LLC Registration · October 2026

ZenBusiness vs Northwest: compliance on autopilot or privacy by default

Updated October 4, 2026
Our pick
ZenBusiness logo ZenBusiness
9.8
Outstanding

#1 in LLC Registration

Free
Get Deal
Northwest Registered Agent logo Northwest Registered Agent
9.6
Excellent

#2 in LLC Registration

$39.00
Get Deal

ZenBusiness forms your LLC and then helps you keep it in good standing. The starter package covers the name search and articles of organization with an accuracy guarantee, and higher packages add Worry-Free Compliance, which files annual reports and tracks state deadlines. A dashboard holds your documents, and extras include an operating agreement, EIN service, a website, business email and bookkeeping tools. It has formed hundreds of thousands of businesses and carries tens of thousands of Trustpilot reviews.

Northwest Registered Agent has been forming companies for decades and builds privacy into everything. Formation includes a free first year of registered agent service, use of its address so yours stays off public filings, mail scanning and in-house Corporate Guides on the phone.

The difference: ZenBusiness automates compliance, Northwest protects your privacy.

ZenBusiness vs Northwest Registered Agent comparison
ZenBusiness Our pick Northwest Registered Agent
Score 9.8/10 · Outstanding 9.6/10 · Excellent
Rank #1 in LLC Registration #2 in LLC Registration
Price Free $39.00
Offer $0 plan, state filing fees apply —
Highlights
  • $0 + state fee starter plan
  • Worry-Free Compliance keeps filings on schedule
  • Clean dashboard for documents and deadlines
  • Tens of thousands of verified positive reviews
  • Uses its own address to keep yours private
  • Full year of registered agent included
  • US-based "Corporate Guides" support
  • No aggressive upsells
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Our verdict

ZenBusiness leads for most readers because the hard part of owning an LLC is not forming it, it is staying compliant afterwards. Its compliance service watches state deadlines and handles annual report filings, the dashboard keeps everything in one place, and the starter package makes the first step affordable. Its review base is one of the largest in the industry.

Northwest is the better choice if privacy is your top concern, for example if you work from home and do not want your address on public records. Registered agent service for the first year is included rather than added on, its business address and mail scanning come with it, and its support team answers questions without pushing upsells.

Requirements and state fees differ by state, and neither service gives legal or tax advice. For questions about structure or taxes, speak to an accountant or attorney before you file.

Get Deal — ZenBusiness