doola vs LegalZoom: Which LLC Formation Service Should You Pick?
Both services can form your LLC, but they’re built for different people. doola is designed around founders who need a complete US setup, especially from outside the US. LegalZoom is a big-name legal platform with attorney access and a wide range of legal services. Here’s how they compare on price, what’s included, and what you’ll pay after year one.
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Quick verdict
doola is the better choice if you’re a non-US founder (or simply want formation, EIN, registered agent, a US business address, and banking guidance bundled into one yearly plan). Its $297/year Starter plan covers a lot for the price.
LegalZoom is the better fit if you’re US-based and value a household name with attorney access and other legal services (trademarks, contracts, and more) under one roof. Just budget for its $249/year registered agent fee and optional add-ons.
doola vs LegalZoom: side-by-side
| doola | LegalZoom | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Annual subscription | $0 Basic plan, or one-time Pro/Premium package, plus add-ons |
| Entry plan | Starter: $297/year + state fee | Basic: $0 + state fee |
| Mid plan | Tax and Compliance: $1,999/year + state fee | Pro: $249 + state fee |
| Top plan | Business-in-a-Box: $2,999/year + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| Registered agent | Included in the plan | Not included. $249/year add-on. |
| EIN | Included, including for founders without an SSN | $79 add-on on Basic; included in Pro |
| Operating agreement | Included | $99 add-on on Basic; included in Pro |
| US business address | Included | Not part of the formation plans |
| Banking help | US bank account guidance (Mercury) | Not a focus |
| Tax filing help | Federal and state tax filing on the $1,999 plan | Not included in formation plans |
| Attorney access | No | Included in Pro; details vary by plan |
| Other legal services | Focus on formation, compliance, tax | Trademarks, contracts, wills, and more |
| Best for | Non-US founders and online sellers | US founders who want a well-known legal brand |
Prices were checked recently but both companies run promotions and change plans often. Confirm current pricing and what’s included at checkout.
Formation, EIN, registered agent and US address in one plan
Check doola pricing$0 formation with optional attorney access
Check LegalZoom pricingdoola plans
doola was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in New York. It’s built for entrepreneurs who want to run a US company from anywhere, and it bundles the pieces that usually come from separate vendors: formation, EIN, registered agent, US address, and bank account guidance.
Starter
- LLC or C-corp formation
- EIN filing
- Operating agreement
- Registered agent
- US business address
- Compliance reminders
Tax and Compliance
- Everything in Starter
- Federal and state tax filing
- 1:1 tax consultation
- Handles Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs
Business-in-a-Box
- Everything in Tax and Compliance
- Monthly financial statements
- Bookkeeping
- Quarterly tax estimates
What we like
- Built for non-US founders: EIN without an SSN, US address, banking guidance
- Registered agent, operating agreement and EIN all included in Starter
- Tax and compliance help is available in the same account
- Promotions sometimes bring the Starter price down
What to watch
- It’s a subscription, so you keep paying every year
- Big price jump from Starter to Tax and Compliance
- Bank approval isn’t guaranteed; doola only introduces you to the bank
- Some customers report slow support at times
LegalZoom plans
LegalZoom has been around since 2001 and is one of the most recognized legal service brands in the US. Its LLC formation plans start at $0, and it also sells legal documents, trademarks, and attorney plans.
Basic
- LLC filing
- EIN ($79) and operating agreement ($99) sold separately
- Registered agent not included
Pro
- Everything in Basic
- EIN
- Operating agreement
- Attorney consultation access
Premium
- Everything in Pro
- Extra operating and bookkeeping tools
What we like
- Trusted, established brand with decades of history
- Genuinely $0 to start, so you only pay the state fee
- Attorney access and other legal services on the same platform
- Pro and Premium are one-time package prices
What to watch
- Registered agent is $249/year, higher than most competitors
- Checkout pushes add-ons and optional subscriptions
- Basic doesn’t include an EIN or operating agreement
- Basic filing can take longer unless you pay to expedite
Registered agent and add-ons
Every LLC needs a registered agent. This is where the plans look most different.
| doola | LegalZoom | |
|---|---|---|
| Registered agent | Included in the yearly plan | $249/year, sold separately |
| EIN | Included | $79 on Basic, included in Pro |
| Operating agreement | Included | $99 on Basic, included in Pro |
| US business address | Included | Not included |
You can also use a different registered agent with either service, or serve as your own if your state allows it.
What it really costs
Here’s a simple example: an LLC that needs a registered agent, an EIN, and an operating agreement. State fees are the same either way, so they’re left out.
| Setup | doola Starter | LegalZoom Pro + registered agent |
|---|---|---|
| Formation plan | $297 | $249 |
| Registered agent | Included | +$249 |
| Year-1 total (service fees) | $297 | $498 |
| Year-2 total | $297 (renewal) | $249 (registered agent only) |
If you’re a US founder on a tight budget, you can lower LegalZoom’s cost by taking the $0 Basic plan, filing your own EIN for free on the IRS website, and using a free operating agreement template. You’d still need a registered agent, which is the main recurring cost.
Who should choose which?
Choose doola if you…
- Live outside the US and need a US LLC
- Need an EIN without a Social Security number
- Want a US address and bank account guidance
- Prefer one yearly plan with formation, agent and compliance together
Choose LegalZoom if you…
- Are US-based and want a familiar brand
- Want attorney access and other legal services nearby
- Prefer paying a one-time package price for formation
- Are comfortable adding a separate registered agent
Frequently asked questions
Is doola or LegalZoom cheaper?
It depends on your setup. In year one, doola’s $297 Starter plan usually costs less than LegalZoom once you add LegalZoom’s $249 registered agent, and it includes more. LegalZoom’s $0 Basic plan is cheaper if you only need the filing and will handle everything else yourself.
Can non-US residents use these services?
doola is designed for non-US founders, including EIN filing without an SSN and US banking guidance. LegalZoom is mainly aimed at US-based customers, so check its requirements if you live abroad.
Is doola a subscription?
Yes. doola plans are billed yearly, so your registered agent, address, and other services continue as long as you stay subscribed.
Does LegalZoom include a registered agent?
No. Registered agent service is a separate $249/year purchase. You can also choose another provider or act as your own agent where your state allows it.
Does either company give legal advice?
LegalZoom offers attorney consultation access in some plans. doola focuses on formation, compliance, and tax support rather than legal advice. For complex situations, talk to a licensed attorney or tax professional.
Do I need a service at all?
No. You can file directly with your state for just the filing fee. Services save time and add extras like compliance reminders, a business address, or tax help.
Final verdict
doola wins for international founders and anyone who wants formation, agent, address and banking guidance bundled in one predictable yearly price. LegalZoom wins for US-based founders who value the brand and attorney access and are happy to add a registered agent and skip the extras they don’t need.
Best for non-US founders
Start with doolaBest for US founders wanting attorney access
Start with LegalZoom