LegalZoom is one of the biggest names in online legal services, and for plenty of small businesses it does the job. Founders look at alternatives for specific reasons: they want a different price point, a provider built around startup paperwork like 83(b) elections and SAFEs, or a membership model for ongoing legal documents.
The market has specialized, so whatever sent you searching, there is a service built for that use case. Here are the main options in 2026, organized by what you are trying to do. For a full ranked list, see our guide to the best incorporation services.
LegalZoom's corporation packages are $149, $329, and $349, each plus state filing fees.
For a startup C corp, Rho ($400 Delaware C-corp), Clerky ($819 lifetime or $427 incorporation), and Stripe Atlas ($500) are built around venture-track founders.
For a budget LLC, Bizee starts at $0 plus the state fee and Northwest Registered Agent at $39 plus state fees.
If you mostly need legal documents rather than formation, Rocket Lawyer's memberships run $149 to $349 per year.
LegalZoom is a reasonable pick for small businesses that want a known brand and access to attorney help.
The short answer
The best LegalZoom alternative depends on the job. For a venture-track startup forming a Delaware C-corp, Rho charges $400 and opens your business account in the same flow, subject to approval, and Rho also forms LLCs for $349 all in, state filing fee included; Clerky and Stripe Atlas are the other startup-focused options. For a budget LLC, Bizee starts at $0 plus the state fee, and for ongoing legal documents, Rocket Lawyer's memberships start at $149 per year.
Best for: Rho is best for founders forming a Delaware C-corp who want their company formed and a business account opened in the same flow, subject to approval.
We assess formation options on price, what's included, and whether a business account can open in the same flow as formation.
Why founders look for LegalZoom alternatives
Price point. LegalZoom's corporation packages are Economy at $149, Standard at $329, and Express Gold at $349, each plus state filing fees. Packages include 30 days of LegalZoom's Business Attorney Plan, which renews at $49 per month unless you cancel, so check which add-ons you want before checkout.
Startup paperwork. Venture-track founders often want a provider built around 83(b) elections, founder equity, and SAFEs. Startup-focused services like Rho, Clerky, and Stripe Atlas center on those needs.
Ongoing legal documents. Founders who mostly need contracts and agreements throughout the year sometimes prefer a membership model.
Best LegalZoom alternatives for a startup C corp
If you are forming a Delaware C corporation to raise venture capital, a startup-focused service is the most direct route.
Rho (yes, that's us)
Rho forms Delaware C-corps for $400. For a C-corp, every formation document is reviewed by a licensed attorney, the registered agent is covered for year one, your EIN application is filed for you, and you get 83(b) election support. C-corp filings take about 24 hours, with the clock starting the next business day after you submit. Rho also forms LLCs for $349 all in, state filing fee included.
When you incorporate a Delaware C-corp with Rho, your business account opens in the same flow, subject to approval: banking, invoicing, cards, and bill pay, all live the moment your account is approved. For the C-corp flow, account opening requires at least one US-based owner or officer, a US operating address, and a business in an eligible industry.
Best for: Best for founders forming a Delaware C-corp who want their company formed and a business account opened in the same flow, subject to approval. Learn more at Rho Incorporation.
Clerky
Clerky's Company Lifetime Package is $819 and its pay-per-use incorporation is $427, for Delaware C corporations, including public benefit corporations. Clerky is run by startup attorneys, and the lifetime package includes unlimited use of its standard fundraising, hiring, commercial, and maintenance documents. A strong choice for a venture-track C corp that wants its legal paperwork in one place.
Stripe Atlas
$500 forms a Delaware C corp or LLC and covers government fees and the first year of registered agent service, then $100 per year. Atlas includes a company tax ID, founder equity issuance, 83(b) election filing, and $2,500 in Stripe product credits for the first year. See our three-way breakdown in Stripe Atlas vs Clerky, which also covers LegalZoom, and our roundup of Stripe Atlas alternatives.
Best LegalZoom alternatives for a budget LLC
Bizee
Bizee's Basic package is $0 plus the state fee, with Standard at $199 and Premium at $299, each plus the state fee. Each package is eligible for one free year of registered agent service. Our full Incfile review covers the rebrand from Incfile to Bizee.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness formation starts at $0 plus state fees, and its registered agent service is $199 per year.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest forms LLCs for $39 plus state fees, and its registered agent service is $125 per year, or $100 per year per state for five or more states. Northwest highlights privacy by default and real human support.
The DIY plus lawyer route
You can also file directly with the state and pay a lawyer only for what needs judgment. Every state accepts formation filings directly, Delaware included, and an EIN is free from the IRS.
Delaware revised its fee schedule effective August 1, 2026. According to the Delaware Division of Corporations (figures as of October 17, 2026), a corporation's certificate of incorporation starts at $109, and a corporation owes a $50 annual report fee plus franchise tax (minimum $175 under the Authorized Shares Method) by March 1 each year. A Delaware LLC's certificate of formation is $110, and every Delaware LLC owes a $400 annual tax by June 1. Expedited filing costs $50 for 24-hour service or $100 for same-day service.
For anything non-standard, such as complex ownership, IP questions, or a regulated industry, hiring a startup attorney early is money well spent.
Best LegalZoom alternative for legal documents only
Rocket Lawyer
If what drew you to LegalZoom was ongoing legal documents rather than formation, Rocket Lawyer is a close substitute. Memberships are $149 (Standard), $249 (Plus), or $349 (Pro) per year, and every plan includes unlimited documents and e-signatures plus Ask an Attorney requests. Members get their first business registration free, then $99 plus state fees, and registered agent service is $125 per year on Plus and Pro.
Comparison at a glance
Service | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Rho | C-corp $400; LLC $349 all in, state filing fee included | Delaware C-corp formation and a business account in one flow, subject to approval |
Clerky | $819 lifetime, or $427 incorporation | Venture-track legal paperwork |
Stripe Atlas | $500 | Stripe ecosystem |
Bizee | $0 plus state fee | Budget LLCs |
ZenBusiness | $0 plus state fees | Guided LLC formation |
Northwest | $39 plus state fees | Agent-first service |
Rocket Lawyer | $149/yr membership | Ongoing legal documents |
LegalZoom | $149 plus state fees | Brand name and attorney access |
When LegalZoom is a good fit
LegalZoom is a reasonable pick for many buyers. If you want a brand your accountant has heard of, expect to use attorney help through its Business Attorney Plan, and are forming a conventional small business rather than a venture-backed startup, LegalZoom will get you a legitimate entity. Choose the package that fits, and review any renewing services at checkout.
Related incorporation guides
The full ranking: See our roundup of the best incorporation services for startups, scored on price, speed, and what comes after filing.
The budget route: Our Bizee (formerly Incfile) review covers the $0 plus state fee option.
Shopping on price: Our cheapest incorporation service comparison compares major providers by first-year cost.
Beyond Clerky: See the 7 best Clerky alternatives for options that form LLCs or open a business account alongside formation.
Beyond Stripe Atlas: Browse the best Stripe Atlas alternatives for providers with banking, bookkeeping, or lower fees built in.
Ready to incorporate? Rho Incorporation forms Delaware C-corps for $400, and when you incorporate a Delaware C-corp with Rho, your business account opens in the same flow, subject to approval. Rho also forms LLCs for $349 all in, state filing fee included.
