Alternatives

LLC formation service alternatives, compared honestly

Five well-known services, measured against the same criteria: real price, what is actually included, EIN without an SSN, compliance, support language. None of them is bad — each is built for a specific profile, and we say which.

How we compare

Every figure published here comes from an official page of the provider, consulted on the date shown, and the source is cited on each page. We do not run anyone down: when a service fits you better than ours, we write it plainly. Prices change — always check the current price with the provider before deciding.

The services we compare

$297 / yrPrices verified on 19 August 2026

doola

Self-serve platform, all 50 states, EIN and registered agent included, all in English.

Right choice if: A self-sufficient, English-comfortable non-resident who wants any state and one platform for formation, bookkeeping and tax.
Less suited if: Anyone wanting a one-time cost rather than an annual subscription, or annual report filing without moving to the $1,999/year tier.

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$399 one-timePrices verified on 19 August 2026

Firstbase

One-time payment, Wyoming or Delaware, EIN included, English-language support.

Right choice if: An international founder targeting Wyoming or Delaware who plans to use several platform modules (address, compliance, bookkeeping, tax).
Less suited if: Anyone targeting a state other than Wyoming or Delaware, or wanting a minimal first-year cost: the registered agent adds $299/year per state.

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$500 one-timePrices verified on 19 August 2026

Stripe Atlas

Delaware only, $500 all-in for year one, built for startups raising capital.

Right choice if: A startup aiming to raise: legal documents drafted with Cooley, founder stock issuance, 83(b) filing, vesting and SAFEs handled from the dashboard.
Less suited if: Anyone wanting a state other than Delaware, or running a service, freelance or e-commerce business with no investors and no need for a C-Corp.

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from $0 + state feesPrices verified on 19 August 2026

LegalZoom

Established U.S. generalist, $0 entry plan plus state fees, broad legal ecosystem.

Right choice if: A U.S.-resident entrepreneur wanting an established brand and a broad legal ecosystem: trademarks, wills, licenses, attorney access.
Less suited if: A non-resident without an SSN: LegalZoom documents no dedicated path and the EIN may require you to file Form SS-4 yourself. Recurring costs (registered agent $249/year, compliance $199/year, subscriptions) add up.

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from $0 + state feesPrices verified on 19 August 2026

ZenBusiness

Annual plans, packaged compliance, the non-resident case officially documented.

Right choice if: An entrepreneur wanting one annual plan covering formation and ongoing compliance (annual report, BOI, alerts) across all 50 states, with explicit documentation for non-residents.
Less suited if: A non-resident wanting a turnkey EIN: filing the SS-4 stays on you. The built-in bank account also requires a U.S. mobile number and is limited to single-member LLCs.

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Go deeper

The full comparison of LLC formation services

The in-depth guide that puts these five services in context: the two families of offers, why prices run from $297 to €2,000, and a decision grid by profile.

Read the comparison

Still torn between doing it yourself and delegating?

Tell us about your situation. We will say honestly whether your case warrants full support or whether a lighter solution is enough.

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Statecove is an administrative support service for company formation. We facilitate your business formation and compliance steps. Statecove is not a law firm or an accounting firm, and does not provide personalized legal or tax advice. Accounting and tax services are handled by licensed partner professionals (CPAs). For any binding legal or tax decision, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.