Firstbase.io vs ZenBusiness
Last updated July 2026
Firstbase.io
Startup formation and back-office tools built for international founders
Advantages
- $399 base for Delaware C-corp or LLC formation
- Especially strong for international founders (documentation for non-U.S. residents)
- Includes registered agent for year one plus ongoing compliance tools
- Bank account setup via Mercury included
- Bookkeeping and tax filing available as add-ons
Drawbacks
- Fewer post-incorporation legal templates than Stripe Atlas
- Bank account depends on Mercury approval
- Ongoing $99/mo Firstbase subscription for full compliance tools
ZenBusiness
Start and grow your dream business
Advantages
- Dramatically cheaper with more features included at every tier
- Fastest standard filing times in the industry (often 1-2 weeks)
- Registered agent service included for the first year on all paid plans
- Operating agreement, EIN filing, and compliance alerts included earlier
- Clean checkout process without aggressive upselling
Drawbacks
- Less brand recognition than LegalZoom among older demographics
- No attorney consultation or full legal services platform
- Registered agent renewal is $199/year after the first year
- Limited services beyond business formation and compliance
Firstbase.io and ZenBusiness both play in business formation services, but they're aimed at different buyers. Firstbase.io is built for international founders and startups that want back-office tools bundled. ZenBusiness is built for new business owners who want the best value on formation with fast filing and included essentials. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Firstbase.io | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $399 base | $0 + state fees (Starter) to $349 (Premium) |
| Entity Type | Delaware C-corp or LLC | -- |
| Standard Share Structure | 10M authorized shares for C-corp | -- |
| EIN Included | Yes | Included on Pro and Premium plans |
| Bank Account | Mercury business banking | -- |
| Legal Review | Standard templates; not law-firm branded | Limited, formation and compliance focused |
| Registered Agent | First year included; $199/yr renewal | Included first year (all paid plans); $199/year after |
| International Support | Strong, built for non-U.S. founders | -- |
| Turnaround Time | -- | 1-2 weeks (standard); 1-3 days (rush included on Pro+) |
| Operating Agreement | -- | Included on Pro and Premium plans |
| Ongoing Compliance | -- | Included on all plans |
| Customer Support | -- | Phone, email, chat; extended hours |
Too Close to Call
Firstbase.io and ZenBusiness land roughly even overall; the right pick depends on which of their strengths matters more to you.
Firstbase.io's standout strength: $399 base for Delaware C-corp or LLC formation. ZenBusiness's standout strength: Dramatically cheaper with more features included at every tier. Neither dominates across the board, and both have well-known weak spots. Firstbase.io's biggest drawback: Fewer post-incorporation legal templates than Stripe Atlas. ZenBusiness's biggest drawback: Less brand recognition than LegalZoom among older demographics. Pick the one whose strengths line up with what you actually need.
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