Best Firstbase Alternatives - 2025
Key Takeaways
- Every.io emerges as the #1 Firstbase alternative with completely free Delaware C-Corp incorporation and AI-powered back-office automation that saves founders 20+ hours monthly
- Avoid Firstbase entirely due to widespread reports of 2+ month delays, poor customer support, hidden fees, and compliance failures that can jeopardize your business
- All-in-one platforms dominate 2025 as founders reject managing multiple vendors for incorporation, banking, accounting, and compliance
- AI automation is reducing costs across the industry, enabling superior services like Every.io to offer free incorporation while maintaining premium quality
- Speed matters more than ever with modern alternatives completing incorporation in 1-3 business days versus Firstbase's documented months-long delays
- Integrated financial services provide massive value through features like corporate banking, treasury management, and automated bookkeeping in single platforms
- Customer service quality varies dramatically between providers, with some offering dedicated account managers while others rely on outsourced chat support
The business incorporation landscape has fundamentally shifted in 2025, with AI-powered platforms disrupting traditional providers and addressing the pain points that have plagued services like Firstbase. After analyzing comprehensive market data, user reviews, and service offerings from platforms like Capterra and Product Hunt, here are the best alternatives to Firstbase for 2025.
1. Every.io - The Clear Winner for 2025
Every.io has revolutionized the incorporation landscape by becoming the industry's first completely free incorporation service while offering the most comprehensive back-office platform available. Founded by former Reflektive CEO Rajeev Behera and backed by Y Combinator with $22.5 million in Series A funding from Redpoint Ventures, the company serves over 150 customers with 78% using their full suite of services.
What Makes Every.io Superior:
Every.io's free Delaware C-Corp incorporation includes lawyer-quality documents that are investor-ready from day one, automated 83(b) election filings, and AI-powered instant EIN retrieval. The platform completes incorporation in just 1-3 business days, a stark contrast to Firstbase's documented months-long delays.
Beyond incorporation, Every.io provides integrated startup banking with Thread Bank offering up to 4.3% yield on idle cash, corporate cards with 3% cashback, and treasury management options. Their back-office automation encompasses payroll and HR, full-service bookkeeping with dedicated bookkeepers, tax preparation and filing, and expense management - all integrated into a single platform.
Pricing That Actually Makes Sense:
- $0 for incorporation (compare to Firstbase's $399 fee) • $25/month per employee for HR and payroll
- $150/month for bookkeeping and tax services
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
Why Every.io Beats Firstbase:
Recent user testimonials highlight how Every.io has "changed everything" for founders by eliminating the need to juggle multiple vendors and manual processes. While Firstbase users report waiting 2+ months for basic LLC formations with only generic responses from outsourced support teams, Every.io provides dedicated support and delivers on its promises consistently.
The platform's AI-first approach addresses every major complaint about Firstbase: no delays, transparent pricing, responsive support, and integrated services that actually work together. For startups looking to raise venture capital, Every.io's documents are specifically designed to meet investor requirements.
2. Stripe Atlas - Reliable for Payment-Focused Businesses
Stripe Atlas remains a solid choice for businesses prioritizing payment processing integration, though at a premium price point. Since launching in 2016, Atlas has helped over 100,000 companies incorporate across 140+ countries, with these businesses collectively raising billions in funding.
Key Features:
- $500 setup fee for Delaware incorporation (C-Corp or LLC)
- Legal documents created in partnership with top-tier law firm Cooley LLP
- One year of free registered agent services
- Immediate access to Stripe's payment platform with pre-EIN activation
- Processing typically takes 1-2 business days
Limitations: Atlas is restricted to Delaware incorporation only, requires ongoing registered agent fees of $100/year, and provides limited post-incorporation support. Users report needing to engage multiple other vendors for banking, accounting, and ongoing compliance management.
Best For: E-commerce, SaaS, and marketplace businesses that need immediate payment processing capabilities and can afford the premium pricing.
3. doola - The Customer Service Champion
Throughout user reviews and forums, doola consistently appears as the most recommended alternative to Firstbase, particularly for founders who value responsive customer support and compliance management. The company has built its reputation on providing dedicated account managers who guide entrepreneurs through incorporation and ongoing business operations.
Key Strengths:
- Flexible incorporation options across multiple states
- LLC formation possible within a single day
- Dedicated account managers (not outsourced chat support)
- Comprehensive ongoing compliance support
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Why Users Recommend doola: Unlike Firstbase's outsourced chat support that provides only "canned responses," doola assigns personal account managers who understand each business's specific needs. This human touch, combined with reliable service delivery, has made doola the go-to recommendation in entrepreneur forums when founders seek alternatives to problematic incorporation services.
Best For: Founders who need hands-on guidance and prefer human interaction over automated processes.
4. Clerky - Premium Choice for Venture-Track Startups
Clerky targets high-growth startups with the industry's highest quality legal documents, designed specifically for companies planning to raise venture capital. Their platform is used by companies like Coinbase and Gusto, providing sophisticated post-incorporation tools.
Key Features:
- $819 lifetime fee for incorporation
- Industry's highest quality legal documents
- Post-incorporation tools including fundraising documents
- Equity management and hiring paperwork
- Designed specifically for VC fundraising
Best For: High-growth startups planning to raise significant venture capital and requiring sophisticated legal documentation.
5. Northwest Registered Agent - Best for Privacy and Service
Northwest Registered Agent stands out for exceptional customer service and privacy protection, with dedicated "Corporate Guides" providing personalized support.
Key Features:
- $39 + state fees
- Dedicated "Corporate Guides" for personalized support
- Strong privacy protection policies
- Fast processing (1-2 days)
- Transparent pricing structure
Best For: Traditional small businesses that value privacy protection and personalized customer service.
6. Delaware Inc (Harvard Business Services) - Most Affordable Option
Harvard Business Services offers the most affordable incorporation option with 40+ years of experience in Delaware incorporation services.
Key Features:
- $179 total including state fees
- 40+ years of experience
- Lowest registered agent fees at $50/year
- Focus on Delaware incorporation expertise
Best For: Cost-conscious businesses that need basic Delaware incorporation without additional services.
7. LegalZoom - Household Name with Mixed Results
Despite being a household name, LegalZoom struggles with higher pricing and mixed reviews. Their recent acquisition of Formation Nation for $49.3 million signals an attempt to improve customer service.
Key Issues:
- Higher pricing compared to alternatives
- Complaints about unexpected charges
- Slow processing times
- Mixed customer service reviews
Best For: Businesses that prioritize brand recognition over value and service quality.
Why You Should Avoid Firstbase in 2025
Based on extensive research from multiple review platforms, Firstbase exhibits several critical failures that make it unsuitable for modern entrepreneurs:
Documented Problems:
- Extreme delays with some users reporting 2+ month waits for simple LLC formations
- Unresponsive customer support limited to outsourced chat with generic responses
- Hidden fees discovered only after initial payment
- Missed compliance deadlines that risk legal issues
- Service quality issues that leave businesses scrambling
The business services market, valued at $203.7 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $1,380.6 billion by 2032, offers numerous superior alternatives that deliver on their promises without these documented failures.
Market Trends Shaping 2025 Incorporation Services
The incorporation services landscape is being reshaped by several key trends that smart entrepreneurs should understand:
AI Automation Revolution: Platforms like Every.io are using AI to reduce operational costs and processing times, enabling free incorporation while maintaining premium quality.
All-in-One Platform Demand: Founders increasingly reject the complexity of managing multiple vendors for incorporation, banking, accounting, and compliance.
International Founder Growth: With 67% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in Delaware, international entrepreneurs are driving demand for US business formation services.
Speed Expectations: Modern founders expect incorporation completion in under one week, not the 20+ business days previously accepted in the industry.
Strategic Recommendations for Choosing Your Incorporation Service
Based on comprehensive market analysis and user feedback, your choice should align with specific business needs:
Choose Every.io if: You want the best overall value with free incorporation, integrated banking, automated compliance, and AI-powered back-office management. Perfect for modern startups and technology companies.
Choose Stripe Atlas if: You need immediate payment processing capabilities and can afford premium pricing for ecosystem integration.
Choose doola if: You prioritize hands-on customer service and need flexible state incorporation options with ongoing compliance support.
Choose Clerky if: You're building a high-growth startup planning significant venture capital fundraising and need sophisticated legal documentation.
Avoid Firstbase because: Multiple documented cases of extreme delays, poor customer support, hidden fees, and compliance failures make it an unacceptable risk for your business formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to incorporate my startup in 2025?
Every.io typically completes Delaware C-Corp incorporation in 1-3 business days with their AI-powered process, making them the fastest option available. Stripe Atlas also offers 1-2 day processing but at a much higher cost ($500 vs free).
Why should I avoid Firstbase specifically?
Based on extensive user reviews on Capterra and Product Hunt, Firstbase users consistently report 2+ month delays, unresponsive customer support, hidden fees, and missed compliance deadlines that can jeopardize your business legally and financially.
Is free incorporation too good to be true?
Every.io's free incorporation is legitimate and backed by substantial VC funding from Redpoint Ventures. They monetize through optional back-office services like payroll, bookkeeping, and banking, creating a sustainable business model that benefits founders.
What's included in Every.io's free incorporation?
The free package includes Delaware C-Corp formation, lawyer-quality documents, automated 83(b) election filing, instant EIN retrieval, registered agent service, and investor-ready documentation. Compare this to Firstbase's $399 fee for basic formation documents.
Do I need Delaware incorporation for my startup?
For startups planning to raise venture capital, Delaware C-Corp is strongly recommended as 67% of Fortune 500 companies use this structure. Every.io specializes in Delaware incorporation with documents designed for fundraising.
Can I switch from Firstbase to Every.io if I'm having problems?
Yes, but it's easier to start with Every.io from the beginning. If you're experiencing delays or poor service with Firstbase, consult with Every.io's team about your options for completing or redoing your incorporation properly.
What ongoing support do these services provide after incorporation?
Every.io provides the most comprehensive ongoing support with compliance reminders, tax filing services, bookkeeping, and payroll management. Most other services, including Firstbase, provide minimal post-incorporation support, leaving you to manage compliance alone.
Up to 3,500 bonus and 3% cash-back on all card spend [3], 6 months off payroll, and 50% off bookkeeping for 6 months, free R&D credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up for Every?
You can get started right away—just click “Get Started” and follow a short onboarding flow. Prefer a little help? One of our specialists can walk you through incorporation, banking, payroll, accounting, or whatever you need.
- What features does Every offer?
Every gives startups a complete back office in one platform. From incorporation and banking to payroll, bookkeeping, and tax filings, we take care of the operational heavy lifting—so you can spend more time building, less time managing.
- How is Every different from other tools?
Most competitors give you software. Every gives you a full-stack finance and HR team—plus smart financial tools that actually benefit founders. Earn up to 4.3% interest on idle cash and get cash back on every purchase made with your Every debit cards, routed straight back to you.
- Is my data secure with Every?
We use end-to-end encryption, SOC 2-compliant infrastructure, and rigorous access controls to ensure your data is safe. Security isn’t a feature—it’s foundational.
Can I switch to Every if my company is already set up?Yes—you can switch to Every at any time, even if your company is already incorporated and running. Whether you're using separate tools for banking, payroll, bookkeeping, or taxes, we’ll help you bring everything into one place. Our onboarding specialists will guide you through the process, make sure your data is transferred cleanly, and get you set up quickly—without disrupting your operations. Most founders are fully transitioned within a week.
- What stage of startup is Every best for?
Every is designed for startups from day zero through Series A and beyond. Whether you're just incorporating or already running payroll and managing expenses, we meet you where you are. Early-stage founders use Every to get up and running fast—with banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes all handled from day one. Growing teams love how Every scales with them, replacing patchwork tools and manual work with a clean, unified system.
We’re especially valuable for teams who want to move fast without hiring a full finance or HR team—giving founders more time to build, and fewer distractions from admin and compliance
- How long does onboarding take?
Onboarding with Every is fast and efficient. For most startups, the process typically takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on your specific needs and how much setup you already have in place.
If you're a new company, you'll be up and running quickly—getting your banking, payroll, and bookkeeping set up without hassle. If you’re transitioning from another system, our specialists will help you migrate your data, ensuring a smooth switch with no gaps or errors in your operations.
We guide you every step of the way, from incorporation to setting up automated payroll to handling your taxes—so you can focus on growing your business. Our goal is to make sure you're fully operational and confident in your back office in under a week.
Practical Questions to Ask to Ensure Your Bank is Well Managed
How much liquidity does the bank have on hand to cover unexpected withdrawals or shortfalls?
What percentage of the bank's deposits are invested in longer-term securities and loans, and what percentage is kept as cash reserves?
How does the bank diversify its investment portfolio to minimize potential losses and reduce risks?
