Our Verdict
In the process of forming your LLC? BetterLegal stands out more for its fast turnaround, convenience, customer service, and bonus features. However, it’s on the high side of cost.
Filenow is a good choice for budget-conscious entrepreneurs with a basic package that has fewer features.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly platform with straightforward pricing and around-the-clock support, BetterLegal might be the way to go. But if you don’t mind a bit of a learning curve and want to compare pricing options, Filenow might be worth a look.
Both offer excellent services and are good choices for forming your LLC. Your priorities in forming your LLC will give you a breakdown of which services suit you more.
Why Choose BetterLegal
Who BetterLegal Is Best For?
Consider BetterLegal if you are an entrepreneur looking for:
- Bonus features.
- Fast and easy LLC formation.
- Hassle-free experience.
- Predictable cost.
- Convenience and ease of use.
- Quick and easy solution.
- Excellent customer support.
>>>MORE: How to Create an LLC
Who BetterLegal Isn’t Best For?
Consider other options:
- If you’re looking for more complex legal services, like patent filing or trademark registration.
- If you’re not comfortable using a web-based platform to form your LLC.
- If you have a lot of questions about the LLC formation process and want to speak with a live person rather than relying on a knowledge base.
- If you need specialized advice about your specific business or industry.
- If you want a free or low-cost option.
- If you need a mobile app.
Why Choose Filenow
Who Filenow Is Best For?
Filenow is your best fit if you’re:
- Business owners who want access to a variety of resources to help them learn about LLC formation and compliance.
- Small business owner who wants to save money by only paying for the services they need.
- Someone who wants customization options, as their a la carte services allow you to pick and choose what you need, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- Someone who wants to file their LLC online, without needing to speak with a live person.
- First-time LLC founders who want a simple and straightforward process.
Who Filenow Isn’t Best For?
Do not use Filenow if you:
- Need advanced collaboration features, Filenow might lack the advanced features of some competitor services.
- Limited technical knowledge, Filenow might have a learning curve.
- Have massive file collections. While Filenow offers storage, some services might provide more space or be specifically designed for very large datasets.
Main Differences
| BetterLegal | Filenow | |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
BetterLegal focuses on business formation services like LLC or corporation creation, registered agent services, and some business compliance help. |
Filenow acts as a document management and file storage solution. |
|
Flexibility and Pricing |
BetterLegal offers a one-sized-fits-all solution with a single flat rate. |
Filenow offers tiered pricing options based on your needs. |
|
Services offered |
BetterLegal specializes in legal filings, document preparation (like operating agreements) for business formation, and some ongoing compliance services (depending on the plan). |
Filenow focuses on storing, organizing, and sharing digital documents. It might not offer features specifically relevant to business formation. |
|
Target Customer |
BetterLegal caters to entrepreneurs and small business owners who need help setting up and maintaining their legal business structure. |
Filenow targets a broader audience that needs a secure and user-friendly platform to manage their digital documents. |
|
Customer support |
BetterLegal offers support via email and phone, as well as 24/7 support. |
Filenow also offers support via email and phone, but 24/7. |
Standout Features
BetterLegal Standout Features
Focus on legal expertise
Streamline the business formation process with built-in guidance and automation.
Compliance assistance
May include features to help with ongoing business compliance tasks (depending on the plan).
Registered agent services
Can act as your registered agent for legal document receipt and service.
>>>PRO TIPS: Form 1095-B: Does Your Company Need to File It?
Filenow Standout Features
User-friendly document management
Designed for easy document storage, organization, and retrieval.
Security features
Secure storage with encryption and access controls to protect your documents.
Collaboration capabilities
This might offer features for document sharing and collaborative work on files (depending on the plan).
Pros and Cons of BetterLegal
- Pros
- Streamlined Process: BetterLegal provides an easy-to-use platform for forming businesses, which streamlines and expedites the procedure.
- Flat-Fee Pricing: They don’t have any hidden fees because their formation packages have a fixed price.
- Fast Service: They take pride in their quick turnaround rates, frequently finishing formations in a few working days.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to formation, they provide other services, including compliance inspections, registered agent service, and some help with document generation.
- Excellent Customer Support: Customer service is often praised for being helpful and responsive, even though it may not be phone-based.
- Inexpensive Registered Agent Service: When compared to certain competitors, the cost of their registered agent service is reasonable.
- Cons
- High Price for Formation: In comparison to certain competitors, their formation bundle may be more costly, particularly since there isn’t a free tier.
- Limited Customer Support Options: They might just offer chat or email support instead of phone assistance.
- Limited Flexibility: There may not be many alternatives for customizing their packages to meet certain demands.
- No Free Registered Agent Service: In contrast to several competitors, their registered agent service costs extra and isn’t covered by the formation package.
- Upselling on Partner Services: They could suggest more services from affiliated businesses, which could be confusing or result in unanticipated expenses.
- No Legal Advice: They are able to assist with the drafting of documents and legal filings, but they are unable to offer genuine legal advice.
Pros and Cons of Filenow
- Pros
- Simple and user-friendly: Filenow is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it simple to save, organize, upload, and retrieve your documents.
- Security features: To protect your papers, Filenow provides secure storage with access restrictions and encryption.
- Pricing Transparency: Filenow usually offers a few plan alternatives with upfront pricing that makes it easier to make decisions.
- Live customer support: If you need assistance, they may offer round-the-clock phone, email, and chat support.
- Document sharing and collaboration: Filenow may provide capabilities that allow users to share documents and work together on files, depending on the plan.
- Cons
- Lack of free plan: Filenow might not provide a free plan with restricted storage, in contrast to certain rivals.
- Prioritize document storage: Filenow could not offer tools for forming businesses or adhering to legal requirements.
- Has limited functionality for complex needs: Filenow might not have all of the sophisticated functionality needed for massive file collections or highly specialized collaboration needs.
- Offers limited compliance features: Filenow may not provide the necessary level of data security or compliance certifications, depending on your needs and business.
Customer Reviews
BetterLegal has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 327 reviews. With the majority of users praising the platform’s ease of use and affordability.
Filenow has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, with users praising the platform’s customer service and fast turnaround times.
Competitors
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a popular online platform that helps individuals and small businesses with LLC formation, tax filing, and registered agent services. They offer a simple, user-friendly platform with transparent pricing. One of the main benefits of using ZenBusiness is their quick and easy process for forming an LLC. They also have a strong reputation for customer service, with a friendly and knowledgeable support team. ZenBusiness can be another option to consider in forming your LLC.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known online legal services providers. They offer a wide range of services, including LLC formation, registered agent services, and more. One of the main benefits of using LegalZoom is their vast experience and reputation. They’ve been in business for over 20 years and have helped over 4 million customers with their legal needs. LegalZoom is a good option for you if you want a wide range of services and don’t mind paying a bit more for the peace of mind that comes with their expertise and knowledge of the legal industry. They’re also highly regulated and adhere to strict privacy and security standards, so you can be sure your personal information is safe with them.
IncFile
IncFile is another popular online legal services provider. Like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, they offer services like LLC formation and registered agent services. One of the main benefits of using IncFile is its price point. They offer competitive pricing, with some of their services being completely free. IncFile is a good option if you’re on a budget or want to try out their services without committing to a paid subscription.
>>>GET SMARTER: Single-Member LLC Taxes: Everything You Need to Know
Pro Tips
- Consider what services you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Check the fine print and make sure you understand what you’re getting before you sign up.
- Read reviews and compare the reputation of each company before making a decision.
Recap
BetterLegal and Filenow are both great options for forming your LLC without spending a lot of money. BetterLegal offers a wider range of legal services and a more affordable pricing structure. Filenow has a slightly higher rating on Trustpilot and is known for its customer service. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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