BetterLegal vs LegalZoom Comparison

Establishing a business entity is a vital step when starting a business. Given its intricate and time-consuming nature, many business starters opt for professional assistance to ensure flawless execution. These business formation services often come with added services that can benefit a new business owner.

Among the top-tier online options available, BetterLegal and LegalZoom stand out. To assist you in discerning the most suitable choice for your business, we’ve undertaken an exhaustive review of their services, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes. Continue reading to make an informed decision that will set your business on a trajectory towards success.

Our Verdict

Upon detailed evaluation, we’ve concluded that LegalZoom provides a wider variety of business formation options and packages that present greater value compared to BetterLegal’s offerings. Coupled with commendable customer service and positive reviews, LegalZoom stands out as a leading choice.

Given our comprehensive experience with LegalZoom and the remarkable value it offers, we endorse LegalZoom as a recommended option for budding business owners.

Pricing

Turnaround Time

Help and Support

Customer Satisfaction

Ease of Use

Overall Score: 4.2/5

Learn More

Pricing

Turnaround Time

Help and Support

Customer Satisfaction

Ease of Use

Overall Score: 4.2/5

Learn More

Even though we rank both services the same, LegalZoom offers more plan options, all of which are a good value, making them our choice over BetterLegal.

Pros and Cons

Plans and Pricing – Winner: LegalZoom

BetterLegal

The BetterLegal LLC Formation plan, priced at $299 plus state fees, provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a federal tax ID essential for business banking and tax purposes, an operating agreement, a banking resolution, a business website, a checking account, and a tax analysis. The formation plan does not include registered agent services that cost $10 per month or $90 per year. The registered agent service is outsourced by a third party.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers an initial $0 LLC package, but the continual upselling may become costly and cumbersome. Moreover, none of their formation packages come with a registered agent service, which is an add-on service priced at $249 annually.

Experience – Winner: LegalZoom

BetterLegal

Formed in 2017, BetterLegal has served and formed tens of thousands of businesses since.

LegalZoom

Having served more than 3.5 million customers since 2001, with approximately half being business clients, LegalZoom has extensive experience in this field.

Customer Support – Winner: LegalZoom

BetterLegal

BetterLegal offers customer support via phone, chat, and email. The three channels have quick responses, and we experienced professional and polite support. Customer support is available Mon – Fri, 5am – 7pm PT.

LegalZoom

They provide support via phone, chat, and email. Overall all three channels have quick responses with polite and professional customer service representatives. Customer support is available on weekends as well, from 7am to 4pm PT.

Turnaround Times – Winner: BetterLegal

BetterLegal

BetterLegal is known for its outstanding turnaround times, offering same-day filing services. Your articles of incorporation or certificate of organization are submitted to your appropriate state on the same day you file, and payment is processed. Keep in mind that state processing times vary greatly, and the total turnaround time will depend on the state. 

LegalZoom

LegalZoom’s processing times depend on the package chosen, not the state of formation. For their premium package, finalized business formation documents could be received within 7–10 business days. Still, more economical packages could take up to 30 business days (or six weeks).

Customer Reviews – Winner: LegalZoom

BetterLegal

Considering that BetterLegal is a relatively new company, we found just over 300 reviews online. The majority of these were positive, praising the company’s swift LLC formation services.

LegalZoom

We found over 9,000 reviews on BBB and Trustpilot, with a significant portion being positive. Happy customers frequently mentioned LegalZoom’s services’ convenience and user-friendliness.

Ease of Use – Winner: LegalZoom

BetterLegal

The platform’s formation process is efficient and fast and includes explanatory videos for guidance. However, the lack of a save function can cause complications, as any attempt to navigate back can reset the process; this makes the platform most convenient for users who can complete the process at once and less so for others due to potential challenges in locating information and navigating through state websites.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom provides a streamlined approach to LLC formation, reducing the complexity of the DIY route. Their platform is well-designed, with intuitive steps, making it easier for business owners to navigate through the process and set up their operations effectively. LegalZoom also has upsells during the formation process, so make sure you choose only what you need.

Additional Services – It’s a tie between the two

LegalZoom and BetterLegal both offer a broad range of services, yet each one brings its unique offerings to the table. For instance, LegalZoom stands out for its intellectual property services and an extensive array of legal options that you can count on when needed.

In contrast, BetterLegal provides a comprehensive package that includes a website and a business checking account as part of its LLC Formation plan. Additionally, BetterLegal is recognized as a leading provider of tax services, ensuring clients receive expert tax advice.