Quick Summary
doola is a well-funded US startup with strong marketing and a growing product suite. Edeal is a specialized firm run by licensed professionals with years of direct experience helping non-residents structure and operate US companies. The right choice depends on what you actually need after your LLC is formed.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| What you're comparing | Edeal | doola |
|---|---|---|
| Formation price | $1 + state fees | From $297/year (Total Compliance) |
| Non-resident support | Built specifically for non-residents | Supported, but US-centric UX |
| Registered agent (1st year) | Included | Included in paid plans |
| EIN (Tax ID) | Included | Included in most plans |
| Bookkeeping | Available as add-on | From $25/month (billed annually) |
| Tax filing (1120, 5472) | Handled by licensed professionals | Available, pricing varies |
| US business bank account | Assistance included | Partner integrations (Mercury, Relay) |
| Human support | Direct access to the team | Chat + support tickets |
| AI tools | my.edeal.ai (business assistant) | AI co-founder dashboard |
| Languages | English + Russian | English only |
| Annual report filing | Available as service | Included in compliance plans |
| Best for | Non-residents who want a real professional team | Tech founders who want an app experience |
Pricing: What You Actually Pay
doola's pricing starts at $297/year for the "Total Compliance" package, which includes formation, registered agent, and compliance filing. Additional services like bookkeeping and tax filing are priced separately. The annual subscription model means you're paying even in years when you don't need much help.
Edeal charges $1 for LLC formation (plus state fees, which every service charges regardless). Everything beyond formation — EIN, registered agent, bank account help — is bundled or offered at transparent per-service pricing. There's no mandatory annual subscription to keep your company compliant.
On pricing: Edeal wins for most non-residents
If you're forming a simple LLC and need EIN + registered agent, the Edeal model costs significantly less in year one and doesn't lock you into a subscription for services you may not use.
Support: App vs. Real People
doola has invested heavily in product: a dashboard, an AI "co-founder," partner integrations with Mercury and Stripe. It's a polished SaaS experience. Support is primarily through chat and tickets — fast for standard questions, but limited for complex situations unique to non-residents (treaty positions, ITIN vs. EIN, state nexus, etc.).
Edeal is built around direct professional access. The team behind your LLC formation is the same team that files your taxes and answers your compliance questions. This matters when your situation is non-standard — which it often is for founders outside the US.
On support: depends on what you need
For straightforward formation and standard compliance, doola's app works well. For complex non-resident scenarios — tax treaties, ITIN, multi-entity structures — direct professional access makes a real difference.
After Formation: The Part Nobody Talks About
Forming the LLC takes 1–5 business days. What comes after — EIN, operating agreement, banking, annual reports, tax filings — takes months and is where most founders run into problems. Both services offer post-formation help, but the depth and pricing differ significantly.
- Form 5472 (required for foreign-owned single-member LLCs every year) is handled by licensed tax professionals at Edeal, included in relevant packages
- US bank account for non-residents is notoriously difficult — Edeal's team has direct experience navigating this for international clients
- State compliance (annual reports, franchise tax) is tracked and handled so you don't miss deadlines
doola covers these through its compliance plans, but the execution is more self-service with professional oversight available at a premium.
Who Should Choose Edeal
- Founders outside the US who want a real professional team, not just software
- Anyone registering an LLC for the first time and unsure what they'll need next
- Russian-speaking founders who prefer to communicate in their language
- Businesses that expect complex compliance: 5472, multi-member LLCs, C-Corps with investors
Who Might Prefer doola
- US-based founders who want a polished app experience
- Tech founders who value integrations with Mercury, Stripe, and similar tools
- Anyone comfortable with self-service compliance and ticket-based support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edeal cheaper than doola?
Yes, for most use cases. Edeal's $1 formation fee is lower than doola's entry-level plan, and the service structure avoids mandatory annual subscriptions. The difference is most visible in year one.
Does doola work for non-residents?
Yes, doola supports non-residents. However, the platform is primarily designed around the US founder experience. Edeal was built specifically for non-residents and handles the nuances of international compliance more directly.
Which has better reviews?
doola has a significant number of Trustpilot reviews and active social proof. Edeal's reputation is built on direct client relationships and professional referrals rather than volume review campaigns. Both have strong track records within their respective customer bases.
Can I switch from doola to Edeal?
Yes. Your LLC exists independently of whichever service formed it. You can change your registered agent and move compliance work to a new provider at any time. Edeal regularly works with founders who formed elsewhere and need ongoing support.