Starting a business does not mean you have to spend a lot of money up front.
One of the first steps most entrepreneurs take is forming an LLC, and the good news is that you can do it at a very low cost if you choose the right service.
While you can file everything yourself, many people prefer using LLC formation platforms because they simplify the process and help avoid mistakes.
The best part is that some companies now offer $0 LLC formation plans, where you only pay the state filing fee.
In this guide, I will break down the cheapest LLC formation services, compare their pricing, features, and value, and help you choose the right one based on your needs.
Quick Overview of the Cheapest LLC Formation Services
| Service | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | Beginner-friendly and affordable setup |
| Bizee | $0 + state fees | Free LLC formation with solid value |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees | Privacy and strong support |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fees | Full legal service platform |
| Rocket Lawyer | Free with membership | Legal documents and ongoing support |
These services keep startup costs low while still helping you form your LLC correctly.
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the most popular low-cost LLC services, especially for beginners.
It offers a $0 starter plan, which makes it one of the easiest ways to start a business without spending a lot upfront.
The platform is designed to guide users step by step, making it ideal for people who have never formed an LLC before.
Key Features
- LLC formation filing
- Business name availability check
- Easy-to-use dashboard
- Compliance reminders
- Optional business tools
Pros
- Free starter plan
- Very beginner-friendly
- Clean and simple interface
- Good overall value
Cons
- Important features require upgrades
- Registered agent service renews at a higher cost
ZenBusiness is a great choice if you want a balance of affordability and ease of use.
2. Bizee
Bizee is another strong option if your goal is to start an LLC at the lowest possible cost.
Like ZenBusiness, it offers a $0 formation plan, but it also includes some useful extras that make it attractive for budget-conscious founders.
Key Features
- Free LLC formation
- Registered agent service for the first year
- Lifetime company alerts
- Online document storage
Pros
- Very low starting cost
- Free registered agent for the first year
- Simple setup process
- Good entry-level value
Cons
- Support can be inconsistent
- Advanced features require upgrades
Bizee is one of the best choices if your main focus is saving money during the startup phase.
3. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is slightly more expensive at the start, but it offers better service quality and privacy.
Its LLC formation starts at around $39 plus state fees, which is still very affordable compared to traditional legal services.
Key Features
- LLC formation
- Registered agent service included (first year)
- Privacy-focused setup
- Compliance reminders
- Document scanning
Pros
- Strong privacy protection
- Excellent customer support
- Clear and simple pricing
- Less aggressive upselling
Cons
- Not a free plan
- Fewer startup tools compared to competitors
Northwest is a great choice if you want affordable formation with better support and privacy.
4. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known names in the industry.
It also offers a $0 LLC formation plan, but the platform focuses more on providing a full legal service experience rather than just cheap filing.
Key Features
- LLC formation
- Business name search
- Legal document templates
- Compliance alerts
- Additional legal services
Pros
- Strong brand trust
- Wide range of services
- Easy-to-use platform
- Good for long-term legal needs
Cons
- Upsells can increase cost
- Registered agent service is expensive
- Not the best value for basic formation
LegalZoom works best for people who want a full legal platform, not just a cheap LLC filing service.
5. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is different from most LLC services because it works on a membership model.
Instead of charging separately for every service, it gives you access to legal tools and includes LLC formation as part of the membership.
Key Features
- LLC formation (with membership)
- Legal document library
- Attorney consultations
- Contract creation tools
- Ongoing legal support
Pros
- Access to legal advice
- Useful for contracts and documents
- Good for ongoing business needs
- All-in-one legal platform
Cons
- Monthly or yearly membership required
- Not ideal for one-time formation
- Can feel expensive if unused
Rocket Lawyer is best for entrepreneurs who expect to need legal help beyond just forming an LLC.
How to Choose the Cheapest LLC Formation Service?
Choosing the cheapest service is not only about the starting price.
Here are a few important things to consider:
1. State Filing Fees
No matter which service you choose, you still have to pay state fees. These vary depending on where you register your business.
2. Included Features
Some services include extras like registered agent service or compliance tools, while others charge separately.
3. Customer Support
Good support can save you time and prevent mistakes, especially if you are a beginner.
4. Long-Term Costs
Some platforms look cheap at first, but become expensive after adding upgrades or renewals.
Looking at the full value is more important than just focusing on the lowest price.
Can You Start an LLC for Free?
Yes, you can.
Some companies offer $0 LLC formation, where you only pay the state filing fee. These plans usually include basic filing and give you the option to add extra services if needed.
This is a great option for:
- Side hustlers
- Freelancers
- First-time entrepreneurs
- Small business owners with limited budgets
Just remember that “free” usually means basic service. You may still need to pay for additional features later.
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Cheapest LLC Service?
There are several good low-cost options available today.
If your goal is to start an LLC with the lowest upfront cost, ZenBusiness and Bizee are the strongest choices because they offer $0 formation plans.
If you want better support and privacy, Northwest Registered Agent offers excellent value even though it is not completely free.
If you need broader legal services, LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer may be better fits, even though they are not the cheapest options overall.
At the end of the day, the best choice depends on your priorities.
If you focus only on price, you may miss important features. But if you balance cost with value, you can find a service that helps you start your business smoothly without overspending.
Choosing the right LLC formation service is not just about saving money. It is about starting your business the right way.