Last updated: May 2026
Which LLC Service Is Actually Best in 2026?
We tested Northwest, ZenBusiness, Doola, and Tailor Brands across pricing, privacy, support, and use-case fit. The answer depends entirely on who you are.
We have affiliate relationships with all four services reviewed. Our revenue comes from commissions when you click and purchase — this does not influence our verdicts. Northwest does not win every category.
At a Glance: Winners by Category
$289 over 3 years
EIN + banking for non-residents
Best-in-class interface + mobile app
Logo + website + social kit
Address hidden from all public records
15,000+ verified Trustpilot reviews
Founded 1998 — 28 years in business
EIN + RA + annual report in one subscription
Find Your Best LLC Service
Step 1 of 4Master Comparison Matrix
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||||
| Formation Fee | $39 | $0 | $0 (in plan) | $0 |
| Registered Agent — Year 1 | Free (included) | $99 | $297/yr | $199 |
| RA Renewal Rate | $125/yr | $199/yr | $297/yr | $199/yr |
| EIN Obtainment | Included | $99 add-on | Included | Included |
| Operating Agreement | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| 3-Year Total Cost | $289 | $597 | $891 | $597 |
| Annual Report Filing | Add-on | Add-on | Included | Add-on |
| Features | ||||
| Registered Agent Service | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Privacy (Address Hidden) | ✅ Default | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| EIN Filing | ✅ | Add-on | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Account Setup | ❌ | Referral | ✅ | ❌ |
| Logo / Branding Tools | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Full suite |
| Website Builder | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Phone Support | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| International Founders | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Specializes | ❌ |
| Compliance Alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| No Upsells Policy | ✅ | ❌ | Partial | Partial |
| Trust & Track Record | ||||
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2015 | 2020 | 2014 |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Trustpilot Reviews | 3,200+ | 15,000+ | 800+ | 4,500+ |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | NR | B+ |
| Companies Formed | 3M+ | 700,000+ | 30,000+ | 500,000+ |
| States Covered | All 50 | All 50 | All 50 | All 50 |
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Choose Based on Who You Are
The best LLC service isn't the same for everyone. Find the profile that matches your situation best.
US Resident, Long-Term Business
Cheapest over 3 years, strongest privacy, 28-year track record.
Start with Northwest →First-Time Founder, Want Easy Setup
Best dashboard, $0 upfront, guided formation, worry-free guarantee.
Start Free with ZenBusiness →Non-US Resident
Only service that handles EIN and US banking for non-residents.
Start Your US LLC with Doola →Consumer Brand Needing Logo + Website
Only service bundling a complete brand identity with LLC formation.
Build Your Brand with Tailor Brands →Budget First — Lowest Upfront
$0 formation fee. Note: RA renews at $199/yr after year one.
Start Free with ZenBusiness →Hate Being Upsold
Zero upsell policy. $39 formation + free first-year RA, then $125/yr.
Start with Northwest →Deep Dives and Comparisons
Want to know exactly how two services stack up, or read a full review before making a decision?
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Northwest vs Doola
→Privacy & cost vs international infrastructure
Northwest vs ZenBusiness
→Best value vs best experience
Northwest vs Tailor Brands
→Pure LLC vs brand-first approach
Doola vs ZenBusiness
→Global founders vs US beginners
Doola vs Tailor Brands
→Infrastructure vs identity
ZenBusiness vs Tailor Brands
→Dashboard vs brand bundle
Notable State Exceptions
While our general recommendations hold true for most of the country, a few states have specific rules that change the math.
New York
New York requires LLC publication in two newspapers — costs $300-2,000. Northwest and Doola can assist; factor this into your total cost.
Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most privacy-friendly states for LLCs. Northwest's privacy-first model pairs well with Wyoming formation.
Delaware
Delaware is preferred for investor-backed startups. All four services form Delaware LLCs. Doola specializes in Delaware for international founders.
California
California has an $800/yr minimum franchise tax and strict reporting requirements. The compliance burden makes a strong RA service (Northwest) especially valuable.