1st Formations is regarded as one of the go-to options UK users turn to for business set-up packages because it is inexpensive, convenient, and has short processing times. However, it appears that 1st Formations’ rivals, which Commenda Incorporation is a part of, seem to be coming for their throne. For 1st Formations’ tools to keep up with today’s entrepreneurs, features such as automated compliance, integrated banking, advanced support, and global readiness are some aspects these tools seek. Companies like Commenda Incorporation fulfill more advanced needs that extend far beyond simple registration. In this blog, we will cover the best 1st Formations alternatives for the year 2025.
Introduction
Due to the simple interface, everyone knows 1st Formations as a service that provides quick and inexpensive company formation. The basic package costs £12 plus the company’s house fee and includes an optional registered office address. Because most businesses do not hire accountants, growing businesses still prefer to outsource complex needs like compliance and cross-border banking; however, they require substantial guidance when dealing with international complexities and integrated assistance.
Why Businesses Look for Alternatives to 1st Formations.
Though 1st Formations does a great job of registering limited companies, their services tend to fall short in other areas. Functionality gaps are often noted as a reason other registrars are preferred.
- Hidden Fees: In addition to the base fee, services like mail forwarding, address services, or even compliance can make the overall cost surge.
- Feature Deficiency: Lack of built-in compliance reminders, few accounting integrations, and absence of a banking feature.
- Slow or Generic Support: Email assistance requires 24 hours for a response, while phone support is limited to higher subscription tiers.
- No International Structures: There are no cross-jurisdictional options. Only UK Limited Companies are focused upon.
- Basic Tech: Compliance tracking lacks modern dashboards, automation is limited, and no APIs are present.
These shortcomings drive founders to look for company formation services that merge incorporation with administrative automation, banking, and ongoing compliance—all in one place.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a 1st Formations Alternative
As you look for alternatives, these should be your priority:
- Overall Usefulness: An online portal that is guided and intuitive.
- Flexibility with Company Structure: Support for LLPs, charities, CICs, and foreign entities.
- Assistance with Compliance Obligations: Automated notification for confirmation statements and account deadlines, and the PSC register.
- Integrated Banking: Business accounts that seamlessly link to your formation package.
- Tech Integrations: API access, sync with Xero or QuickBooks, and e-signatures.
- Addresses for Registration and Services: Premium regional addresses, including London, and director service addresses.
- Global Readiness: Ability to incorporate foreign organizations or manage overseas executive roles.
- Transparent Fees: No hidden fees, detailed charges provided, companies house and agent fees itemized.
- Staff Assistance: 24/7 chat, call, email, or account managers.
8 Reasons You’re Likely Searching for a 1st Formations Alternative
Your reason for seeking an alternative formation is that:
- You would like a business banking account available on the first day of operations.
- You want self-service submissions and compliance reminders, which you won’t find in a dusty filing cabinet.
- You are now taking your business global and need local market frameworks.
- You expect your formation agent to also take care of your VAT/PAYE registration.
- You would like your data displayed in a modern dashboard, updating in real-time with your accounting software.
- You want to preserve your professional image while maintaining privacy with a registered office in London.
- You want instant support via chat or phone—no waiting days for email responses.
- You want no unpleasant surprises with all-inclusive pricing.
Commenda Incorporation: The Best 1st Formations Alternative for Tech‑Savvy Startups
- Tech responsive for Founders: Effortless Company Creation – Guided, API-driven portals allow for effortless company creation in less than 10 minutes.
- All-in-One Global Expansion: Instantly access and form UK, US, EU, or offshore entities from a singular interface.
- Compliance Built-In: Automatic notifications of Mandatory Confirmation Statement and account filings, PSC, beneficial ownership updates, and more.
- Banking and Incorporation Integration: Retrieve instant access to multi-currency accounts in connection with Commenda’s dashboard.
- Tailored Startup Advisors: Structured guides for share distribution, funding rounds, and issuance are mapped out by in-house experts.
- Transparency: Packages offered per flat fee, including Companies House, agent services, and annual compliance.
Explore Commenda Incorporation
9 Other 1st Formations Alternatives Worth Considering
1. ANNA Money
Pricing: Starts from £50 Companies House fee only (Basic); £29/month (Standard); £59/month (Pro)
Overview: Company formation plus business account integration, expense management, VAT/PAYE filing, and virtual office.
Benefits:
- Registration only has the Companies House fee cost.
- All-in-one accounts are available. Automated receipt capture and invoicing.
- London virtual addresses with mail scan on the same day.
- App-based 24/7 customer support.
Drawbacks:
- Excluded company types: LLP and CIC. Only the LTD by shares company type is supported.
Best For: Solo founders. Banking and compliance are consolidated into one app.
“ANNA’s formation process was seamless, and the integrated bank account saved me hours of admin.” — Trustpilot.
2. Companies Made Simple (CMS)
Pricing: Starting from £19.99 plus £12 company house fee for Basic. Premium may reach £79.99 plus the company house fee.
Overview: Offers comprehensive company registration services together with accountancy, legal work, marketing, and even web design.
Benefits:
- Over 1 million formations to date.
- 5 tiered packages cover from basic to full suite.
- Free name checker, live chat, and phone support.
Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront costs on premium tiers.
- Aggressive upselling of add-ons.
Best For: All-in-one services focused on entrepreneurs seeking a singular provider to cover all business operations.
“Having everything in one place helped me a lot. Their CMS offered website creation and VAT registration all under one roof.” — G2.
3. 1st Choice Formations
Pricing: Starts from £9.99 + £12 CH Fee (Digital); £39.99 (Premium)
Overview: This is a low-cost agent that specializes in LTD formation and address service.
Advantages:
- Lowest price on the market.
- 3-function dashboard for PSC and confirmation statements.
- Live phone support.
Disadvantages:
- Basic compliance features.
- No banking integration.
Ideal for: Cost-conscious entrepreneurs looking to register only.
“Super cheap and fast setup, but you’ll need additional tools for compliance.” — Reddit.
4. Mint Formations
Pricing: £12 + CH Fee (Digital); £199+ (All-Inclusive)
Overview: Gets you up and running in 6 hours.
Advantages:
- Very low-cost digital plan.
- Additional services such as web design, accountancy, and legal work are offered.
- 30% off custom websites for clients.
Disadvantages:
- Add-on all-inclusive plans are more expensive than competitors.
- Virtual office only in London.
Ideal for: Business owners needing quick formation and a variety of add-on services.
“Mint’s speed is unbeatable, but pack your wallet for the premium bundle.” — Trustpilot.
5. Your Company Formations
Pricing: Starting from £12 + CH Fee (Digital Only); £39.99 (Entrepreneur’s)
Overview: Focused on privacy with premium EC1 London address & director service address.
Advantages:
- Quick 3-6 hour processing time.
- Registered office in Central London.
- Clear and open pricing; no secret fees.
Cons:
- Increases in renewal pricing after the first year.
- No options for local addresses.
Ideal for: Privacy and a standout London address for founders who wish to maintain their anonymity.
“EC1 address is great, mail forwarding is excellent.” — Trustpilot.
6. Quality Company Formations
Pricing: Basic – £12 + Company House fee, Premium – £79
Overview: Quality company Formations focuses on non-standard formations such as CICs, LLPs, and companies limited by guarantee.
Benefits:
- All types of companies are covered.
- Free company auditor finder and VAT checker services.
- Included 2-year PSC register.
Drawbacks:
- Support is limited to email only.
Best For: Charitable enterprises, social enterprises, LLPs, and CICs.
“Finally formed my CIC in 24 hours. It was smooth and straightforward.” — G2.
7. Rapid Formations
Pricing: Online £12 + CH fee; Rapid version £49.99.
Overview: Same-day or 30-minute formations. Focus on speed.
Benefits:
- Expedited formation services are offered.
- Certificates can be sent digitally.
- Basic compliance tools are available on a user-friendly dashboard.
Drawbacks:
- Does not have advanced accounting features.
Best For: Entrepreneurs and company founders requiring a fast setup.
“Rapid got my company live by lunchtime—very impressive.” — Google Reviews
8. Osome
Pricing: Incorporation and accounting package for £99 per month.
Overview: Provides incorporation and remotely handles accounting, VAT returns, payroll, and HR.
Benefits:
- Complete back-office services.
- AI-driven document processing offers automation with e-signatures.
- Presence in multiple jurisdictions (UK, Singapore, Hong Kong).
Drawbacks:
- Relatively expensive for low-traffic accounts.
Best For: Scale-ups needing outsourced finance and compliance functions.
“Osome handles everything from ‘setting up my UKCo and filing my first VAT return. G2’”
9. Tide & Wise (Bank + Registration Combos)
Pricing: Tide Account: Free; Wise Business: Free; Formation via partner: from £12+.
Summary: Registration is an accessory service for Banking-first providers.
Pros:
- Instant multi-currency accounts.
- Integrated payments and invoicing systems.
- Formation through partner-agent via Tide/Hooks for Wise.
Cons:
- Third-party formation process.
Best For: Low-cost formation builders focusing on international banking.
“Tide got me a GBP/EUR account within a day, formation was a quick extra step.” – Reddit.
Common Limitations of 1st Formations
- Hidden Costs: Mail forwarding and PSC tools are not included in the base pricing.
- Basic Interface: No API and no advanced dashboard.
- Upselling: Frequent prompts to purchase additional items.
- Not Global‑Ready: Only UK Ltd by shares.
- Manual Compliance: No automated compliance task reminders.
Comparative Analysis Table
| Provider | Support Rating | Key Features | Integrations | Ongoing Compliance |
| Commenda | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Multi‑jurisdiction, compliance dashboard, banking | API, Xero, Stripe | Auto‑file returns |
| 1st Formations | ⭐⭐⭐ | Ltd formation, basic dashboard | None | Manual reminders |
| ANNA Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Banking, VAT, payroll, virtual office | Shopify, Woo, Amazon | VAT/PAYE filing |
| Companies Made Simple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Web, legal, accountancy suite | Limited | Manual add‑ons |
| 1st Choice Formations | ⭐⭐ | Ultra‑budget Ltd | None | Basic dashboard |
| Mint Formations | ⭐⭐⭐ | 6‑hour formation, add‑on marketplace | None | Manual compliance |
| Your Company Formations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | London address, privacy | None | Mail forwarding |
| Quality Company Formations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CIC, LLP, charity | None | PSC register |
| Rapid Formations | ⭐⭐⭐ | Same‑day formation | None | Basic dashboard |
| Osome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Accounting, HR, multi‑jurisdiction | Xero, QuickBooks | Full outsourcing |
| Tide/Wise Combos | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Banking‑first, third‑party formation | Wise, Tide API | Manual compliance |
Final Thoughts on 1st Formations Alternatives
In 2025, choosing a company formation partner will be much more difficult than it has been before. Startups focusing on scaling have different needs compared to what automation offers. Having integrated banking, automation, and compliance on a global level, and built-in banking are minimum expectations. 1st Formations is an inexpensive, self-paced option, but the other provided options add more value. For complete solutions, entrepreneurs will find Commenda exceptionally because it is different in that it combines digital incorporation, banking, compliance automation, expert guidance, and proactive support into one streamlined platform.
1st Formations FAQs
Q. Who are the top competitors of 1st Formations?
ANNA Money, Companies Made Simple, Your Company Formations, Mint Formations, and Commenda are all major rivals of 1st Formations. These are the primary competitors of 1st Formations.
Q. Which alternative offers the best ongoing support?
Osome and Commenda offer dedicated account management with both on-demand and proactive support across compliance and accounting.
Q. Who is best for international founders?
Osome and Commenda provide multi-jurisdictional incorporations (UK, US, SG, HK) and international banking.
Q. Is there a more modern, digital-native option?
Commenda’s API-first platform and ANNA Money’s mobile-first app provide the most modern experiences.
Q. Which UK formation service provides clear pricing without hidden fees?
Commenda, ANNA Money, and Your Company Formations have flat-fee all-inclusive plans with no hidden costs.
