Starting a business usually comes down to one big question: How can I get my LLC formed quickly without overpaying?
If you have been searching for LLC services, you have definitely narrowed it down to the two biggest players in the "Free Filing" space: Bizee (formerly known as Incfile) and ZenBusiness.
Both companies are hugely popular. Both promise to form your LLC for $0 + State Fees. And both have thousands of 5-star reviews. But when you look past the marketing, their pricing models and long-term costs are actually very different.
In this guide, we compare Bizee and ZenBusiness side-by-side on price, speed, features, and hidden costs to help you decide which one deserves your business in 2026.
At a Glance: The Quick Verdict
If you are in a rush, here is the bottom line:
- Choose Bizee if: You want the absolute lowest cost. Their base package includes a free year of Registered Agent service, which saves you ~$199 right out of the gate.
- Choose ZenBusiness if: You value speed and premium support. Their platform is more modern, their filing times are often faster, and they offer extended customer support hours that many new business owners find comforting.
Bizee vs. ZenBusiness: The Comparison
Here is exactly how the entry-level packages stack up. We are comparing Bizee's "Silver" Plan against ZenBusiness's "Starter" Plan.
Deep Dive: Pricing & Value
Both companies market a "$0 LLC," which means you only pay the mandatory fee that goes to your state government. However, the value of that $0 package is very different.
Bizee (The Value King)
Bizee built its reputation on being the most affordable option, and that hasn't changed.
- The Pro: When you choose the Silver package, Bizee acts as your Registered Agent for free for the first 12 months. Since every LLC is legally required to have a Registered Agent, this is a real value of roughly $100–$200.
- The Con: Because the package is free, you will see several "upsells" during checkout (like EIN numbers, Banking kits, etc.). You can skip them, but they are present.
Getting an EIN is required before opening a business bank account.
You can apply yourself for free or have Northwest handle it during formation to avoid mistakes. Click here to apply
(See what is an EIN and how to apply step by step)
ZenBusiness (The Premium Feel)
ZenBusiness offers a smoother, more "hand-holding" experience.
- The Pro: Their "Worry-Free Compliance" guarantee (available as a paid add-on) is excellent for owners who are terrified of missing a deadline. They handle your annual reports and filings automatically.
- The Con: The base Starter plan generally does not include Registered Agent service for free. You often have to pay extra for it or sign up for a free trial that renews at a higher rate later.
Winner on Price: Bizee. Getting the Registered Agent included for free makes it mathematically cheaper in Year 1.
Speed and Turnaround Time
How fast will your business legally exist?
- ZenBusiness is known for speed. They use automation to process filings very quickly. In many states, even their basic "Starter" plan gets filed within a few days. If you are in a rush, their "Pro" and "Premium" packages offer expedited filing speeds that are among the fastest in the industry.+1
- Bizee uses standard filing speeds for their free tier. Depending on your state, this could take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. They do offer expedited options, but their core focus is on "cheap" rather than "fast."
Winner on Speed: ZenBusiness. If you need your LLC formed by next week, their automated system is generally faster.
Customer Support & Experience
This is where the two brands differ most in philosophy.
- Bizee takes a "No Frills" approach. Their dashboard is clean and functional. It stores your documents, and that’s about it. Their support team is knowledgeable, but response times can vary during peak season.
- ZenBusiness positions itself as a partner. Their dashboard is vibrant and full of tools for branding, website building, and expense tracking. Their customer support team is available for longer hours (including Sundays), which is a massive benefit if you are building your side hustle on the weekend.
Winner on Experience: ZenBusiness. The dashboard feels more like a modern tech product, and the extended support hours are a huge plus for new entrepreneurs.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both companies are legitimate, safe, and reliable places to form your US business. Your choice depends entirely on your budget versus your need for support.
Go with Bizee If...
You are bootstrapping and watching every dollar. The fact that they include the Registered Agent service for free for the first year makes them the undeniable "Lowest Cost" option. If you are comfortable handling your own compliance reminders and just want the paperwork done, Bizee is the logical choice.
Go with ZenBusiness If...
You want a premium experience and don't mind paying a little extra for it. If you are nervous about the legal side of things and want a friendly dashboard, excellent customer support, and faster filing speeds, ZenBusiness is worth the slight premium. They make the scary process of starting a business feel exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Bizee the same company as Incfile?
Yes. In late 2023, Incfile rebranded to Bizee to reflect their goal of making business easier ("Busy" -> "Bizee").5 It is the same company, same team, and same pricing model—just a new name.
2. Does ZenBusiness really cost $0?
Yes, their Starter Plan has a $0 filing fee. You only pay the state fees required by your specific state government. However, keep in mind that Registered Agent services and other tools are usually add-ons that cost extra.
3. Do I really need a Registered Agent?
Yes. Every US state legally requires an LLC to have a Registered Agent to accept official legal mail (like lawsuits or state notices). Both Bizee and ZenBusiness can perform this role for you so you don't have to list your home address on public records.
4. Can I switch services later?
Absolutely. If you start with Bizee and decide you want to switch your Registered Agent to ZenBusiness (or vice versa) in Year 2, you can easily file a "Change of Agent" form with your state. You are never locked in forever.