “switch” formation services since formation is a one-time process
- Future business formations can use different services
- Focus on switching ongoing services like registered agent
For Registered Agent Services
- Choose New Provider: Select your alternative registered agent
- File Change Documents: Submit registered agent change with your state
- Cancel ZenBusiness: Follow their cancellation procedures
- Update Business Records: Notify banks, vendors, etc. of address changes
Timeline and Costs
- Processing Time: 1-2 weeks for most states
- State Fees: $20-50 for registered agent changes
- Service Overlap: Brief overlap may be necessary to ensure no gaps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth switching from ZenBusiness?
If you’re paying for ongoing services like registered agent, switching can save money and provide better features. For one-time formation, focus on future business needs.
Can I get my money back from ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness’s refund policies vary by service. Check your specific terms, but don’t expect easy refunds for services already rendered.
Will switching affect my LLC’s legal status?
No, changing service providers doesn’t affect your LLC’s legal status. You’re just changing vendors, not your business structure.
How do I avoid the same problems with alternatives?
Research thoroughly, read actual customer reviews, understand pricing structures, and choose companies with proven track records.
What if I need ZenBusiness’s specific features?
Honestly evaluate whether you actually need those features or if you’ve been convinced by marketing. Most “unique” features have better alternatives elsewhere.
My Final Recommendation
For Most Entrepreneurs: Northwest Registered Agent provides the best combination of service quality, unique features (address privacy), and honest pricing. They’re what ZenBusiness should be but isn’t.
For Budget-Conscious Startups: DIY formation saves the most money and isn’t as complicated as formation services want you to believe.
For Value Seekers: MyCompanyWorks provides comprehensive service at fair pricing with excellent communication.
For Multi-State Operations: Harbor Compliance offers specialized expertise that ZenBusiness lacks.
The Bottom Line on ZenBusiness Alternatives
ZenBusiness has succeeded through marketing, not superior service. They’ve convinced many entrepreneurs that flashy websites and aggressive advertising equal quality service. They don’t.
The alternatives I’ve outlined provide better value, superior features, or both. Some save you money, others give you capabilities ZenBusiness doesn’t offer, and Northwest provides the comprehensive privacy protection that should be standard in this industry.
Don’t let marketing budgets fool you into choosing inferior service. Your business deserves better than what ZenBusiness offers, and these alternatives prove that better options exist.
Choose based on your actual business needs, not advertising spend. Your future self will thank you for making the strategic choice rather than the heavily promoted one.
About Jake Lawson: I’ve spent 15 years testing business formation services and helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their business structure. My recommendations are based on real-world experience with these services, not marketing partnerships or affiliate commissions. When I recommend an alternative to ZenBusiness, it’s because I’ve personally verified they provide superior value.
Need help choosing the right ZenBusiness alternative for your specific situation? Contact our team for personalized guidance based on your business goals and requirements.