Forming an LLC online can be a simple process, but the best service depends on how much support you want before and after your company is created. Some entrepreneurs only need the state paperwork filed.
Others want an operating agreement, EIN, compliance assistance, legal documents, or access to professionals.
LegalZoom and Swyft Filings take somewhat different approaches to these needs.
LegalZoom has a much broader legal and business-services platform. Its current LLC offering ranges from a $0 Basic package to $249 Managed Service and $299 Expert Service, before state filing fees.
The higher packages add services such as an EIN, operating agreement, business advisor support, business licenses and permits assistance, legal documents, and professional support.
Swyft Filings focuses more directly on business formation and filing services. Its current packages are Basic at $0, Standard at $169 promotional pricing ($199 regular), and Premium at $269 promotional pricing ($299 regular), plus state filing fees.
Standard adds an EIN and operating agreement, while Premium adds features such as expedited processing, a professional business address, attorney consultations, and compliance monitoring.
That creates an interesting comparison. LegalZoom offers a wider legal ecosystem, while Swyft Filings puts more emphasis on business formation, filing speed, and formation-related support.
In this LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings comparison, we will look at pricing, LLC formation, registered agent services, EIN assistance, operating agreements, compliance, processing speed, legal support, customer service, pros and cons, and which type of entrepreneur may be better suited to each service.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings: Quick Verdict
If your priority is a broad legal and business-services platform, LegalZoom has the more extensive offering.
If you mainly want business formation with different processing speeds and formation-focused packages, Swyft Filings is worth considering.
| Category | LegalZoom | Swyft Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic LLC formation | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Mid-level package | $249 + state fees | $169 promotional / $199 regular + state fees |
| Premium package | $299 + state fees | $269 promotional / $299 regular + state fees |
| EIN | Included in paid formation packages | Included in Standard and Premium |
| Operating agreement | Included in paid formation packages | Included in Standard and Premium |
| Registered agent | Available separately | Available separately |
| Legal support | Stronger overall offering | Available through Premium/legal plans |
| Business licenses | Available | Available |
| Compliance | Available | Included in Premium through compliance monitoring |
| Formation speed | Package-dependent | 7-10 days Basic, 3 days Standard, 1 day Premium |
| Broader legal services | Extensive | More focused |
| Best suited to | Businesses wanting broader legal support | Entrepreneurs focused on formation and filing |
Prices can change, so the current package pages should be checked before purchase.
What Is the Difference Between LegalZoom and Swyft Filings?
The biggest difference is the breadth of their services.
LegalZoom operates as a broader legal and business platform. Its current business offerings include LLC and corporation formation, registered agents, annual reports, business licenses, EIN services, operating agreements, trademarks, legal documents, and attorney-related services.
Swyft Filings is more focused on business formation and related filing services. Its current platform includes LLC and corporation formation, registered agent services, business licenses, annual reports, foreign qualification, compliance services, business changes, and legal-plan options.
This means neither platform is simply a cheaper version of the other.
LegalZoom is built to cover a broader range of legal and business needs.
Swyft Filings is structured more specifically around helping entrepreneurs form, manage, and maintain business entities.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Pricing
Pricing is one of the most important differences in this comparison.
Both companies currently offer a $0 basic formation option plus state filing fees.
LegalZoom’s current LLC pricing starts at:
- Basic: $0 + state filing fees
- Managed Service: $249 + state filing fees
- Expert Service: $299 + state filing fees
The Managed Service package includes an EIN, operating agreement, business advisor support, business license and permit assistance, and access to customizable legal documents. The Expert Service package adds attorney and accountant support, attorney review of the LLC filing, tax filing assistance, and bookkeeping features.
Swyft Filings currently lists:
- Basic: $0 + state fees
- Standard: $169 promotional price, $199 regular price + state fees
- Premium: $269 promotional price, $299 regular price + state fees
The current Swyft Filings page says Basic processes in 7-10 business days, Standard in 3 business days, and Premium in 1 business day.
| Package | LegalZoom | Swyft Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | $0 |
| Mid-tier | $249 | $169 promo / $199 regular |
| Premium | $299 | $269 promo / $299 regular |
| State fees | Extra | Extra |
Which Has Better Pricing?
There is no single answer because the packages are structured differently.
If you only need the basic formation filing, both start at $0 plus state fees.
If you want EIN and operating agreement support, Swyft Filings Standard currently has a lower listed promotional price than LegalZoom’s Managed Service.
However, LegalZoom’s higher-tier package includes a considerably broader set of legal and business services.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings LLC Formation
Both companies can prepare and file the documents required to establish an LLC.
The typical process involves:
- Select your state.
- Provide your business name.
- Enter company information.
- Provide ownership details.
- Select a package.
- Review the order.
- Submit the formation request.
- The service prepares and files the state documents.
- The state reviews the filing.
- Receive the completed formation documents.
LegalZoom’s Basic package includes the company name check and state filing, while Swyft Filings Basic includes preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization and a name check.
Which Formation Service Is Better?
Both are suitable for entrepreneurs who want someone else to prepare and submit the basic filing.
The difference becomes more noticeable when you move into the paid packages.
Swyft Filings places greater emphasis on processing speed.
LegalZoom puts more emphasis on the amount of additional business and legal support available.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Registered Agent
Both companies offer professional registered agent services.
A registered agent receives official state correspondence and legal documents on behalf of the business.
This can include:
- Service of process
- Government notices
- State correspondence
- Compliance documents
Swyft Filings offers registered agent service in all 50 states and provides access to received documents through the account.
LegalZoom also offers registered agent services as a separate business service.
Which Registered Agent Should You Choose?
The decision should be based on the annual price, included features, document handling, privacy provisions, and renewal terms.
Neither registered agent service is automatically necessary if you can legally act as your own registered agent and are comfortable doing so.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings EIN Service
An EIN is used by businesses for federal tax identification and is commonly needed for activities such as opening business bank accounts and hiring employees.
LegalZoom includes an EIN in its Managed Service and Expert Service packages.
Swyft Filings includes an EIN in its Standard and Premium formation packages.
Both companies can therefore make the EIN process more convenient.
However, eligible businesses can also obtain an EIN directly from the IRS without paying a formation provider to submit the application.
Which Is Better for EIN Assistance?
For customers already purchasing a paid formation package, both provide a convenient option.
The more important difference is what else comes with the package.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Operating Agreement
An operating agreement establishes important rules for an LLC.
It can describe:
- Ownership
- Management
- Member responsibilities
- Profit distribution
- Voting
- Decision-making
LegalZoom includes an operating agreement in its Managed Service and Expert Service packages.
Swyft Filings includes an operating agreement in its Standard and Premium packages.
Which Is Better for Operating Agreements?
Both are reasonable choices if you want the document included in a formation package.
The bigger consideration is whether you need the other services included in the respective package.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Compliance
LLC compliance can include annual reports, state filings, registered agent requirements, licenses, and keeping business information current.
LegalZoom offers business compliance coverage, annual report services, business licenses, and other business administration services.
Swyft Filings provides annual reports, initial reports, compliance monitoring, foreign qualification, registered agent changes, business amendments, and other business filing services. Its Premium package currently includes compliance monitoring.
Which Is Better for Compliance?
Both can support ongoing compliance.
LegalZoom has the broader business and legal ecosystem.
Swyft Filings has a more focused selection of entity filing and compliance services.
For a business that mainly needs recurring state filings, Swyft Filings may provide enough. For an owner looking for a wider range of legal services, LegalZoom offers more options.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Processing Speed
Processing speed is an area where Swyft Filings makes a clear distinction between its packages.
Its current package comparison lists:
- Basic: 7-10 business days
- Standard: 3 business days
- Premium: 1 business day
These are Swyft Filings’ processing times, not necessarily the state’s final approval time. State processing varies depending on jurisdiction and filing method.
LegalZoom also offers different levels of support and processing, but the exact timing depends on the package and state.
Which Is Better for Fast Formation?
Swyft Filings is particularly worth considering if speed is one of your main priorities.
Its Premium package specifically emphasizes faster processing.
However, paying for expedited provider processing does not guarantee that the state itself will approve the LLC immediately.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Legal Support
This is one of the strongest differences between the two platforms.
LegalZoom’s Expert Service currently includes access to an advisor, attorney, and accountant, along with attorney review of the LLC filing and ongoing consultations during the included period. The service automatically renews at $99 per month after the initial 30 days unless canceled.
Swyft Filings also offers legal support through its Swyft Legal Suite. Its current Premium package includes an introductory period for legal support, including access to customizable legal and business documents and business attorney guidance.
Which Has More Legal Support?
LegalZoom has the broader legal-service ecosystem.
This is particularly relevant if you expect to need attorney consultations, document review, tax assistance, or bookkeeping.
Swyft Filings provides legal support options, but its main platform remains more focused on business formation and compliance.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Business Documents
LegalZoom provides access to more than 150 customizable legal documents and contracts with its higher formation package.
Swyft Filings also offers business document services and a legal plan with access to more than 250 customizable legal and business documents.
The exact document availability depends on the package and legal plan.
For an entrepreneur who expects to create contracts regularly, these libraries can provide useful resources.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Business Licensing
Forming an LLC does not automatically give a company every license or permit it needs.
Licensing can depend on:
- Industry
- State
- County
- City
- Business activity
LegalZoom offers business license and permit services as part of its broader business platform.
Swyft Filings also offers business license services and seller’s permit assistance.
Which Is Better for Business Licensing?
Both can help businesses research and manage licensing requirements.
The better choice depends on your state and industry, because the actual licensing requirements are determined by the relevant government authorities.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings Customer Support
Support can be important when you are dealing with formation paperwork.
LegalZoom provides business specialists and customer care, with its current LLC page offering support through business specialists and dedicated business advisors on higher plans.
Swyft Filings emphasizes live customer support and currently lists support Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM CT. It also states that formation orders are reviewed by filing specialists before submission.
Which Has Better Support?
Swyft Filings has a strong formation-focused support model.
LegalZoom offers a broader support structure, particularly if you choose a package that includes dedicated business advisors or professional services.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings: Pros and Cons
LegalZoom Pros
- $0 Basic LLC formation
- Broad range of legal services
- EIN included in paid formation packages
- Operating agreement included in paid formation packages
- Business license assistance
- Annual report services
- Legal documents
- Attorney-related services
- Accountant and tax services on Expert Service
- Large established platform
LegalZoom Cons
- Higher-priced paid formation packages
- State filing fees are separate
- Some services renew automatically
- Additional services can increase the overall cost
- Basic package has fewer features
- Customers need to review subscription terms carefully
Swyft Filings Pros
- $0 Basic formation
- Standard and Premium paid packages
- Current promotional pricing on paid packages
- Multiple processing speeds
- EIN included in Standard and Premium
- Operating agreement included in Standard and Premium
- Compliance monitoring with Premium
- Registered agent service available
- Business license services
- Foreign qualification
- Live customer support
- Legal services available
Swyft Filings Cons
- State filing fees are separate
- Additional services can increase total cost
- Registered agent service is an additional expense
- Premium services cost more than the Basic package
- Legal support depends on the selected package or plan
Who Should Choose LegalZoom?
LegalZoom can be a better fit if you expect your business to need more than formation paperwork.
Consider LegalZoom if you want access to:
- Business formation
- Legal documents
- Attorney services
- Tax assistance
- Bookkeeping
- Business licenses
- Compliance
- Trademarks
- Registered agent services
It can be particularly useful for an entrepreneur who wants to stay within one broader legal and business-services platform as the company develops.
Who Should Choose Swyft Filings?
Swyft Filings can be a good fit for entrepreneurs who want a formation-focused service with different levels of processing speed and additional business filing support.
It may appeal to you if you need:
- LLC formation
- Fast filing
- EIN assistance
- Operating agreement
- Registered agent
- Annual reports
- Business licenses
- Foreign qualification
- Compliance monitoring
Its package structure also gives entrepreneurs the option to start with the $0 Basic plan and move to a paid package when they need additional features.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings for First-Time Entrepreneurs
Both services can work well for someone forming their first LLC.
LegalZoom has an advantage if the entrepreneur expects to have legal or tax questions beyond formation.
Swyft Filings can be appealing when the main goal is to get the business formed efficiently and have access to additional filing and compliance services.
A first-time business owner should compare not just the initial price but also what will be needed during the first year.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings for Small Businesses
Small businesses often need a combination of formation, compliance, licensing, contracts, and tax support.
LegalZoom’s broader platform can be useful for owners who expect to use multiple business services.
Swyft Filings can be sufficient for businesses whose needs are mainly related to entity formation and state compliance.
The better choice depends on the complexity of the business rather than simply its size.
LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings: Which Is Better for Long-Term Use?
Long-term value depends on what happens after the LLC is formed.
If your business needs only annual reports and registered agent service, you may not need a large legal platform.
If you anticipate needing contracts, trademarks, attorney consultations, tax services, or bookkeeping, LegalZoom provides more options within the same ecosystem.
Swyft Filings remains attractive for businesses that want to keep their focus on entity filings and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom cheaper than Swyft Filings?
Both currently offer a $0 basic LLC formation option plus state filing fees. LegalZoom’s current paid packages start at $249, while Swyft Filings lists Standard at $169 promotional pricing and Premium at $269 promotional pricing, with regular prices of $199 and $299 respectively.
Which has the faster LLC formation service?
Swyft Filings currently lists 7-10 business days for Basic, 3 business days for Standard, and 1 business day for Premium for its own processing. State approval times are separate and can vary.
Which includes an EIN?
LegalZoom includes an EIN with its Managed Service and Expert Service packages. Swyft Filings includes an EIN with Standard and Premium.
Which includes an operating agreement?
LegalZoom includes an operating agreement in its Managed Service and Expert Service packages. Swyft Filings includes one in Standard and Premium.
Does either company provide attorney access?
Yes. LegalZoom’s Expert Service includes attorney access, while Swyft Filings offers attorney-related support through its legal services and higher-level packages.
Can I form an LLC without using either service?
Yes. You can generally file your LLC formation documents directly with the appropriate state agency. The main reason to use a formation company is to outsource some of the preparation and filing work.
Which is better for a simple LLC?
If you only need the basic formation filing, either company’s $0 package may be sufficient. The more important consideration is whether you need additional services such as an EIN, operating agreement, registered agent, compliance, or legal support.
Final Thoughts on LegalZoom vs Swyft Filings
LegalZoom and Swyft Filings are both capable of handling the basic LLC formation process, but they take different approaches once you look beyond the initial filing.
LegalZoom is the broader option. Its current platform extends from basic LLC formation into legal documents, business licenses, compliance, trademarks, attorney services, tax assistance, bookkeeping, and other business needs. Its higher-tier formation packages are more expensive, but they also include a wider range of professional support.
Swyft Filings is more formation and compliance focused. Its current $0 Basic package gives entrepreneurs a low-cost entry point, while Standard and Premium add an EIN, operating agreement, faster processing, professional support, and compliance-related features.
If you want a wider legal ecosystem that you can potentially use as your business grows, LegalZoom offers more breadth.
If your priority is efficient business formation with different processing options and related filing services, Swyft Filings deserves consideration.
End Note
The right choice between LegalZoom and Swyft Filings depends less on the advertised starting price and more on what you expect to need after the LLC is created.
A founder who only needs basic formation can start with either company’s $0 option and pay the applicable state fee. Someone who needs an EIN, operating agreement, registered agent, compliance assistance, or professional legal support should compare the paid packages in detail.
Also pay attention to recurring subscriptions. LegalZoom’s current Managed Service and Expert Service packages include introductory periods for ongoing professional plans that automatically renew unless canceled.
Look at your first-year requirements, your expected ongoing costs, and the services you are actually likely to use. That gives you a much more useful comparison than choosing based only on which company has the lower advertised formation price.