Last updated: 2026-08-17
Doola Alternatives: Honest Look at LLC Formation Options Beyond Doola
doola does a lot right. The Starter plan bundles formation, EIN, and a US business address into a single $297/year package, which is convenient for non-US founders who want one throat to choke. But "convenient" and "cheap" aren't the same thing. If you're forming a straightforward LLC and don't need bookkeeping or tax compliance right away, you can save real money elsewhere.
What are the real costs of doola's Starter plan?
doola's Starter plan runs $297/year and covers LLC or C-Corp formation, an EIN, and a US business address. The registered agent is included for the first year too.
Where it gets expensive is the add-ons. Bookkeeping is another $300/year. Tax filing jumps to $1,999/year. The full "Business-in-a-Box" hits $2,999/year. If you're a solo founder, you probably don't need any of that on day one.
When to pick doola: You're a non-US founder who needs a US business address bundled in. You want formation + EIN handled in 1-2 business days with zero friction. You plan to add bookkeeping or tax services later.
Is Bizee the cheapest way to form an LLC?
Bizee's Silver plan offers LLC formation for $0 plus state fees. That's not a typo. You pay the state filing fee, and Bizee handles the Articles of Organization, unlimited name search, and statement of organizer for free. They also throw in one year of registered agent service at no extra charge.
The catch is in the fine print. If you need an EIN, it costs $70 as an add-on. Operating agreements run $40. Registered agent renewal after the first year is $119/year. So the "free" price is really a loss leader that gets you in the door for ongoing services.
When to pick Bizee: You're on a tight budget and only need basic formation. You're comfortable getting your own EIN from the IRS (it's free).
Why consider Northwest Registered Agent for privacy?
Northwest is the privacy pick. They charge a flat $39 for LLC formation plus state fees, and the registered agent service is free for the first year. After that, it's $125/year with no upsells.
What makes Northwest different is their approach to your data. They don't sell your information to third parties, and they use their own business address on public filings instead of yours. For founders who want to keep their home address off the Secretary of State website, that's a real feature worth paying for.
The downside: $50 for an EIN and no operating agreement template in the base formation.
When to pick Northwest: Privacy matters to you. You want transparent, flat pricing with no surprise charges.
Does LegalZoom still make sense for LLC formation?
LegalZoom offers LLC formation for $0 plus state fees on their Basic plan. That includes name availability check and Articles of Organization preparation. It's the most recognizable name in the space.
The tradeoff is in the upsells. Registered agent service is $249/year, which is the highest among the competitors I compared. The Pro plan at $249 + state fees bundles in an operating agreement, EIN, and 150 legal document templates.
LegalZoom's real strength is breadth. They handle trademarks, copyrights, wills, and power of attorney in addition to business formation. If you need ongoing legal services beyond just forming an LLC, their ecosystem is larger than anyone else on this list.
When to pick LegalZoom: You value brand recognition. You might need legal services beyond formation.
What does ZenBusiness offer for new LLC owners?
ZenBusiness starts at $0 + state fees for LLC formation and includes their Velo AI guidance tool for free. They've launched over 950,000 businesses and hold an A+ BBB rating.
The costs add up with add-ons. Registered agent is $199/year. Operating agreement is $99 one-time. EIN is $99 one-time.
ZenBusiness is solid if you want a polished experience with good customer support and a clean dashboard. The AI-powered Velo tool is a nice bonus for first-time founders who want guidance beyond just filing paperwork.
When to pick ZenBusiness: You want a polished experience with AI guidance and good customer support.
Quick comparison: which option fits your situation?
| Service | Formation Fee | Registered Agent | EIN | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bizee Silver | $0 + state fee | Free (1 yr), then $119/yr | $70 add-on | Lowest upfront cost | Pricing |
| Northwest | $39 + state fee | Free (1 yr), then $125/yr | $50 add-on | Privacy & flat pricing | Pricing |
| LegalZoom Basic | $0 + state fee | $249/yr | In Pro plan ($249) | Brand trust & legal breadth | Pricing |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | $199/yr | $99 one-time | Polished experience & AI tools | Pricing |
| doola Starter | $297/yr (all-in) | Included | Included | Non-US founders, all-in-one | Pricing |
Bottom line: which alternative should you actually choose?
If you're forming a basic LLC in a US state and you're comfortable handling a few things yourself, Bizee at $0 is hard to beat. If privacy is your priority and you want no-surprise pricing, Northwest at $39 is the play. For the full-service bundle without the premium price tag, doola's $297/year still makes sense if you're outside the US and want everything handled in one place.
The worst mistake is paying for services you don't need yet. Start with formation. Add registered agent, EIN, and compliance as your business grows and revenue justifies the expense.
- On a tight budget? Bizee Silver at $0 + state fees gets you formed with free registered agent for year one.
- Want privacy? Northwest at $39 keeps your home address off public filings.
- Need the full bundle? doola Starter at $297/year includes formation, EIN, and registered agent with fast turnaround.
- Value brand trust? LegalZoom at $0 for formation with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Want a polished experience? ZenBusiness at $0 for formation with AI guidance and strong customer support.
- Don't overpay for add-ons. Get your EIN free from the IRS. Add services only when your business needs them.
FAQ
Can I switch from doola to another service after forming my LLC?
Yes. You can transfer your registered agent to a new provider by filing a change of registered agent form with your state. The process typically costs $0-$25 depending on the state and takes 1-2 weeks. Your LLC itself doesn't change; you're just updating who handles legal correspondence.
Is it really free to form an LLC with Bizee or ZenBusiness?
The formation service itself is $0, but you still pay the state filing fee, which ranges from about $50 to $500 depending on your state. Some states like California also charge an annual franchise tax of $800. The $0 price covers the service's fee for preparing and filing your Articles of Organization.
Do I need a registered agent if I'm the only owner of my LLC?
Every US state requires LLCs to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. If you formed your LLC in your home state, you can serve as your own registered agent. If you formed in a different state or don't want your home address on public records, you'll need a third-party service.
How much does it cost to get an EIN from the IRS?
Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is free. You can apply online at irs.gov and receive your number immediately. Most formation services charge $50-$99 to obtain it on your behalf, which is a convenience fee for not doing it yourself.
What's the difference between LLC formation and registered agent service?
LLC formation is a one-time process: filing your Articles of Organization with the state to create the legal entity. Registered agent service is ongoing: someone must be available at a physical address during business hours to receive legal documents, tax notices, and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC. Most formation services bundle the first year of registered agent service with formation.
Are there hidden costs I should watch out for?
Watch for auto-renewal clauses on registered agent service. Some services charge $100-$250/year to renew after the first free year. Also check if EIN, operating agreement, and compliance filings are included or sold separately. The advertised "$0 LLC formation" price usually excludes state filing fees and these add-on services.