ZenBusiness vs Northwest: Which Is Better? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-23
How We Compared These Services
This comparison evaluates ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent using publicly available pricing and feature data from their official websites. We assess formation cost, processing speed, included features, and total first-year ownership cost. Neither company sponsored this comparison.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Northwest Registered Agent | Lovie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formation Cost | $0 (basic) to $399 (+ state fees/yr) | $39 (+ state fees) | $29 one-time + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr | $125/yr | $79/yr ($49/yr in Wyoming) |
| Standard Processing | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 business days | 1-3 business days (state processing time) |
| Compliance Monitoring | Basic | Basic | AI-powered |
| First-Year Cost* | $398+ | $164+ | $108 + state fees |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ZenBusiness if budget-conscious founders who want fast processing and don't mind annual renewals. Choose Northwest Registered Agent if privacy-conscious founders who want simple, transparent pricing. If you want transparent one-time pricing with AI-guided compliance reminders and no hidden fees, Lovie offers a third option: $29 one-time to form, plus a registered agent at $79/year — with every line item shown before you pay.