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• Trust & Estate Planning

Best Online Will Makers of April 2024

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is our top pick because it's comprehensive and affordable

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust is the best overall online will maker due to its downloadable software, free software updates, and access to a catalog of estate planning documents. We researched 13 companies and evaluated them on several factors, including company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, ease of use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

The 6 Best Online Will Makers of April 2024

• Best Overall: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Best Value: U.S. Legal Wills
• Best for Ease of Use: Trust & Will
• Best Comprehensive Estate Plan: TotalLegal
• Best for Free: Do Your Own Will
• Best for Making Changes: Rocket Lawyer
• Our Top Picks
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• U.S. Legal Wills
• Trust & Will
• Do Your Own Will
• Rocket Lawyer
• See More (3)

The Bottom Line

• Compare Providers

How to Write a Will

Alternative to a will, why you should trust us.

• Methodology

Best Overall : Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

• Price : Starting at $99
• Legal support : No
• Free trial : No
• Update period : One year of software updates included

Customers get access to a large number of estate planning documents with this Nolo product, and the software itself is easy to use. You’re not required to have an internet connection except to download and update the software.

Get comprehensive estate planning documents for a flat rate

Free software updates for version year

Downloadable software

Estate planning documents aren’t valid in Louisiana

Must meet minimum operating system requirements

Downloadable software not available for Starter price tier

Nolo, which is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, started by publishing DIY legal guides back in 1971. It was one of the first websites to provide online legal assistance and information. It's branched out into other products, like its Quicken WillMaker & Trust software tools.

You can download the program for $99 to $209, depending on the version. They include key estate planning documents like a legal will, a living trust, a financial power of attorney (POA) , a healthcare directive, final arrangements, and a letter to survivors, in addition to other types of personal finance and home and family management documents.

The software is compatible with both Mac and Windows, and it's easy to use. It allows you to create customized legal documents using a simple interview survey to fill out forms. You can then save your information and download completed documents in PDF format. You can update your will at any time and receive legal and technical updates via the internet.

There's a legal manual to help you answer common questions within Quicken WillMaker & Trust, and you can contact technical support for additional help. Louisiana residents won’t be able to use this software because it doesn’t address the estate planning requirements for this state.

Best Value : U.S. Legal Wills

 US Legal Wills

• Price : Starting at $49.95
• Legal support : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited

U.S. Legal Wills is one of the most affordable will options we've seen. It offers 40% off forms for partners or spouses, and it also has an add-on service to get an attorney to review your estate plan. It’s one of the only websites that accommodates affordable wills for expats and those who have personal property or other assets located outside the U.S.

Free unlimited updates

Includes forms for assets outside the U.S. and for expats

Discounts for documents for your spouse or partner

No living revocable trust available

Website not as intuitive as other competitors

Signup process for spouses can be clunky

Formed in 2000 and based in New York City, U.S. Legal Wills is operated by PartingWishes Inc., an independent organization that works with U.S.-based lawyers to create legal documents, without being tied to a particular law firm. Services are available in all U.S. states (except Louisiana) and provide some of the best values and discounts of all the websites we reviewed.

Starting at $49.95 for a last will and testament, U.S. Legal Wills customers also get free storage for their documents on the company's secure servers, in addition to unlimited updates. You can pay annually or opt for the lifetime feature if you want to keep storing your documents with U.S. Legal Wills, which is only $129.95. It's a more economical choice if you plan on storing your will on its servers for more than a few years. Spouses or partners can get mirror wills (plus additional documents) for 40% off.

You can create a variety of estate planning documents on the U.S. Legal Wills website, then designate what the company calls Keyholders. These are people who have access to your documents, such as trusted family members or the individual you've named as executor .

Members can receive additional support by submitting a ticket through the customer service portal.

Best for Ease of Use : Trust & Will

 Trust & Will

• Price : Starting at $199
• Update period : One year

Customers can create their estate planning documents quickly and simply with Trust & Will. The company offers an easy way to decide which option is best through the "Get Started" section of its site. You can then fill in relevant details using an interview-style format.

We also like that Trust & Will makes it easy for you to make your documents legally binding by mailing you your completed documents for free and providing complete instructions.

Comprehensive learning center

Choose from three options so you can feel less overwhelmed

The website is intuitive to use

Only one year of unlimited updates available

Doesn’t offer free upfront legal consultations

Founded in 2017, Trust & Will aims to modernize the estate planning services industry by providing an easy and secure way to create your estate plan online. Document creation is seamless using its user-friendly website and its step-by-step path to getting started. The process can take as little as 15 minutes, and the company even mails your completed documents to you for no extra charge, along with instructions to make sure everything is legally binding.

The fintech expert's state-specific trusts offer pretty much everything you'll need, including a living will’s schedule of assets and a revocable living trust to help your loved ones avoid probate. It's one of the only do-it-yourself companies to offer this option.

Trust & Will has a flat fee for wills of $199 for an individual and $299 for couples. A customized trust costs $499, or $599 for couples. This includes unlimited updates for a year. You'll pay $19 annually after the first year for unlimited updates for wills and $39 for trusts.

Best Comprehensive Estate Plan : TotalLegal

Total Legal

• Price : Starting at $19.95 or $99 per year
• Update period : 60 days

TotalLegal is one of the only companies that provides comprehensive legal services that include do-it-yourself business and estate planning documents plus free and discounted access to attorneys through its TotalLegal™ plan.

Low annual or monthly fee

Premium members have access to free and discounted legal services

Ability to create a wide variety of documents

Customers who purchase one-off documents have limited update period

No living trusts available

No online access for executors

TotalLegal is part of Pro Se Planning Inc., which provides self-guided legal products, including estate planning and business formation documents. Pro Se Planning was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Customers can purchase and complete individual estate planning documents starting at $19.95 for a last will and testament, which remains available in your online account for 60 days, then offers unlimited updates.

The biggest advantage of TotalLegal is its yearly subscription plan. You get access to legal services for $99 a year, including a consultation, attorney-reviewed documents, and a will with free updates each year. All this provides the most comprehensive resources for those who need some guidance.

Document creation is simple. You’ll go through a series of questions to inform and complete your document, which can then be downloaded and printed. TotalLegal’s help center provides extensive information, and you can always call or email customer support if you have any additional questions.

There are discounted services that include creating a simple will with a trust. You'll also get access to its document storage digital vault service, where there are no storage limits.

Best for Free : Do Your Own Will

 Do Your Own Will

• Price : Free
• Free trial : N/A

This free option offers one of the widest varieties of forms without paying for extras. There's no need to create an account or hand over any credit card details. You can download your documents instantly.

No need to sign up for an account to get access to documents

Available to residents of all 50 states

Ability to save your will as either a PDF or Word document

No legal support

You must check state laws yourself

Do Your Own Will is a completely free way to make a last will and testament, POA, or a living will. Beyond the unbeatable price, one of the major perks is that it’s simple to use. There's no need to sign up for an account, but you'll have to provide your email address if you want to make updates or changes later.

Users complete forms online by filling in details such as marital status, information on your dependents, how you want your assets to be divided, and who you want to name as your executor. Download the document as a PDF or Word document, then you can sign it.

Originally founded in 1999, Do Your Own Will is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It’s available nationwide, but there's one caveat: There's no legal support, so make sure you do your own research to ensure your will is legally binding.

Best for Making Changes : Rocket Lawyer

 Rocket Lawyer

• Price : Starting at $39.99 per month by subscription
• Free trial : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited with subscription

You get access to all Rocket Lawyer's estate planning documents for one monthly price and you can make updates whenever you like. What makes Rocket Lawyer stand out is its ability to get legal advice for new legal issues and the ability to sign your documents securely online. This allows any changes you make to go into effect immediately.

Offers a wide variety of legal and estate planning documents

A free seven-day trial to try out its services

Ability to pay a low monthly fee for premium access

Monthly membership pricier than other options

You must provide credit card information even for a free trial

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services that include documents and attorney services. Rocket Lawyer provides customers with two monthly subscription models, which cost $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year, depending on the membership chosen. You get unlimited access to all its legal documents, including the ability to make updates and attorney services. The price also includes a free 30-minute consultation on new legal matters, an “ask a lawyer” option for your legal questions, and other professional services.

You can download wills, trusts, and powers of attorney immediately after you complete all the required information online, and then you'll receive instructions to make the documents legally binding. They can be securely signed online, plus you can invite others to sign them digitally as well. This allows you to make updates and changes quickly. You can also contact customer service by email, online chat, or calling its hotline.

We’re a fan of Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust because you can make your will or trust and other documents with one download for one flat price. But you may want to choose another option if you want additional help from a live lawyer. Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an option with great features for your estate planning forms if you're computer savvy.

Compare Online Will Makers

While writing your own will may seem like an intimidating task, the actual complexity will depend on the nature of your estate. You may be better served hiring an estate planning attorney if you possess an intricate web of assets. If your estate is relatively uncomplicated, then you can follow the steps below to put a will together yourself (though it may still be a good idea to have a lawyer review the finished document).

• Catalog your assets : Before you start writing your will, take an inventory of every asset you own/have in your name that you are legally permitted to bequeath in your state. You'll want to be as detailed as possible when you list these assets in your will to avoid any confusion about what a beneficiary should receive.
• Find a template : You can certainly write a will from scratch, but you can also make things easier on yourself by utilizing a free online template from a reputable source. This will reduce the amount of time you'll spend writing and minimize the chances of making any errors. Ensure the template you choose includes any additional clauses important to you, such as what powers your executor should have or how assets not assigned to any beneficiaries ought to be handled.
• Start with your name and address : While the exact identifying information you'll need in your will may vary based on the template, you'll typically have to include your full legal name, city (and possibly county), and state. Make sure your template includes a sentence revoking any prior wills you may have had.
• Name your executor(s) and guardian(s) (if applicable) : In your will, you'll need to identify the executor administering your will (as well as their successor if your first choice is unavailable) and the guardian (plus their successor) you're granting custody of your minor children (if you have any). You'll also likely have to include the mailing address and Social Security number (SSN) of each individual you name in your will. Be sure to first communicate with each individual you want to name as an executor or guardian to ensure they're willing to accept their respective roles.
• Choose your beneficiaries and the asset(s) they will receive : As with your executor(s) and guardian(s), you'll have to name the beneficiaries receiving your assets, in addition to potentially providing their mailing addresses, SSNs, and relations to you. You'll then need to specify which asset(s) each person or organization will be given.
• Sign and date your will : Once you've finished writing your will, the final step is signing it before the witnesses required by your state. If you don't complete this step, then your will won't be legally binding.

After making copies of your completed will, store the original somewhere safe and inform your executor(s) of where they can find it. You'll also want to review and revise your will every few years and after any major upheavals in your life.

The primary alternative to a will is a living trust. The latter is a legal arrangement wherein an individual designates assets that are transferred to a trust account, which is managed by a trustee of the account opener's choosing. A living trust is created when the account opener signs a trust agreement, which typically specifies the trust's purpose, what kinds of assets it holds, the trustee's duties and responsibilities, and which assets each beneficiary will receive after the grantor dies.

Wills and living trusts share many similarities, but there are a few key differences that set them apart from one another:

• A will is a straightforward document that only details how the testator's assets should be distributed after their passing. Meanwhile, a living trust is a complicated arrangement wherein the grantor sets aside specific assets to fund a trust account while they're alive.
• A will doesn't go into effect until after the testator dies, whereas a living trust is in effect as soon as it's signed.
• In most cases, a will goes into probate after the testator dies, and a trust avoids the probate process entirely.
• A will becomes part of the public record, whereas a living trust's details will only be known to the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries.

Although a living trust can be considered an alternative to a will, they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to have an especially comprehensive estate plan, you can have both a will and a living trust. However, if your estate isn't particularly complex, then a will by itself may be sufficient.

Investopedia collected and analyzed several key data points from over 13 companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing an online will maker. We used this data to review each company for price, availability, compatibility with various devices, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right financial decisions for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best online will makers since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online wills legitimate.

Online wills are legitimate as long as they comply with federal and state laws. Online will companies hire licensed attorneys and legal professionals to carefully word their estate planning documents so that each is legally binding, but you'll want to make sure that your final documents will carry the same weight as one that an attorney creates. Check the fine print of the online will company to make sure it’s compliant in your state.

Is Paying for an Online Will Maker Worth It?

Using a free online will service can suffice if your estate is simple and straightforward: You don’t have any children, your only beneficiary is your spouse, and your estate is very small. But you'll probably benefit from using a paid service if you have a larger estate or a more complex situation, or if you want a legal professional to help you work through your documents and other financial matters.

Who Should Draw Up a Will?

It's a good idea for anyone with assets that multiple heirs can legitimately claim. Not dividing up assets can cause litigation among family members, creating resentment and heartache after the individual passes.

Should an Individual Write Their Own Will?

It's inadvisable to write your own will without any sort of legal guidance unless you have an up-to-date background in and knowledge of estate law. Otherwise, it's too easy to inadvertently sidestep a rule or law in your state that you didn't even know about. This could result in your final wishes not being carried out, throwing your estate into chaos as the court looks for alternate solutions. Always touch base with a legal professional before writing and finalizing your own will.

What Should You Avoid Putting in a Will?

Your will is not a private document after your death, so don't include anything that you don't want to become a matter of public record. Forming a living trust is a much more private estate-planning alternative. It will avoid airing out all the most intimate details of your life in probate court. A will must pass through probate in order for your estate to be settled.

What Is the Best Site to Create a Will?

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust website offers the best online will maker. However, depending on your needs, you may be better suited with another company. Do Your Own Will, for example, is a great free option, so long as you're confident in your ability to create a legally binding will without any legal support.

Are Wills Really Necessary?

In most cases, a will is an indispensable part of an estate plan. If you pass away without a will, then you risk your assets being distributed to different persons or parties than you might have wished for. Having a will in place can give you the peace of mind that this won't come to pass. There are a few cases where a will isn't strictly necessary, such as if you lack sufficient assets or any beneficiaries.

How to Make a Will Online?

When creating a will online, you'll first need to determine whether you want to work with a will maker. If so, you should shop around to find the best online will maker to suit your needs.

If you decide to make your will yourself, you'll need to take stock of your assets, such as any real estate in your name. Next, you should choose your beneficiaries and how you'll want your assets divided between them. After that, you'll need to pick an executor you trust to distribute your assets to the correct beneficiaries. All that's left at this point is to fill out a will template online and store a physical copy somewhere safe.

It would likely be a good idea to hire an attorney to review your will to ensure it's legally binding. Don't forget to also ensure that the beneficiary designations for any of your assets with death benefits (such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, or a life insurance policy) are aligned with your new estate plan.

How We Pick the Best Online Will Makers

Our goal is to make sure our recommendations are ones we would share with our family and friends when looking to choose an online will maker company. We looked at 13 companies before choosing the top providers. Factors we looked at include company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, whether the product was simple to use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

Investopedia publishes unbiased product reviews. Our opinions are our own and are not influenced by the payment we receive from advertisers.  Click here to learn more about our review process.

Getty Images / Putilich

LinkedIn. " Nolo ."

Nolo. " About Us ."

Quicken Willmaker & Trust 2024. " A Powerful Estate Planner Without the High Costs ."

US Legal Wills. " About Us ."

United States Legal Wills. " Prices ."

Trust & Will. " Founding Story ."

Trust & Will. " Pricing for Our Estate Planning Products ."

LinkedIn. " Pro Se Planning, Inc ."

TotalLegal. " Prices ."

CBInsights. " DoYourOwnWill.com ."

Rocket Lawyer. " Rocket Lawyer Introduces Rocket Tax ."

LinkedIn. " Rocket Lawyer ."

Rocket Lawyer. " Memberships and Pricing ."

National Council on Aging. " Living Trust vs. Will: Key Differences ."

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. " How Does a Revocable Trust Avoid Probate? "

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The 5 Best Online Will Makers of 2024

• An online will maker service for your estate planning needs costs anywhere from $0–$299.
• You can create a legally binding will for free in a few hours when you use Rocket Lawyer.
• Our top choice for online will makers of 2024 is Quicken WillMaker & Trust because of its customizable service and affordable price.

Our  Reviews Team  is made up of credentialed attorneys who researched and used the online will-making services we reviewed so we can help you decide which is best for you. We selected our top choices based on:

• 200+ hours of research
• 100+ hours of estate law education
• Eight brands reviewed
• Five brands selected
• Four experts consulted
• 500+ third party reviews referenced

To better explain our research, we’ve listed pros and cons, best uses, and rankings of common features.

Creating a will can be an overwhelming and expensive process, which might be why only 46% of all American adults have one, according to a Gallup poll . [1] Gallup.com. How Many Americans Have a Will? June 23, 2021. Found on the Internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/351500/how-many-americans-have-will.aspx Miranda M. Riva, Esq. headshot Miranda M. Riva But it is possible to create a long-lasting will for an affordable price. If an attorney isn’t in your budget, an online will-making service can be a good alternative.

Online will-making services ask a series of questions to help you generate your will document, and use your responses to generate a state-specific form you can download and print. Experienced estate attorneys design or review the state-specific forms. As long as you provide accurate information and execute your will in accordance with your state’s laws, your online will should be legally acceptable.

While an online will is a viable option for most people, the following circumstances might be better handled with the help of an attorney:

• Complex financial situation (for example, large amounts of debt)
• Complicated family structure (for example, questions of disinheritance)
• Undecided wishes (for example, how to divide your estate)

Our Reviews Team researched and tested the best online will-making services. In this article, we summarize our experience and compare and contrast picks for the best will-making services on the internet.

A quick look at the best online will maker services

• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust : Editor’s Pick
• Trust & Will : Best for Customer Assistance
• LegalZoom : Best for Legal Assistance
• Rocket Lawyer : Most Affordable
• U.S. LegalWills : Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates

Comparison of best online will makers, as of January 2024

*Feature is an additional fee **Create a will for free during the seven-day trial period.

The best online will maker services of 2024

Editor’s pick: nolo’s quicken willmaker & trust.

Quicken WillMaker & Trust gets the top “Editor’s Pick” from our Reviews Team because it generates comprehensive and high-quality estate planning documents for the best value of all the companies we reviewed. Although its starting cost ($99) is higher than most companies on this list, it stands apart by offering free unlimited updates for one year, a 30-day full refund, and wills for multiple family members. Since family members are meant to share the service, you can make separate wills for different people for no additional cost.

• Cost:  $99–$209
• Promotions:  25% off with code T1040
• Document storage:  Yes, with the top package through a partnership with  Everplans
• Access to an attorney:  Not through platform, but Nolo can connect you with a local attorney
• Unlimited updates:  Free for the first year, then cost varies based on package ($99–$209)
• Satisfaction guarantee:  30-day full refund

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust packages

Quicken WillMaker & Trust offers three different customized estate plan packages:

Starter ($99):

• Living will
• Health care power of attorney
• Final arrangement forms

Plus ($139):

The plus package has all the starter package features and:

• Financial power of attorney
• Letters to survivors
• Living trust
• Transfer on death deed
• Estate planning tools available as downloadable software

All-access ($209):

The all-access package has all the starter and plus package features and:

• One year subscription to  Everplans  (document and information storage service)

If you can’t decide which package you want, our Reviews Team recommends beginning with the starter package. You can upgrade at any time in your dashboard.

Quicken WillMaker & Trust has been helping customers make their wills for the last 30 years. The online questionnaire format doesn’t require you to download anything, which keeps the process simple. But if you want to keep your personal information off the internet, the downloadable software guarantees your documents are only accessible through your personal device. Along with increased privacy, the software offers a high-contrast mode for people with  vision loss .

To make the process easy, Quicken WillMaker & Trust provides a checklist before starting the questionnaire. A “helpful information” box below the prompt will guide you if you are unsure of how to answer. Quicken WillMaker & Trust also provides an  extensive book (available online)  with detailed instructions and additional information to help create your will.

Customer reviews

Quicken WillMaker & Trust has 4.5 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 230 reviews. Of those reviews, 74% give the service 5 out of 5 stars, specifically mentioning how easy the product is to use and its inclusivity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Only 5% of users gave 1 out of 5 stars, mentioning never hearing back from customer service after making an inquiry and having technical issues with the software.

Our experience

Quicken WillMaker & Trust was by far the easiest platform for our Reviews Team to purchase and use. The language throughout the questionnaire was clear, and the option for further information provided an extra layer of guidance. We were specifically impressed with the number of high-quality documents you can get for such an affordable cost.

We found it difficult to get in contact with the company, since you don’t have access to direct contact links or a chat feature on the website. But we were able to reach a representative within five minutes using the toll-free phone number. An email response took around one business day. Customer service can only help with service- and product-related issues. They cannot answer legal questions.

For more information about this online will service, read our in-depth  LegalZoom Review .

Customer service options

• Phone:  800-728-3555 available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• Email:   [email protected]
• Contact on the website:  N/A

Best for Customer Assistance: Trust & Will

Trust & Will earned “Best for Customer Assistance” for two main reasons: The site gave helpful explanations and tips throughout the will-creation process, and it provided thorough and well-researched resources for additional information on estate planning topics. Each time we asked a question using any of the provided channels of contact, our Legal Reviews Team received an accurate answer within two hours. Compared with other companies on this list that took at least one day to respond, the quick turnaround time is impressive.

• Cost:  $199
• Promotions:  $10 off with code Gimmie10
• Document storage:  Yes, with annual Trust & Will membership
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, for an additional cost (currently only available in 17 states)
• Unlimited updates:  Free for the first year, then $19 per year

Trust & Will Estate Planning Package

Trust & Will currently only offers a single package for creating an online will.

Will-based estate package ($199):

Last will and testament

• Power of attorney
• HIPAA authorization form A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) authorization form is important when you execute a living will or advance health care directive because it gives the person in charge of medical decisions access to your medical history.

For more information about this online will service, read our in-depth Trust & Will review.

Trust & Will was founded in 2017 and has quickly become established in the online estate planning industry. The company offers a free year of unlimited updates with your $199 purchase. To make changes to your documents after the year has passed, you can become a member for $19 per year, and you can make unlimited updates for as long as you retain membership. Trust & Will also offers do-it-yourself probate tools executors of a will (those who carry out the will) can purchase if they need state-specific assistance when entering   probate Probate is the legal procedure your estate goes through after you pass away.  court.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for when completing your estate documents, you can use the chat function at the bottom of the page,  send an email , or  fill out an inquiry form  to get help from an expert. You can use the chat function to connect with someone  during business hours  or find out more information about a topic. find recommended resources, and connect to an expert if you need help.

Trust & Will has 4.6 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 3,400 reviews. Close to 90% of the reviews left by customers are 5 out of 5 stars. Customers called out the simplicity and clarity of the platform overall, as well as great customer service when issues or questions arose. Complaints focused on issues with the website timing out and no room for customizations when answering questions.

At first glance, Trust & Will has one of the most visually organized website designs in the industry. The layout is intuitive and easy to navigate.

One thing our team didn’t like is its lack of a simple will option and overall inability to customize. While it offers high-quality documents, you may not need all four of the documents in the package.

The auto-response that appears when you ask a question leads to a number of related resources we found helpful. We waited five minutes to talk to an expert on chat, and the wait for an email response was a few hours.

Read more in our full  Trust & Will  review.

• Phone:  866-908-7878 available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
• Email:  [email protected]
• Contact on the website:   Submit a request

Best for Legal Assistance: LegalZoom

LegalZoom was one of the first companies in online legal assistance. Since its founding in 2001, it has helped more than 3.5 million customers with their estate planning needs. Unlike its competitors, LegalZoom offers direct attorney assistance in several legal specialties, making it qualified to assist customers with a wide variety of legal needs and earning it our distinction of “Best for Legal Assistance.”

• Cost:  $89–$249
• Promotions:  N/A
• Document storage:  Yes, with LegalZoom account
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, with certain packages or membership
• Unlimited updates:  Free for 30 days
• Satisfaction guarantee:  60-day full refund

LegalZoom estate planning packages

LegalZoom offers three different estate planning packages, and each has varying access to attorneys.

Basic last will ($89):

• Unlimited updates for 30 days from the date of purchase

Comprehensive last will ($99):

The comprehensive package has all the basic package features and:

• Attorney Assist for 30 days from the date of purchase

Estate plan bundle ($249):

The estate plan bundle has all the comprehensive package features and:

• Unlimited updates for one year from the date of purchase
• Attorney Assist for one year from the date of purchase

The questionnaire to generate your will is easy to use. You can download the packet immediately, and it includes instructions for making your will valid under your state’s laws. Unlike other services with an annual or monthly membership and unlimited updates, LegalZoom doesn’t have a process for you to update your documents outside of the specified time period with your package. For example, if you purchase the basic last will for $89, but you wait to make changes until after the 30-day unlimited update window, you’ll have to pay $89 to make revisions.

Attorney Assist and Legal Assist plan membership

LegalZoom offers two types of direct attorney assistance—both allow users to make an over-the-phone appointment with attorneys in the LegalZoom network. The main difference is the topic of legal advice.

The first is the  Legal Assist plan membership , which is available to all users seeking legal advice on any topic, including those who purchase the basic will package. You can purchase a year-long membership for $199 or six months for $119. The membership offers unlimited 30-minute consultations on new legal matters. A new legal matter is completely unique from, and not at all related to, a legal matter you previously inquired about.

For example, you may be limited to a single 30-minute discussion about your will document. If you need to go over 30-minutes or make a second inquiry about it, it may not be considered a “new legal matter.” In that case, the attorney you’re connected with will give you their fee structure (which varies by attorney) and bill you for any additional time. You’re always connected with an attorney in your state, so that fee will vary based on your location and their firm’s billable hourly cost. If you’re a LegalZoom member, you’ll get  25% off  the firm’s standard rate for representation.

The second is called  Attorney Assist , and it’s only available with the comprehensive and estate bundle plans. With it, you’ll get on-demand legal advice from attorneys in the LegalZoom network who can answer unlimited questions about your estate plan and review your final estate documents. When you upgrade to the comprehensive plan you’ll have access for two weeks, and with the estate plan bundle you’ll have access for one year.

If you anticipate needing more than 30 minutes of legal assistance while completing your will, the attorney assist option that comes with the middle and top-tier packages might be a better option.

LegalZoom has 4.5 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on 3,300 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers mentioned they were longtime subscribers and the service continues to meet their needs. We found 13% of all reviewers gave LegalZoom 1 out of 5 stars, complaining the website often directs to an error page and provides unclear descriptions of deadlines and fees.

The overall questionnaire process for completing a will was straightforward and in easy-to-understand language.

While it was easy to sign up and purchase a package, the cost of add-on services was hidden at the end of the process. We were impressed with the value of the middle tier, which is an extra $10 but comes with 30 days of on-demand attorney assistance.

When we asked questions through chat, a helpful response followed within five minutes. We reached a representative by phone within 10 minutes. An email response took around one business day.

• Phone:  888-379-0854 available 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, weekends
• Email:  [email protected]
• Contact on the website:   Contact us

Most Affordable: Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer is the only online will service we reviewed that generates a downloadable will for free, which is why we named it “Most Affordable.” It ties with U.S. LegalWills for the lowest starting price ($39), but it offers more forms with no extra cost and has attorneys available, unlike U.S. LegalWills.

• Cost:  $0–$19.99 per month
• Promotions:  Seven-day free trial followed by a month-long trial for $5
• Document storage:  Yes, with monthly Rocket Lawyer membership
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, unlimited 30-minute consultation on new legal issues
• Unlimited updates:  Free for seven days, $5 for the second month, then $39.99 per month
• Satisfaction guarantee:  No

Rocket Lawyer estate planning package

Rocket Lawyer doesn’t offer a specific estate package, but for the free seven-day trial and while you’re an active member paying the monthly $39.99 fee, you’ll get access to hundreds of other state-specific legal forms, and you’ll be able to make unlimited changes to your documents.

When you pay for the membership, you’ll also get one free 30-minute consultation with an attorney regarding any new legal matters (new and unrelated to previous inquiries) that arise.

Rocket Lawyer is known mostly for its quick and easy-to-use website with free legal forms and templates. It may be a good option if you’re about to have surgery and want to quickly get a will in place.

After you create an account and answer questions to create your will, you’ll need to put in your credit card information before you can download your document. You’ll have access to your will and any other legal form you can find on the Rocket Lawyer database for free during the initial seven-day trial. After your trial expires, Rocket Lawyer will automatically charge $39.99 per month, unless you cancel ahead of time.

While our team chose Rocket Lawyer as a great free option for creating your will, this service doesn’t provide extra assistance or guidance when completing the questionnaire. Additionally, if you forget to cancel the free trial, you may end up paying more for your documents than if you chose a different service.

Rocket Lawyer has 4.7 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 7,000 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers highlighted the free document feature and the range of legal forms available on the database. Only 4% of customers gave it 1 out of 5 stars, reporting difficulty canceling the subscription and issues connecting with an attorney.

Rocket Lawyer is a great resource for legal forms, especially for estate planning. We also like that you can get a custom-made will for free.

What we didn’t like is how you go through the questionnaire process before you’re asked to put in credit card information. It felt misleading at first, since it’s advertised as a free will but also asks for payment before you can view the finished document. If you call or email to cancel your subscription within the seven-day period you can complete and download whatever legal forms you want for free. When we emailed, we got a response back within five hours. When calling, it took about 15 minutes to connect with a representative.

Customer Service Options

• Phone:  877-881-0947 available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• Email:  N/A
• Contact on the website:  ( Contact us )

Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates: U.S. LegalWills

What makes U.S. LegalWills stand out is the cost of unlimited updates, which is why we named it “Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates.” Most notably, the lifetime deal costs a flat fee of $129.95. For other online will services, the cost to make unlimited updates ranges from $19 to more than $300 per year. Cost varies depending on how long you want to be able to make updates.

• Cost:  $39.95–$129.95
• Promotions:  When you join, your partner will get 40% off their membership; refer a friend, they get a 10% discount, and you get a $20 Amazon gift card
• Document storage:  Yes, with purchase
• Access to an attorney:  No
• Unlimited updates:  Yes, cost varies

U.S. LegalWills estate planning packages

Last will and testament ($39.95):

Premium last will and testament ($69.95):

The premium package has all the last will and testament package features and:

• Personalized messages and wishes
• Family access to your documents

Complete estate plan ($99.95):

The complete estate plan has all the premium package features and:

Premium estate plan ($129.95):

The premium estate plan has all the complete estate plan features and:

• My Life Locker
• Digital Vault

Unlimited updates:

• First year: Free
• Two years: $11.95
• Five years: $29.95
• 10 years: $39.95
• 25 years: $79.95
• Life: $129.95

U.S. LegalWills offers three different and affordable estate planning bundle packages. You can also choose a “build your own” option and add the documents you need, instead of paying for documents you don’t need. This makes U.S. LegalWills one of the most customizable will-making services we reviewed.

U.S. LegalWills also has advanced information storage available with  My Life Locker , which stores personal information, and  Digital Vault , which contains documents you want to upload for future use by your executor. These two storage options are only available with the highest tier package.

U.S. LegalWills has 4.6 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 400 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers highlighted how easy the process was and how quickly they were able to complete the forms.

Some customers complained the forms weren’t upheld in a court of law. To each of those reviews, a customer service representative defended U.S. LegalWills and gave citations to the law supporting the forms.

Despite the website platform appearing outdated, the questionnaire process was simple. The “try now for free” option at the bottom of the package prices was misleading. This is not the same as the free trial Rocket Lawyer offers. You’ll move through the will-creation process, but at the end, only a preview of the first page of your will is available to you. To see the rest, you’ll need to purchase the product. It took about 10 minutes to connect with a representative by phone, and an email response took around 10 hours.

• Phone:  888-660-9455 available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
• Email:  [email protected]

What to look for in the best online will makers

Estate planning is a customizable experience, so flexibility is important. Most platforms offer some variation of the features below, whether in a bundle or as add-on services.

The most important document in the estate planning process is a last will and testament , often referred to as a “will.” This document specifies who will be responsible for distributing your estate and can give detailed instructions about which beneficiaries are entitled to certain items or sums of money. Many wills also include guardianship details if the will writer has minor children or pets.

When you create an online will, you’ll answer a series of personal and financial questions that will help create your final document. Each one of the services we’ve selected has state-specific forms created by estate planning experts. After finishing the questionnaire, you can download the completed documents, print them out, and execute them according to the instructions provided by your online will service.

Additional estate planning documents

Creating a simple will is important at any stage in your life, but you should consider additional documents as well. The most common estate documents, in addition to a will, are a power of attorney and a living will (also called a health care directive). Most online services offer these legal documents as an add-on feature, but some offer a package deal for all three. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to invest in a service that offers a bundle. Read our guide to learn how to make a will without a lawyer .

Unlimited updates

Celeste Robertson , Esq., a member of the Texas Bar Foundation and practicing attorney since 1994, advised “you should review your will and other estate planning documents every three to five years” and always “revisit these documents whenever significant life changes occur.” Robertson gave the following examples of significant life changes:

• Birth of a child [or grandchild]
• A substantial change in assets.

That means it’s important to note whether you can make changes to your documents in the platform you choose. Many services offer free, unlimited changes for at least the first 30 days after purchase. Others offer free changes for up to a year or without limits. With services that offer a membership, you’ll generally be able to make unlimited updates to your estate documents so long as you pay the monthly or annual subscription.

Document storage

While you should always have an original paper copy of all your important documents, it’s a great idea to have virtually accessible backup copies. Most of our top choices have a virtual storage space for your will and any other documents you completed using the service. Some even allow you to upload additional important documents, such as:

• Identification cards
• Real estate deeds
• Account numbers
• Life insurance policy
• Tax documents

When choosing a virtual storage base, security is a top concern. Each of the services on this list that offers document storage has one or two layers of encryption (converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access) to protect sensitive information from anyone who doesn’t have authorization to access your account. Quicken WillMaker & Trust and Trust & Will both took an extra step by undergoing Type 2 Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2 Type 2) auditing ⓘ SOC 2 Type 2 is an exam used to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of a service organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. , which provides an independent, third-party assessment of a service organization’s security during a period of time.

Family plan

Some online services offer a second will for a discounted price. This is ideal if your spouse or close family member is also interested in creating a will. Even if spouses or partners own property and assets together, it’s common for them to create reciprocal wills. These are two separate wills, each making the other the beneficiary of the entire estate. For services that offer a family plan, you can often get the second will at a discounted price, and you can easily add it on at checkout.

Helpful hint: If this feature is essential for you, Quicken WillMaker & Trust allows you to make an unlimited number of wills with a single purchase of one of its products. In other words, you can get estate documents for the whole family for the cost of one package.

Attorney assistance

While most people creating a will online can do so without additional assistance, you might be interested in seeking general legal advice or having a lawyer look over your will, especially if you have a complex estate plan. Some services offer specialized legal assistance throughout the creation process—usually at a higher cost. If you anticipate needing an estate planning attorney to look over your documents at any point during the process, you should consider choosing a service that offers this as an add-on feature.

Helpful hint: If this feature is essential for you, you might consider one of the middle or top-tier packages with LegalZoom. You’ll have on-demand attorney access to ask whatever estate questions you have for 30 days after purchase. Other services cost more than $200 per year for this level of accessor limit your questions to “new legal matters” only.

Satisfaction guarantee

Many services are backed by a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Some guarantees may come with limitations or will only apply refunds to certain services.

How we reviewed online will-making services

The Reviews Team curated a scoring system for online will-making services that considers the value for money, ease of use, customer support, features, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Value for money (35% of total score): We rated the value of every online will maker’s basic package. We also considered whether the service offered free or unlimited will revisions and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
• Ease of use (25% of total score): We looked at whether we could navigate the website successfully and where the roadblocks, if any, came up. Did we have trouble adding features or signing into our account? We compared our experiences before and after account setup.
• Customer support (20% of total score): We reviewed each company’s customer service offerings through email, phone, and chat, and gave a score based on timeliness and accuracy of responses.
• Features (15% of total score): We looked at the essential estate planning features and add-on services the company offers and whether the packages are customizable.
• Customer satisfaction (5% of total score): We looked at customer ratings across trusted third-party review sites, like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, and rated our own satisfaction with the process.

Bottom line

After hundreds of hours researching, our Reviews Team found the above online will maker companies to be the top five in the market. We found Quicken WillMaker & Trust to be the best overall because of its combination of document quality, user-friendly creation process, and affordable prices.

If you want to have an attorney review your will and answer questions along the way, LegalZoom is our top pick for legal assistance. With its free will option, Rocket Lawyer is best for those on a budget. If making unlimited lifetime updates is high on your priority list, U.S. LegalWills is a great option. If you want a guided will-making experience, to chat with a representative, and find detailed information about estate planning, Trust & Will is our top choice for customer support.

For more resources about planning for the future:

• Visit NCOA’s Age Well Planner
• Read our guidance on managing someone else’s legal, financial, and medical decisions
• Be informed about estate recovery , how it works, and how it can affect you or a loved one

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it’s completely legitimate to use an online service to create your will. As long as you execute the document in accordance with your state’s laws, your online will is legally binding.

Among those reviewed services, Quicken WillMaker & Trust was our number one “Editor’s Pick.” Next, we chose Trust & Will, followed by Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, and U.S. LegalWills.

The main pros of online wills are they’re more affordable than hiring an estate attorney, they can be created from home, and they’re easier than writing a will from scratch.

The main cons of online wills are that an attorney review is not available with all services, they might not be the best option for those with a complicated estate, and unlimited updates not available with all services (requiring re-purchase to make updates).

The price to create a simple online will range from $0–$89. Some packages offering several documents, in addition to a will, can cost up to $299.

While an online will is designed to be legally binding if you provide accurate information and follow your state’s laws, its validity could be contested if someone has reason to believe it wasn’t written properly.

In some circumstances, such as complex financial situations, complicated family structures, or undecided wishes, it’s best to consult an attorney.

Have questions about this review? Email us at [email protected] .

• Gallup.com. How Many Americans Have a Will? June 23, 2021. Found on the Internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/351500/how-many-americans-have-will.aspx

The Best Online Will Making Programs

These sites can help you create an affordable will online.

Getty Images

Finding the right will making software for your family situation can streamline the process and allow you to have everything in order for your heirs.

Rather than walking into an attorney's office and paying a high hourly rate, you can opt for a range of online will options to help create a will from the comfort of your home at a reasonable price.

These will makers aid with documents ranging from basic wills to intricate estate plans. Finding the right will making software for your family situation can streamline the process and allow you to have everything in order for your heirs .

The following programs can help you create a will online and provide other estate planning solutions :

• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Visit Now .
• Fabric by Gerber Life - Visit Now . 
• LegalZoom - Visit Now .
• Do Your Own Will - Visit Now .
• U.S. Legal Wills - Visit Now .
• FreeWill - Visit Now .
• Rocket Lawyer - Visit Now .
• Total Legal - Visit Now .
• Trust & Will - Visit Now .
• Gentreo - Visit Now .

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

If you want nearly everything for a customized estate plan in one place, Quicken provides software to create a will, power of attorney, health care directive, living trust and other estate-related documents. A questionnaire guides you through the process of deciding which documents you need. Nolo's WillMaker starter bundle is $99, which includes a will, health care directives and final arrangements. More features come with the Plus version at $139 and the All-Access version for $209.

Fabric by Gerber Life

To make a will without having to sign up for anything or create an account, you can use Fabric's free online will tool . If you have a basic estate or simple family situation, this service could be a good fit. After answering a few questions, you can print the will and make it legally binding. The process takes approximately five minutes. While the service is free, the site also sells life insurance policies for a range of prices.

If you want a professional's input when making an online will, LegalZoom provides access to an independent attorney who is knowledgeable about laws in your state. Legal counsel is available at the start of the will making process. You can also begin making a will on your own with the site's self-guided questionnaire. If you have questions, you can reach out to an attorney. Legal counsel is also available after you finish the will to help you make updates or address concerns for up to a year. Prices start at $89.

Do Your Own Will

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, Do Your Own Will provides a free way to make a will. By answering questions, you create a simple will. You can then download the document as a Word or PDF file. There are also other estate planning documents available for free, including a pet guardian trust and durable power of attorney. While the services are free, the site states that if you have a complicated estate, it may be useful to seek legal counsel and use other estate planning tools.

U.S. Legal Wills

To set up specific instructions for loved ones, you can create a will through U.S. Legal Wills . The online will making tool asks questions about your estate to help you line up information your executor can use to properly distribute assets. According to the site, you can have a will in just 20 minutes. The standard cost is $39.95, along with additional charges for services such as setting up a power of attorney for finances or storing documents in a digital vault that can be passed on to your family and executor. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

You can use FreeWill to help you create a basic document. As you work through the steps, if you realize that your estate is more complex than you initially perceived, you can still benefit from the site. FreeWill provides free forms you can fill out to take to an attorney, which can save time and funds. The site states that you might want to pair its services with a lawyer if you have a large or complicated estate. In addition to wills, the site offers related legal planning tools like advanced health care directives, beneficiary designations and durable financial power of attorney. FreeWill is able to offer its tools for free via partnerships with nonprofits.

Rocket Lawyer

If you're not sure what to include in a will, Rocket Lawyer provides free templates of wills that can be customized to your situation. The site will guide you through the process, helping you decide what exactly to include in your will. It also provides information on other legal documents related to estate planning. You can pay $39.99 for a will or become a premium member for $39.99 per month to gain access to additional legal services.

Total Legal

You can complete an online interview through Total Legal to help understand what you need for your will. After creating a will online, you can print it out or choose to receive it by mail. The site then provides instructions on how to have your will signed in your state. A last will and testament costs $19.95, and the site offers other estate planning documents in a range of prices.

Trust & Will

You'll be able to carry out the will process in a step-by-step way at Trust & Will . The site provides customized, state-specific wills and instructions to walk you through the documents you need. Wills start at $159 for an individual or $259 for a couple. You can also set up trusts and guardians.

For a complete estate planning service that is customizable to your exact situation, Gentreo offers a way to create, store and share your estate plan. If you have a blended family, specific gifts or distinct wishes for a pet, the site walks you through the details of sorting out your preferences and making a will that suits your needs. Once the will is complete, you can upload it to your family vault and choose which beneficiaries can have access to it. The site also offers additional estate planning documents such as a health care proxy and power of attorney. You can get all the documents you need for $150 for the first year and $50 for each following year.

Estate Planning Tips You Need to Know

Maryalene LaPonsie Oct. 17, 2023

Tags: retirement , money , wills , death , aging

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Best online will makers, compared

More financial advice, best online will makers.

Learn how you can save money and secure your estate with these quality options.

Joe Van Brussel

Contributor

Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

• Best for frequent updates Nolo Quicken WillMaker and Trust See at WillMaker
• Best for customization LegalZoom See at LegalZoom
• Best for young families Fabric See at Fabric
• Another worth considering Trust & Will See at Trust & Will
• Best for first-timers Rocket Lawyer See at Rocket Lawyer
• Best for simple wills DoYourOwnWill See at Trial Data
• Another worth considering LawDepot See at LawDepot

Nolo Quicken WillMaker and Trust

A will might not benefit you much in the here and now, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your loved ones in the future. The last thing you want to do is to die “intestate,” or without a will to explain what to do with your property and personal items.

A will is a legal document that specifies the directions for  planning your estate  after your death, including to whom your property will be directed and who will take care of your children and pets. It also names an executor, or person in charge of enacting your plan, and gives them directions.

Creating a will with a lawyer will cost you somewhere between $200 and $1,000, depending on its complexity and your lawyer’s hourly rate. Making one yourself online will generally cost between $40 and $100. Some online software services will even let you do it for free.

Online will makers usually provide all the basic forms, such as power of attorney, living will and health care directives. Some let you create your will using software alone, while others supply remote legal guidance and assistance along the way.

We evaluated online will makers for price, attorney access, quality of the legal document guidance and user interface, and the inclusion and accessibility of all relevant forms. Read on to find our top picks for online will makers.

This solid legal document software package from Nolo, available for Windows and Mac, provides all of the estate planning forms and documentation you’ll need for $100. The legal forms software, which takes into account state-specific laws and processes, is regularly updated by a team of legal experts. And once you buy it, you own it, so you can create new forms or documents whenever you please.

The main drawback is that Nolo doesn’t include access to attorneys for legal advice -- so there’s no legal professional to review your documents or answer questions. As such, Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker and Trust is best suited to those who come to the table with an understanding of how to draft wills and have a game plan for their estate. The upside is that you can review your will and other estate planning documents periodically and make changes without having to repurchase the software. (Still, each time you make a significant change, you will need to execute the will again -- usually, with two witnesses and possibly a notary, too -- and destroy any past copies.)

Writing up a will took about 25 minutes, a bit longer than with the other will makers. But Nolo Quicken WillMaker and Trust was by far the most thorough of all of the ones we tried, with an extensive library of templates, tools and resources. The software looks a little dated, but it’s easy enough to navigate.

LegalZoom’s offering is fairly similar to Rocket Lawyer -- but it’s more expensive. For $89, LegalZoom will help you create a last will and testament, and you can add another $10 for two weeks of access to professional legal advice. Or you can shell out $179 for the Legal Zoom estate plan bundle, which includes everything you need to create a living will and assign financial power of attorney in consultation with an independent attorney. You can also buy access to individual forms -- including a pet protection agreement and a living will -- for $39 each.

Designed for young families, Fabric’s app-based service is simple, free and user-friendly -- making it the best choice for parents new to writing a will. The service bills itself as an easy way to tackle some hard questions. And given its convenient, straightforward approach, the process of planning for end of life feels less like a morose conversation and more like accounting for a part of everyday life. Fabric really excels at facilitating a conversation most of us aren’t accustomed to having regularly.

Fabric doesn’t provide access to attorneys or state-specific documents. Rather, it focuses on helping you draw up clear directions for the care of your house and children in the event of your becoming incapacitated. You can also apply for  life insurance  within the Fabric platform.

We found the estate planning software interface intuitive, and it took only 10 minutes to complete a will. During the process, Fabric gives you the option to email your executor and witnesses a notification, though you can also opt to print out your will and send a hard copy.

Trust & Will

Trust & Will’s essential document state-specific online will maker starts at $159, and include Last Will & Testament, HIPAA Authorization, Living Will and Power of Attorney. But its “expert support online in ” doesn’t include live attorney consultations in all states; instead, you get access to written estate planning information and technical support. That noted, its guidance is good -- comparable to what you’d get from Rocket Lawyer.

Rocket Lawyer

When it comes to planning your estate, Rocket Lawyer does it all. And the legal service company’s free seven-day trial may be long enough and provide enough features to give you what you need: You can create up to three estate planning documents and have a brief consultation with a lawyer by phone or email. Otherwise, the $40-a-month subscription provides access to attorneys and everything you’ll need to draft a state-specific last will and testament, power of attorney and living will.

Rocket Lawyer has a large network of attorneys that covers all 50 states. You can get connected with a lawyer via live chat for quick, simple questions or schedule a 30-minute phone legal advice consultation for any specific questions. And the included legal counsel document review protects you from making major legal document mistakes that could render your will invalid.

Creating wills and the other necessary estate planning legal forms on Rocket Lawyer is simple and painless. It took me around 15 minutes to complete the process. It’s fairly easy to find additional estate planning information on any given subject such as real estate, durable power, advance directives, health care directives, HIPAA authorization, inheritance tax, estate tax and probate court as you go through the interview-based interface, and there’s a notes field so you can keep track of questions to ask your appointed lawyer afterward. Bottom line: This is the best online will maker for most people.

DoYourOwnWill

First things first: DoYourOwnWill is free to use, with no hidden fees or gotchas. It provides a complete set of generic estate planning documents, though you won’t find state-specific estate plan documents, much guidance or integrated access to attorneys.

But if you have a relatively simple estate and you’re familiar with the process -- and you feel ambitious enough to do some research -- DoYourOwnWill is a solid free online will and estate planning option. I drafted a basic will in about 5 minutes. The website includes a helpful FAQ and blog with clear answers to basic questions and some guidance for more complex situations such as revoking power of attorney.

We found LawDepot’s stripped-down estate planning software offering similar to the type of resources you’ll find at DoYourOwnWill. But LawDepot costs $33 per month (after a free seven-day trial) or $96 for a full year. What’s more, the site doesn’t clearly disclose that price until you’ve nearly completed your document.

If you own anything that you would want to pass on to someone after you die, you should have a will. A properly executed will minimizes the time a court needs to process your estate and ensures that your beneficiaries will receive your assets quickly and efficiently. If you don’t intend to pass your assets on to family or friends, you can designate a charity or nonprofit as a beneficiary.

Once you’ve finished the paperwork, don’t forget the last, essential step: executing the will. Each state has its own laws regarding proper legal document execution -- including how many witnesses are required to sign it and whether you can use a “self-proving affidavit.” (A self-proving affidavit is an additional document, signed by a notary, that certifies that a will has been executed properly and helps ensure that your witnesses won’t need to testify in court, though that could still happen if someone challenges the will.) In most states, you need two witnesses to sign your will and witness you signing it, though some states have different rules.

Once your will is properly signed and executed, store it in a safe place like a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Wherever you decide to store it, make sure your executor and beneficiaries are aware of the location.

Probate is a legal process that validates your will and settles your estate. A court reviews your estate documentation to ensure that the right people receive the right things; the clearer and more legally precise your will, the smoother that process will be. If a will is unclear, contested or found to be improperly executed, any fees associated with the lengthened court process are deducted from the estate. A high probate fee could take roughly 10% of an average estate.

Most bank accounts, brokerage accounts and other financial assets allow you to appoint beneficiaries, and it’s a good idea to assign at least one for each account to prevent the need for probate.

If you have a large or complex estate or own real estate, it’s worthwhile paying $1,000 to $2,000 to a legal professional to make sure it’s settled properly. Working with an attorney is also a good idea for people with more complicated family situations -- stepchildren, blended families and disinheritances, for a few examples.

A living trust creates a legal entity, a trust, that becomes the holder of your assets. It has a trustee -- you, until you die, and then someone else you appoint -- who is responsible for managing the assets. Since the trust is an entity distinct and separate from your estate, its assets are not subject to probate.

And that’s the main benefit: avoiding probate and its associated costs. But trusts are also more difficult to challenge because their assets are private, in contrast to wills, which are public. Establishing a trust may also be considerably more complicated and expensive, but it’s well within reason for many people.

When planning your estate, the main documents to consider are:

• A last will and testament.
• A living trust.
• A power of attorney, which grants someone else authorization to act on your behalf in health-related, financial or other private affairs should you die or become incapacitated.
• A living will, also called a health care directive, which states your wishes for end-of-life care should you not be able to make those decisions on your own.

Usually, no. Laws differ state by state, but in most cases you only need to have two witnesses (who are not beneficiaries) sign it and watch you sign it.

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Best Online Will Makers

How to make sure your estate is taken care of

Preparing a will is an important step to take to control what happens to your belongings, establish guardianship of your minor children or pets, and establish an executor of your estate. If you don’t have a will, a court will instead appoint someone to make these decisions for you. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), this will be more expensive than if you had planned ahead of time by creating a will.  

In the past, the only way to create a will was to hire an attorney. Now, you can prepare a will using an online will maker. To help you choose the best one for your needs, we evaluated over a dozen online will makers for their reputations, what it costs to prepare a will, how often you can update your will, and more.

The 7 Best Online Will Makers of 2024

• Best Overall: Rocket Lawyer
• Easiest to Use: Trust & Will
• Best Budget Option: Fabric
• Best Comprehensive Option: TotalLegal
• Best for Frequent Changes: USLegalWills.com
• Best Value for Money: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Best Customer Support: LegalZoom
• Our Top Picks
• Rocket Lawyer
• Trust & Will
• USLegalWills.com
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• See More (4)
• Methodology

Best Overall : Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer 

Why We Chose It : We chose Rocket Lawyer as the best overall online will maker based on its excellent reputation, competitive one-time fees of $39.99, and the ability to create an online will in minutes after completing an easy-to-understand online interview.

Excellent A+ BBB rating and 4.6-star Trustpilot rating

Competitive monthly fees of $39.99 for all family members

Ability to cancel your membership at any time

Free seven-day trial period on your membership

Phone support only available on weekdays

Rocket Lawyer is a Better Business Bureau (BBB)-accredited business with an excellent A+ rating that allows people to create wills and other legal documents online. The company has been in business since 2008 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Customers enjoy doing business with Rocket Lawyer, based on its great 4.58-star customer rating with the BBB and excellent 4.6-star rating with Trustpilot.  

You can create a will online with Rocket Lawyer in a matter of minutes by completing a simple online interview. Plus, you can create many other personal and business legal documents, get advice from one of the company’s on-call attorneys, and even have your documents reviewed by an attorney. You'll pay a monthly fee of $39.99, and you can cancel your membership at any time after a seven-day free trial.

Additionally, with a membership, you can create as many legal documents as you want, including online wills, and have free access to lawyer support, among other benefits.

You can get instant answers to many questions on the company’s website; however, you can only talk to Rocket Lawyer’s customer service team by phone on weekdays between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. PST.

Easiest to Use : Trust & Will

 Trust & Will

Why We Chose It : We chose Trust & Will as the online will maker that's easiest to use since you’re able to create all the staple documents you need for a will-based estate plan by completing a single online questionnaire. Plus, if you don’t have access to a printer, the company will mail your documents to you at no extra cost.

Excellent A+ BBB rating and 4.7-star Trustpilot rating

Pricing includes your will plus other staple estate-plan documents and free shipping

Unlimited updates to your will for one year

Expensive one-time fees of $159 per individual and $259 per couple

Login required to get started creating your will

Trust & Will is an online will maker headquartered in San Diego, California. Although the company has only been in business since 2018, Trust & Will is BBB-accredited with an excellent A+ rating. People generally enjoy doing business with Trust & Will, based on its excellent 4.7-star Trustpilot rating.  

If you purchase an online will from Trust & Will, you’ll pay $159 per individual and $259 per couple with unlimited updates for one year. While this is more expensive than some of the other providers we reviewed, it’s also more comprehensive. In addition to your last will and testament, you’ll get a HIPAA authorization so the people you trust can get access to your protected health information, a living will that allows you to provide advanced directives about your future care, and a power of attorney so someone else can care for your affairs if you can’t do it yourself. 

To create a will-based estate plan with Trust & Will, you’ll create an account and answer a few simple questions online. Once this is done, you can download your documents right away. If you don’t have access to a printer, the company will ship your documents to you at no extra cost, a benefit that makes Trust & Will stand out from the competition. Plus, if you have questions, you can chat with Trust & Will online or speak with a customer service representative on the phone Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Best Budget Option : Fabric

Why We Chose It : We chose Fabric as the online will maker offering the best budget option because it allows you to create an online will for free.

Excellent A+ BBB rating and 4.8-star Trustpilot rating

Online will creation is free

Ability to create wills for you and your partner

Not as customizable as some other options

Fabric is an online will maker and life insurance company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 2005, Fabric has an excellent A+ rating with the BBB and an equally excellent 4.8-star customer rating with Trustpilot.   

Unlike many of the other online will makers we reviewed, you won’t pay anything for an online will with Fabric. You can create your will for free by completing a simple questionnaire online. The process takes about five minutes, and you can print your will as soon as you’re done. Plus, you can opt to create a will for your partner at the same time by simply answering a couple of additional questions. Many of the other online will makers we reviewed charge an extra fee for this service. 

One of the most significant drawbacks to Fabric is the will isn’t as customizable as some of the other options. Even so, it’s a simple solution that covers the basics for people on a budget or young families. If you need support, you can search for an answer to your question on Fabric’s website, contact them by phone, or send a message and a customer service representative will get in touch with you, typically within a few hours.

Best Comprehensive Option : TotalLegal

 TotalLegal

Why We Chose It : We chose TotalLegal as the online will maker with the best comprehensive option since you can create an online will and get access to a full suite of legal documents and attorney services for a relatively low cost of $89 a year.

Low one-time fee of $19.95 for an online will

Comprehensive suite of legal documents and legal services for $89 a year

No phone support

Online chat isn’t available

Updates to your will are only available for 60 days if you opt to pay the one-time fee

Operating since 2000, TotalLegal is a service provided by Pro Se Planning, Inc., a company that’s headquartered in Bellevue, Washington and has an A+ BBB rating. In addition to providing an online will making service, TotalLegal helps people create other legal documents online, including estate planning documents like living wills and powers of attorney. TotalLegal has a good reputation with its customers, based on its excellent 4.5-star Trustpilot rating.  

If you only want to make your last will and testament online, TotalLegal offers an affordable option with a one-time fee of $19.95. You can also choose from other documents (e.g., living wills, LLC formations, etc.) with one-time fees ranging from $9.95 to $99. If you opt to pay the one-time fee, you can only make revisions to your documents and download them for 60 days. Many of the other providers we reviewed allow you to make changes for a year. 

Alternatively, the TotalLegal plan costs $89.95 a year. With this plan, you’ll get access to a comprehensive suite of legal documents, secure online storage, and free or discounted legal services from a network of attorneys. You can also revise your documents as much as you want during your subscription period. 

To get support, you can send the company an email or search for an answer using its online Help Center.

Best for Frequent Changes : USLegalWills.com

U.S. LegalWills 

Why We Chose It : We chose USLegalWills.com as the best online will maker for frequent changes because its online will comes standard with one year of free and unlimited updates.

Excellent A+ rating with the BBB

Unlimited updates free of charge for a year

Competitive one-time fees of $39.95

Partner discounts available

No subscription option

Additional one-time fees required for each estate planning document

USLegalWills.com is an online will making service provided by PartingWishes, Inc., a Canadian company with an A+ BBB rating and has been operating since 2000. The company has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot and there haven’t been any recent customer complaints with the BBB.  

Unlike many of the other online will makers we reviewed, USLegalWills.com doesn’t offer a subscription option. Instead, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $39.95 for your will. There are also more advanced packages for $79.95, $129.95, and $179.95. These packages add additional features and estates planning documents.

What we like best about USLegalWills.com is the ease with which you can update your will. The company allows you to make unlimited changes to your will for a year. With the purchase of the premium package, you can also store important documents and information with the company.

If you need assistance, you can reach USLegalWills.com by email or phone every day of the week.

Best Value for Money : Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

Why We Chose It : We chose Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust as the online will maker that provides the best value for the money since you’ll be able to create a wide range of estate planning documents for a one-time fee starting at $99.

Excellent A+ BBB rating

One-time fee of $99+ for many estate planning documents

Ability to continuously update your will

Legal and technical updates are only made during the software’s version year

Phone support is not available

Nolo is a software company that offers various do-it-yourself legal help software programs, including Quicken WillMaker & Trust. The company has been in business since 1971, is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, and has an A+ rating with the BBB.  

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an easy-to-use software program that allows you to create a custom will and various other estate-planning documents for a one-time fee that starts at $99. The program includes the ability to create many different documents. In addition to a last will and testament, you can prepare a living trust, health care directive, durable power of attorney, documents for your executor, and more. Many of the other online will makers we reviewed charge a fee for each of these documents or require a subscription. 

Although you can make changes to your documents whenever you want, Nolo will only provide legal and technical updates to Quicken WillMaker & Trust during the version year (e.g., through the end of 2023 with the 2023 version). This means you may need to purchase a new version of the software to make updates in the future. Many of the other online will makers we reviewed similarly only support updates for a year or less.

If you need support, you’ll need to submit your question electronically or search its FAQ page. However, these reviews are based on all of the company’s products and are not necessarily reflective of the Quicken WillMaker & Trust product.

Best Customer Support : LegalZoom

Why We Chose It : We chose LegalZoom as the online will maker best for customer support because of how easy it is to schedule a call with an attorney and get legal support.

Excellent BBB rating of A+

Scheduling a call with an attorney is easy

Expensive one-time fees of $89 for a basic last will and testament

Free revisions only available for 30 days after purchase with the lower-tier plans

LegalZoom is a legal document help company that’s headquartered in Glendale, California. Not only does LegalZoom have an excellent A rating with the BBB, but it’s also been in business since 1999. The company also has a good Trustpilot rating of 4.6.

What makes LegalZoom stand out is how easy it is to schedule a call with an attorney. Many of the other providers we reviewed either don’t provide legal support by phone or require you to purchase a comprehensive plan to get legal support. With LegalZoom, you can get unlimited 30-minute consultations on new legal matters, including issues related to estate planning, for as low as $39.08 a month ($469 billed annually). 

In addition to legal advice, you can choose from three different online will making plans. You’ll pay a one-time fee of $89 for a basic do-it-yourself plan, $99 if you also want to be able to speak to an attorney for two weeks about your will, and it costs $179 if you want a set of three common estate-planning documents and a year of estate-planning legal advice. 

If you need to make regular changes to your will, you’ll need to choose the most costly option from LegalZoom, which comes with a year of revisions, or choose a different provider. This is because you can only make revisions for 30 days after purchase with the other two plans.

What Is an Online Will Maker?

An online will maker helps people easily create a last will and testament without requiring a costly visit to an attorney. These companies work with attorneys to develop standard sets of legal documents that can be easily updated for individuals who have basic estate planning needs. 

Not only are online wills more accessible, but because attorneys have already done the work to complete the basic set of legal estate planning documents, the costs are lower.  

Should I Use an Online Will Maker?

It’s a good idea to use an online will maker if you have a simple estate with straightforward assets (e.g., you own a home and cars with your partner, have basic bank and retirement accounts, etc.). If you have a complicated estate (e.g., you own a lot of assets that are held in a variety of business names or jointly with different people, you have complex investments, etc.), then it’s a better idea to work with an attorney to make sure your legal documentation is in order. 

How Much Does an Online Will Maker Cost?

Many online will makers give you the option of either paying a one-time fee for your will or purchasing a subscription. You can expect to pay one-time fees ranging from $20 to $100 for an online will. If you opt for a subscription, fees range from a relatively inexpensive $90 a year to an expensive $40 a month. If you opt for a subscription, you’ll often get access to a network of attorneys and will usually be able to update your will as often as you want.

Are Online Will Makers Legitimate?

As with any financial decision, it’s essential to do your homework before working with an online will maker. You can verify online will makers’ legitimacy by reading reviews, checking out accreditation organizations like the BBB, and speaking with their customer service representatives about the legal processes used to develop their documents. 

Organizations like the American Bar Association (ABA) also publish reliable resources on wills and estates that can be a great source of information. You can use sources such as those provided by the ABA to fact-check the legitimacy of the claims made by online will makers.

How We Chose the Best Online Will Makers

To select the best online will makers, we reviewed over a dozen providers to understand how much it costs to prepare a will, the providers’ reputations, how easy it is to work with each provider, and more. The best online will makers have good reputations, offer competitive pricing, and can help you prepare your will online quickly and easily.

All of our picks are affordable, offer a variety of legal documents, provide comprehensive customer support, and users can create and download their wills quickly and accurately. 

katleho Seisa  / Getty Images

American Bar Association. Wills & estates .

Better Business Bureau. Rocket Lawyer .

Trustpilot. Rocket Lawyer .

Better Business Bureau. Trust & Will .

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Better Business Bureau. Fabric Insurance Agency .

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Better Business Bureau. Pro Se Planning Inc .

Trustpilot. TotalLegal .

Better Business Bureau. PartingWishes, Inc .

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How to Make an Online Will

Companies that prepare wills and other end-of-life legal documents have seen an uptick in business during the pandemic, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

In uncertain times, it's natural for people to start thinking about whether they have their affairs in order and whether their loved ones and assets would be protected if something happens to them. Now those concerns are prompting many who don't have a will to stop stalling and get their estate plans in order—even if it's impossible to get to a lawyer just now.

Indeed, companies that help consumers execute online wills, including big players such as Legal Zoom and Quicken Will Maker as well as smaller startups like Trust & Will and Cake, have seen a surge in customers. One newer online trust and estate company, Gentreo, says business is up 223 percent over the past two months. 

But while online wills may be a good solution if you feel pressed to get your affairs in order right now, there are caveats to consider, especially if you need a sophisticated estate plan. 

Plus, because of stay-at-home orders in many cities and states across the U.S., the process of completing an online will may be complicated. For example, it can be hard or impossible to access a notary or get witnesses to sign your will, if they are needed.

On the other hand, it can still be better to get started now making important, if difficult, decisions about guardianship for your children and how you'd like your assets divided, than to wait until it is too late.

If you die without a will, state laws will determine who gets what and where your kids will go. Half of U.S. adults don't have an estate plan, and for the half who do, those documents are often out of date, says Cody Barbo, founder and CEO of Trust & Will. 

Consumer Reports spoke with several experts in estate law and executives from estate planning companies to find out how to navigate the process of writing an online will at such a trying and tricky time. We also offer important information on how to prepare an advance health directive, which spells out your wishes for medical care at the end of your life, and a healthcare proxy, which allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.

The Main Pros and Cons of Online Wills

The most obvious advantage of creating a will online is that it can be fast and won't cost much. You don't have to wait for a meeting with a lawyer, and there are no legal fees, says David Horton, professor of law at the University of California, Davis, who specializes in wills and estate planning. Most online services offer a simple will for about $100, Horton says, which he estimates is anywhere from one-fifth to one-fifteenth of the cost of an attorney-drafted will. Many can be completed within an hour. 

Still, if you complete the process online, experts caution to be wary of legal issues that could arise. Something as simple as not signing the documents correctly could lead to future problems, says Jennifer L. VanderVeen, an Indiana-based elder law attorney. She also says it's possible that without proper legal guidance you might unwittingly fail to dispose of your entire estate. 

"One of the benefits of having an attorney prepare your estate planning documents is that we can guide you through your situation and make suggestions as to how to put together a plan that will work for your family," VanderVeen says. She points out that many law offices are open and working remotely during the current pandemic, holding video conferences to help clients get documents in place. 

Some of the potential issues with online wills were highlighted in a forthcoming paper by Horton, the UC Davis law professor. He examined hundreds of estates filed in two California counties over several years and found that mistakes can happen with online wills because their boilerplate nature can make them ambiguous, which can lead to litigation.

"At least judging by reported cases, people who try to make their own wills sometimes make catastrophic mistakes," he says. 

Given the current crisis and the imperative that some kind of will is better than none at all, a smart strategy might be to create an online will now and reexamine your plan with the help of a lawyer once the pandemic is over. 

If You Go the DIY Route

Whichever online service you choose, you'll be provided templates or questionnaires to help you create your plan. These typically include questions about your debts, whether you have dependents, who would be the guardian of your children and pets, and so on.  Trust & Will , for example, says you just need to answer a "few simple questions" and, in about 10 minutes, will have completed estate documents to review and sign. 

When your will is complete, you will need witnesses and, depending on your state, maybe a notary, both of which can be complicated to arrange for when so much of day-to-day life is, for now, being handled remotely. But even during the coronavirus pandemic, it's possible. Barbo, of Trust & Will, says some clients are signing their documents and waiting for lockdown restrictions to be lifted. Others are heading to banks and UPS stores that remain open and provide notary services. He's even heard of people arranging for mobile notaries, and setting up tables in their driveway and asking neighbors to be witnesses, then placing the documents in a bag to leave in the garage for a few days before touching them again.  

"It's better to have a signed set of documents than an unsigned set," Barbo says. 

Some states have enacted emergency provisions that in certain situations allow for a remote notary or witness. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel maintains a page about laws and accommodations in every state .

After you've completed your will, it's important to tell people who are named in it where the document is located. You can keep your will in a personal home safe or locking file cabinet, provided someone else will be able to gain access. Another possibility is to store the information electronically, says attorney VanderVeen, who suggests the American Bar Association's Mind Your Loved Ones app.

Advance Directives and Healthcare Proxies

An advance directive is a document that spells out the medical care you wish to receive at the end of your life, including, for example, how aggressively you want to be treated if you have a terminal condition and develop, say, pneumonia. A healthcare proxy is someone you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf in the case of a medical emergency when you can't speak for yourself. 

You can also fill out both of these documents online. Some online estate planning companies offer these services, as do several nonprofits.

For help thinking through the questions you need to ask yourself about your end-of-life care, and to choose the person you want to serve as your healthcare proxy, you can go to the American Bar Association's Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning or the guide from The Conversation Project  (PDF), a public engagement initiative of the Boston-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement. 

For the forms themselves, go to the  AARP , the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization , and Prepare for Your Care , an initiative that focuses on aiding individuals who seek to plan end-of-life options.

As with wills, legal requirements for advance directives and proxies vary by state, and completing them is a trickier task while remote. Requirements for a notary and witnesses vary across all 50 states, says Susan Enguídanos, associate professor at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles. 

If you have a scanner, you can email the forms to witnesses to hand sign, scan, and email back, says Rebecca Sudore, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine and developer of the Prepare for Your Care initiative. If that's not an option, she says, you can sign the forms and take pictures with a smartphone, then send them to witnesses, who can do the same. 

Once you've completed the process, experts say it's good to discuss with friends and family, as well as your doctor, what your wishes are and who you've chosen as a proxy.

"We like to say [that these advance plans] are only as good as the conversations that people have about their wishes with the individuals who may be involved in medical decision-making," Sudore says. 

She also recommends updating the directive over time. "This should not be a ‘one and done' situation but should be an ongoing process as people's context may change over time," Sudore says. 

At a minimum, it's helpful to get the process started.

"The legal documentation has always been an important step of advance care planning—but not the only step," says Kate DeBartolo, senior director of The Conversation Project. "I'd argue that having conversations is even more important now than ever." 

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A will is an essential document for anyone who wishes to dictate how their possessions should be handled once they are gone. But, Caring.com’s 2024 Estate Planning and Wills Study found that only 33.1% of adults have a will. 

Creating a will may sound intimidating, but it’s much easier than most people realize. There are now numerous online will maker services that charge customers far less than a lawyer would while still providing legally valid documents. 

If you’re interested in creating an online will but you aren’t sure how to evaluate the many companies that offer such services, this guide can help. In it, you’ll find our list of the best online will creation services of 2024. You’ll also find a helpful Buyer’s Guide that will walk you through the steps of the shopping process.

How We Chose the Best Online Will Services

Caring.com considered 15 companies while creating this guide, evaluating each in consultation with knowledgeable experts. Together, we selected 10 companies that set themselves apart by having a well-defined and reliable business model, offering excellent customer service and support, and being upfront about their fees and legal limitations. We made these determinations based on the three key metrics outlined below.

Educational Materials 

• We chose to only review online will services that offer free educational materials about estate planning . 
• Online educational resources may be in different formats such as blogs, help centers, and learning centers.
• Taking the time to explain unfamiliar concepts and terms associated with wills signals that a company cares about its customers.

Transparency

• We made sure to only include companies on our list that clearly state how they make a profit.
• It’s important that companies clarify their business model, whether they’re profiting from advertising or charging fees for services.

Honest Sales Tactics

• We were careful to select companies that make sensible, conservative claims about their products and that were upfront about the fact that their services may not be for everyone. 
• Most websites explicitly state that they are not law firms and that some people do need to see a lawyer, particularly if their estates are complicated. 
• Honesty about the legal status of a business is important.
• The 10 Best Online Will Services of 2024

Payment Structure

Discounts or Trials

Revisions Available

Refunds Offered

-No fee for will creation -Optional monthly membership

Yes, upon request

Trust & Will

-Optional membership 

$10 discount code, discounts for health care workers and teachers

1 year included, and anytime beyond that with a paid membership

Yes, within the first 30 days

Groupon deals

For the first 6 months with 1 courtesy extension

Only before documents are finalized

Do Your Own Will

-No fee for will creation -Optional $200 premium trust package 

US Legal Wills

-Flat fee -Optional membership

-40% off for spouses/partners -Occasional discounts on popular packages through the website

30-day money-back guarantee

Rocket Lawyer

Free trial (1 week)

Anytime during the free trial or with active paid membership

-Optional membership

Occasional discount codes online

Up to 1 year of free revisions

Only for bundle purchases before documents are finalized 

10% coupon code upon signing up and providing an email

For one year

At the company’s discretion 

*All costs are rounded to the nearest dollar **Apple may issue an app refund in limited cases. 

Best Information Protection

GoodTrust was founded in Palo Alto, California at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. The idea for GoodTrust came to CEO and founder Rikard Steiber when he was asked to help preserve the online accounts and content of a friend who had recently passed away. This led him to the discovery that most people don’t have any idea what happens to their online possessions – including crypto holdings, email messages, social media postings, and more – once they are gone. Steiber launched GoodTrust with the goal of empowering people to protect their digital legacies, in addition to providing important documents for estate planning and end-of-life directives.

With his background in technology, Steiber understands the importance of protecting his online company and its customers. GoodTrust uses advanced AES-256 encryption for all data stored in the GoodTrust database and any documents uploaded to GoodTrust servers. This is the same method of security used by the U.S. National Security Agency to protect top-secret information. In other words, hacking into the GoodTrust network would be exceptionally difficult and is highly unlikely. 

The Pros and Cons of GoodTrust Services

• With a free account, you can access, edit, and download your will at any time.
• Offers two membership plans: free or monthly, with more storage space, additional documents, and expert consultations included with its paid options.
• Uses sophisticated encryption methods that protect communication, stored data, and uploaded documents.
• Offers a detailed step-by-step end-of-life planning guide as well as 100 informational articles in the resources section of its website.
• No phone number listed on the company contact page and only has the option of sending a message.
• Does not offer a free trial

Learn How to Create Your Will in 15 Minutes or Less with GoodTrust

Trust & Will

Best Refund Policy

Trust & Will sets itself apart thanks to its clear, consumer-friendly refund policy. Since documents cannot be “returned” in any real sense, companies like this cannot recoup costs when they give a refund. Many companies simply don’t give refunds at all, while others have very strict policies. We found Trust & Will’s refund policy to be one of the most simply worded as well as the most generous. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, Trust & Will offers refunds within the first 30 days of purchase.

Trust & Will Online Will Creation Services

-Flat fee -Optional membership 

1 year included and anytime after with paid membership

Yes, within the first 30 days*

*If attorney support was purchased in addition to a will, refunds for this support are subject to certain restrictions.

The Pros and Cons of Trust & Will Services

• Has a promo code page with current deals including a $10 off coupon code as well as 25% off any plan for health care workers and free wills for teachers.
• Offers one-time complimentary printing and shipping of documents, although customers still have the option of printing them themselves.
• Provides a convenient messaging option where you can get clarification about services online from customer service representatives based within the U.S.
• The starting cost of $199 for a will may seem a bit high, but it includes a HIPPA release form, a living will, and a power of attorney
• One free year of access and revision is included with a will purchase, but after that you must pay $19 per year.

Create An Estate Plan Online With Trust & Will

Best for Planned Charitable Contributions

Freewill was initially created with the unique goal of connecting people with charities via legacy giving, that is, planned posthumous gifts. Currently the company has partnerships with over 600 different nonprofits. Through the creation of Freewill documents, seniors and others have promised more than $4.7 billion to a variety of good causes. Freewill doesn’t require its users to make donations, but it makes donating easy and helps many nonprofit organizations. Freewill is a great service for those who are thinking about making a donation through their will.

Freewill Online Will Creation Services

The Pros and Cons of Freewill Services

• Provides high-quality documents with no hidden fees since it gets paid by the charitable organizations that it works with.
• Positively mentioned by Forbes, the New York Times, and other prestigious publications.
• Reviews are frequently favorable and include positive experiences with customer service.
• Offers advanced healthcare directives and financial power of attorney documents, two documents that most people should have.
• Wills are fully editable with Freewill, but navigating the program that allows edits may be difficult for those who aren’t accustomed to using computers for complex tasks.
• Revocable living trust documents are also available, but only to California residents.

Best Discounts

Willing is notable for its frequently-available discounts. Although its regular prices fall in the mid- to high-end range when compared to other companies, consumers can usually find deals that will reduce the cost by 40% or more. Willing frequently partners with another tech company, Groupon, to offer these deals. Customers who are able to do a little extra searching for these discounts will often be able to use Willing at a very competitive cost. Willing Online Will Creation Services 

Various Groupon deals

The Pros and Cons of Willing Services 

• Willing offers a very clean website design that’s optimized for use on smartphone screens.
• While Willing isn’t a full-service legal document company, it does offer a living will, a revocable living trust, durable power of attorney, and a transfer on death deed.
• Although it has a limited 6-month long revision period, Willing allows one courtesy extension for changes at a later date.
• Provides few specifics on how its service works and lacks demo documents, detailed explanations of services, or an informative FAQ or terms of service section.
• Without a discount, printing and signing your will from Willing will cost you a flat, one-time fee of $69 (up to $199 if married), which is on the higher end.

Do Your Own Will (DYOW)

Best Free Option

Do Your Own Wills provides 100% of its services free to users. Many other companies claim to offer similar free services but ultimately still charge fees for printing, revision privileges, or for some other reason that is not immediately obvious. This company stands apart from many others on our list because it keeps everything truly free and because it offers its services in a very simple, easy-to-use format. Do Your Own Will gives Americans easy access to not only wills but also to other crucial estate and end-of-life planning documents.

DYOW Online Will Creation Services

The Pros and Cons of Do Your Own Will Services (DYOW)

• Provides a preview of the 8 steps to create a will with its program, accessible via a link in its FAQ section.
• The will includes an optional section for recording your wishes for final arrangements, such as the form of burial and type of service that you want.
• This company is one of the easiest to understand, answering practical questions and disclosing company business information in its FAQ section.
• You do not have to create an account to make a will, but if you do it’s free and will give you the option of making easy revisions in the future.
• Since DYOW is free, its focus isn’t on providing customer support, although representatives can be contacted via email or an online form.
• As you create your will on this site, you’ll be shown advertisements for related services, such as life insurance companies, along the bottom and side of webpages.

Tomorrow , an Ethos Technologies Company

Best Rated App-Based Service

Inspired to make estate planning easier for other families by providing better tools, Tomorrow’s co-founders built it in 2016 as an app that could help families coordinate and explore their options. Its services are accessible through normal web browsers and with an easy-to-use mobile application (app). Those who are comfortable using smartphones will appreciate the convenience and portability of using this app during the will-creation process. Available in the Apple Store, it has been reviewed thousands of times, scoring better than similar apps by other companies.

Tomorrow (an Ethos Technologies Company) Online Will Creation Services

Payment  Structure

-No fee for will itself -Optional $200 premium trust package

*Apple may issue an app refund in limited cases.

The Pros and Cons of Tomorrow (an Ethos Technologies Company) Services

• Since it’s offered in the Apple app store as well as in a desktop version, this free app is widely available and easy to access.
• You can explore its functions in-depth before creating an account, unlike some other will-creation services.
• There are no charges to make a will, so you can use the app and get a will without spending anything.
• Customers can purchase a premium trust estate plan for $200 that includes all Tomorrow documents, is state-specific, and can be revised at any time.
• Some options available via the mobile app aren’t yet available when using normal web browsers, such as creating power of attorney, healthcare directive, and medical consent documents.
• Revenue is earned through advertising various forms of insurance, so customers should expect advertisements when using this company’s services.

Best Rated Web-Based Service

US Legal Wills routinely receives extremely positive ratings online, and it currently has four-star or better ratings across major review sites and social platforms. Seniors looking for a site with a well-established reputation will be happy to know that customer reviews on Facebook (4.9/5), Google (5/5), and the Better Business Bureau (5/5) are overwhelmingly positive, with customers frequently praising the simplicity and affordability of the service.

US Legal Wills Online Will Creation Services

-40% off for spouses/partners -Occasional discounts on popular packages through website

The Pros and Cons of US Legal Wills Services

• No unexpected costs or automatic charges, and if you want a membership, you must opt-in and select a set amount of time.
• Has a fund in place for digitally maintaining all member accounts in case it should go out of business that it continues to add to and that would currently last for 25 years.
• It’s possible to give a gift card to cover the cost of US Legal Will services.
• When you create one will through US Legal Wills, you’ll be given a discount code for 40% a spouse or partner’s will, dropping the price of the second will to just $24.
• In order to make revisions to their will after a year, customers must pay an additional fee to continue to store it online.
• While legal documents are up to date with laws in almost every US state, they are not considered legally binding in the state of Louisiana.

Best Free Trial

Rocket Lawyer stands out among the paid services on our list because it offers a generous free trial. With Rocket Lawyer, you can take a full week to create your will, refine it, and decide if it’s right for you. You can also have your will completely free if you print it before the trial ends and then cancel the trial. Many people are happy enough with their membership to continue paying for the service when the free trial ends, however. Rocket Lawyer’s seven-day free trial enables customers to choose what’s right for them. 

Rocket Lawyer Online Will Creation Services

Anytime during free trial or with active paid membership

*Issues refunds only for the most recent charge to your card or bank account due to failure of services.

The Pros and Cons of Rocket Lawyer Services

• Rocket Lawyer is one of the few will-creation websites that also has an app that offers essentially the same features as the website in a form that’s extremely convenient for on-the-go use.
• Making a simple will is free and other documents are available for a flat fee of $40 each.
• Representatives are available via email, phone, or online chat and an “ask a lawyer” option allows members to send a lawyer a limited number of questions via a text box on its website.
• Gives refunds for failed services, refunding for the most recent charge.
• If you are a member of Rocket Lawyer, or forget to cancel before your free trial is over, payments for services will automatically be taken from your credit card or bank account.
• Only a paid $40/month membership allows unlimited document revisions.

Most Extra Services

LegalZoom stands out due to the extremely wide array of services it offers to consumers. Seniors who need to create a will for themselves may often also need some expert advice or a variety of other documents for their business or personal life. LegalZoom has it all on one website. For the customer who wants options, LegalZoom can be a very convenient choice.

LegalZoom Online Will Creation Services

Up to 1 year of free revisions*

Only for bundle purchases before documents are finalized**

*The Basic Last Will and Comprehensive Last Will plans offer 30 days of free revisions after purchase, while the Estate Plan Bundle includes a year of free revisions after purchase.

**For just a will, refunds cannot be given because documents are completed and your order is placed along with your payment. For bundle purchases, refunds can be given if customers have not yet created the documents.

Pros and Cons of LegalZoom Services

• Offers an app that can be used on Apple or Android devices that is routinely updated for increased effectiveness.
• Has a variety of subscription-style prepaid legal plans that will give you access to lawyers for less than you’d pay a traditional law firm.
• Offers three distinct packages that include a completed last will and testament, with pricier options also providing legal advice and/or additional documents.
• Customer service representatives are available via online chat as well as via phone to quickly and conveniently answer questions about services.
• A will costs $89, and product bundles cost between $99-$179 and have auto-renewal features that will cost between about $25 monthly and $200 annually (depending on the plan).
• The longest that you can make free revisions on a LegalZoom will is for one year, and that is only as part of the most expensive will package.

Best for Industry Experience

With a history reaching all the way back to 1971, Nolo is by far the most experienced source for online legal help that we have seen. Throughout its long company history, Nolo has demonstrated its care for its customers and its dedication to keeping up with the times by offering innovative legal solutions. Individuals who are looking for a company that has a well-established reputation will enjoy using Nolo’s programs.

Nolo Online Will Creation Services

For one year*

At company’s discretion 

*The $60 online will allows one year of unlimited access and revisions. The $100 Willmaker and Trust 2021 software allows free changes and revisions anytime after purchase.

Pros and Cons of Nolo Services

• The $60 online will that Nolo offers can be used to create an unlimited number of wills for one year and can be used for multiple family members.
• Individual products on the website feature a question and answer section that addresses some of the most common concerns that customers have about that product.
• In addition to product-specific questions and answers, a full FAQ section is also available on the website.
• Nolo’s educational section has 25 different article categories as well as a legal news section, a legal dictionary, and a variety of tools for making financial calculations.
• Nolo offers a few different price points for will creation, but none are particularly low, and the lowest cost that Nolo offers is a $35 will specifically for use by Louisiana residents.
• The main online will (for everyone other than Louisiana residents) costs $60 and downloadable software called “Willmaker and Trust 2021” costs $100.
• Buyer’s Guide 

The following steps will help you ask the right questions and compare the services offered by different online will companies. These steps do not constitute legal advice; they merely provide general information for consumers.

Step 1: Check for Legal Trouble Spots

Making your own will online is a promising, cost-effective option, but it’s wise to evaluate your situation for potential legal problems before proceeding. The first step to considering an online will is accepting that it has limitations.

You May Want to Avoid an Online Will If You Have:

• A special needs or minor dependent
• An intention to disinherit someone 
• A complicated or contentious family
• Large or complex assets that will be subject to estate tax  
• A business that you’d like to pass down
• Residency in the state of Louisiana 
• A suspicion that someone you know will try to contest your will’s validity

For a variety of reasons, the above situations present legal challenges and opportunities to make mistakes that could be costly for your intended heirs (losing them either time or a portion of the estate ). Online software may or may not be able to adequately address all of the potential issues involved. If one of the above applies to you but you’d like to proceed with an online will, you’ll want to conduct in-depth research on how to avoid legal problems that could arise when you’re gone. However, if none of the above are the case for you, then it’s likely that an online will can meet your needs fairly easily. 

Step 2: Compare the Capabilities of Several Online Will Services

If you only look at one or two websites, you may miss the possibilities that are available. Likewise, if you only evaluate companies on one criterion, you may not get the full picture.  Compare the following aspects of three or more companies before comparing the overall costs.

Four Parts of Online Will Creation Services to Compare:

• Revision Policies: Is there a way to revise your will in the future that’s provided with this service? For how long can you revise it? Alternatively, will you need to create an entirely new will if you need to alter something? Most people want to make revisions over the years as their circumstances change. Consider whether you’d prefer to make a new document or change an existing one.  
• Refund Policies: If you’re looking at companies that are not free, find out if they have a refund policy. Long-term refund policies are uncommon, but some companies offer refunds within the first 30 days of your purchase. Make sure you know how likely you are (or aren’t) to get your money back if you become unhappy with the document you have created. 
• Sample Documents: Most companies provide sample documents that show the basic wording of their wills. While you probably aren’t a lawyer, you can definitely get some sense of the quality of a document by reading the sample provided. Beware of sites that offer documents that are obviously flawed on a grammatical level. If possible, open sample documents up side by side to see the difference between them. 
• Bonus Features: Most companies offer something that’s a little extra, whether it’s other legal documents (power of attorney is a common one), a contract that allows you to consult with attorneys as needed, or the option of having the company print the document and ship it to you. Consider whether any of these extra features are important to you. Look carefully at the fine print to find any limitations, especially concerning attorney consultations. 

Step 3: Compare Costs Among Several Companies 

Once you’ve compared features and discovered a few different options that could work for you, it’s time to further narrow your search by comparing costs. An online will can cost anything from $0 to over $100. Below we detail the different fees that you could be charged. 

Potential Costs of Online Wills:

• Document Creation Fee: Some companies offer wills 100% free because they profit through advertising. Other companies allow you to create the document for free, only charging to actually print it. This allows you to test the service before committing to a purchase. Still, other companies charge you a flat fee upfront that includes all costs related to the creation of the document. 
• Online Storage and Revisions: Occasionally companies offer free lifetime storage and unlimited revisions and reprints of the document that you create. However, it’s more common that they charge fees for online storage and revisions. Monthly or annual fees are most common, but some companies also offer fees for a specific number of years or for the lifetime of the will’s creator. The range of monthly fees that we have seen is approximately $3-$40. Lifetime access fees are a rare option but can be less than $150.
• Attorney Consultations: Some online will creation platforms partner with legal firms to provide legal advice as opposed to just document creation software. If the option of calling or emailing a lawyer is offered by the company, the cost may be covered by the same membership fee that also covers document storage. Read the terms of service carefully. 

Step 4: Read Reviews for Clues to Company Performance 

In the era of internet shopping, it’s become common for customers to leave online reviews for businesses that they’ve interacted with in the past. These reviews can be a valuable tool for comparing the company’s advertising claims to its actual performance. 

Where to Find Reviews

You’ll probably be able to see at least a few reviews on the company’s own website, but you’ll want to look at other review sites as well. All of the review sites below use a 1-5 star rating system and allow customers to leave notes. They all also allow the company to respond to reviews publicly. Many companies only have an active profile on one or two of these websites.

Check for Company Profiles on the Following Websites: 

• The Better Business Bureau (BBB): This is one of the oldest review sites on the internet. Note that the BBB gives companies a letter grade (A+, for example) based on its own metrics, which are separate from the customers’ star ratings.  
• Trustpilot: Trustpilot is a review site that allows anyone to post reviews, and it also helps companies to reach out to current and former customers to ask for reviews. On Trustpilot’s own website you can see all reviews, but note that if you see a Trustpilot box embedded in another website it may only be showing the positive reviews.  
• Google Business Profiles: Sometimes when you type a business name into Google’s search engine, a profile of the business that includes contact information and reviews will appear in a box on the right side of your screen. If this profile does not immediately appear, you may more easily find it by including the city name or the street address of the company’s headquarters.
• Facebook: Some businesses allow customers to leave 1-5 star ratings on their Facebook profile. If a business has a Facebook page but does not have a star rating, that likely means that the business has deactivated that feature on its profile. 

How to Evaluate Customer Reviews Critically

Most review sites attempt to find and delete fraudulent reviews. You’ll occasionally see reviews that may have been created by computer “bots” or by people who are paid to lie or exaggerate, negatively or positively. Rather than taking every review at face value, look for trends. Read company responses when they are provided to gauge how the company handles criticism. Whenever possible, try to compare the claims that a customer is making to the product description, and disregard comments that demonstrate the customer clearly didn’t understand the product. If you do find a piece of negative feedback that is really concerning to you, you may wish to call the company for clarification on policy, pricing, or whatever issue is at hand. In some cases, a more detailed internet search could confirm or disprove the customer’s claim as well.

Step 5: Create, Sign, and Communicate About Your Will 

Once you’ve made your final selection based on company features, cost, and any considerations that reading reviews brought up, it’s time to make your will. The will creation website that you select should guide you with questions and legal options. However, it’s usually a good idea to also look up legal rules specific to your state as well. Most companies provide relevant educational materials for free.

Before you begin, keep in mind that if you’re making wills as a couple, you’ll be creating two “mirror” wills that echo and confirm one another’s wishes. Joint wills are usually not advised or offered by online services since they can lead to potential legal problems.

Signing and Making the Will Legally Binding

Once you’ve created and printed your will, follow the steps to make it legal in your state. This can vary somewhat, but in many places this means signing it in the presence of two witnesses. Many people also have their will notarized, though this is often not technically required. The software you use should give you guidance on the signing process, but if the guidance lacks specificity you’ll want to look up the laws for your state. 

Sharing Information on Your Will

Different families talk about their wills in different ways, but at a minimum you’ll want to make sure that a few people in your family know where to find it when you are gone. Many online programs even facilitate this process by making suggestions for how to communicate with others about your will, but you ultimately need to decide what’s best for you.

• Estate Planning 101

The first step in estate planning is to understand what your estate encompasses. Your estate includes everything you own that has value, minus any unpaid debts or expenses, and is a measure of your net worth. Land or real estate holdings, cash, collectibles, and other tangible and intangible assets would be included as part of an estate. Individuals who want to decide how their estate will be managed or distributed if they should become incapacitated or pass away can create an estate plan with several important and legally binding documents.  

These documents may include a will and a revocable living trust to ensure loved ones are provided for upon the estate owner’s death. They may also include durable power of attorney and advanced health care directive documents so estate owners receive assistance with their finances from someone they trust and know their health care desires will be honored towards the end of their lives. Without these documents, estates will be passed on according to state laws and individuals will have no say in who will handle their finances or if they undergo medical life-sustaining procedures.        

This guide will help you understand the estate planning process and determine how estate planning may benefit you and your loved ones. It will clarify what factors you should consider, the documents you can include, and the costs you may incur. Further, it will provide guidance on how you should create your will based on your unique circumstances.   

Questions to Consider when Creating an Estate Plan

When creating an estate plan, there will be many decisions you need to make. Don’t rush the process, be open to changing your mind, and know that you can update documents when necessary. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself as you begin.

• Who will inherit your assets after your death? Without a will, most state laws will give shares of your estate to your spouse, children, or other blood relatives. If you want to decide who gets what or want different people to receive assets, you will need to state this in your will.
• If you have minor children, who do you trust to take care of them? If you should die, your will is your opportunity to name a guardian for your minor children. Failure to do this means a judge will decide who they live with. 
• What do you want your children to have and who should oversee their property? Creating a trust for your kids will ensure they receive certain assets according to your instructions and the trustee you name will manage it.
• Have you updated your already-named beneficiaries? Not all assets will be passed on through your will. Determine if the people you named as beneficiaries for any payable-on-death savings or brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies are still the individuals you wish to receive those benefits. 
• Who do you want to manage your assets and handle your bills should you become incapacitated? This person will be named in your durable power of attorney document and should be trustworthy and capable of keeping your finances in order. It is possible to name co-trustees such as a relative and a financial advisor.
• What medical procedures do you want and who do you trust to ensure that medical professionals follow your wishes? A living will allows you to state procedures you do and do not want to have performed as you near the end of your life. In a healthcare power of attorney (POA) document, you will appoint someone to advocate on your behalf and ensure your wishes are followed. Consider also naming a backup.
• How complicated is your estate? Do you own a business or care for a disabled child? These and other scenarios may necessitate professional assistance. 
• What is your budget? Wills and other legal documents may be available online for free or at a one-time cost of less than $100. Alternately, hiring a lawyer may cost thousands of dollars. 

Basic Estate Planning Documents

There are many different terms relating to estate planning that may be confusing to people not familiar with them. The following table breaks down the purpose of five basic, yet critical estate planning documents.

Last Will and Testament

The executor you name in this document will pay your debts and distribute your estate to your chosen heirs according to your given directions. This document also allows you to name guardians for your minor children.

Revocable Living Trust

While you are still alive, your assets will be transferred into a trust for your beneficiaries while you continue to manage them. Once you pass, your named trustee will transfer assets to your beneficiaries in the way you have requested.

Durable Power of Attorney (POA)

A durable POA allows you to decide who will act as your conservator or guardian to manage your money if you become incapacitated. 

Living Will or Advanced Healthcare Directive

This document dictates what type of medical care you receive towards the end of your life and states whether or not you want certain medical treatment.

Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) 

The named health care agent or proxy will advocate on your behalf to ensure medical professionals honor your health care wishes.

Estate Planning Costs

Estate planning costs vary depending on many factors. Among these are the complexity of the plan and the type of assistance needed.  

Hiring an Attorney vs. Online Estate Planning

Online wills can be created for free or may cost more than $100 and online estate plans may also be free or more than $600. While general customer support is often provided, legal help typically isn’t. Some companies do provide access to legal assistance, but this may be limited as well as require additional payment.

Some people with complex estates cannot complete their documents online and will need to pay a legal professional to do it for them. Attorneys can charge $150 to $200 for simple documents and up to $350 per hour for preparing a complex estate plan, resulting in fees of multiple thousands of dollars. 

Estate Planning Fees

Online platforms may charge no fees, flat fees, monthly ongoing fees, or annual or lifetime membership fees. They may or may not provide access to lawyers as part of a paid plan or for an additional fee. Alternatively, going the traditional route and hiring lawyers who complete all documents on behalf of their customers usually comes with costs that follow one of two rate structures. Potential costs for each approach are provided below.

Types of Online Estate Planning Fees

Several online companies provide free documents with no ongoing fees and make a profit through other methods such as advertising.

Online companies may offer documents for a flat fee that includes ongoing services for varying lengths of time. After this time is up, a paid membership may be required.

Membership Fees

Monthly, annual, or lifetime membership fees may be required for document creation, storage, revision, and/or other services.

Possible Additional Fees

Some online companies provide access to legal assistance as part of a plan or for additional fees. 

Types of Attorney Fees

Used for common or simple estate plans where a lawyer can easily determine what documents are needed. Part or all of this flat fee may be due upfront.

Billable Hour

For complex cases that require extra work to plan and complete, lawyers may charge by the hour. Retainers, or prepayment of fees, may be necessary. Hourly rates vary.

• How to Write a Will

There are different ways to create a legally binding will, and the method you should choose depends on various factors. Those who have simple estates and the ability to research and adhere to all requirements may be able to successfully write their will without assistance. Others with simple estates, but who want guidance and support, can use an online platform with resources such as educational materials, step-by-step wizards, and knowledgeable customer service representatives. However, people with complicated finances typically need an attorney to ensure document accuracy and that an estate plan is sufficiently comprehensive. Below are steps you should take for will creation based on the approach that you decide is best.

Write Your Own Will

This do-it-yourself approach works well for those with limited assets or property and who are confident no one will contest their will in court. Individuals who have a small estate and no family but who don’t want their belongings to go to the state may also easily create their own will to give their assets to friends or charities. Here are steps you should take to create your own will successfully.

Research State Requirements and Find Documents

Every state has its own rules and regulations that must be followed for a will to be legally valid. Justia, a company that provides free access to legal information, explains requirements and procedures for creating wills in all 50 states and has accompanying documents on its website . 

Select Witnesses

Most states require two witnesses, either to watch while the will is signed or to be told that the will is valid. If you have determined that you need witnesses for your specific state, decide who your witnesses are and make sure they understand what to expect.

Locate A Notary Public

Some states require signing an affidavit in the presence of a notary public to avoid witnesses having to later testify that a will is valid. The National Notary Association explains how to find a notary public near you as well as the different notary services available. 

Use Online Will Services

There are several online platforms available that provide estate planning documents and services. Follow the steps below to find a company that best meets your needs.

Narrow Down Your Options

Our above guide recommends the top 10 online will services and is intended to help narrow down the many available options. To assist you further, these are compared by cost, revision policies, refund availability, and other factors. Decide what you are willing to spend, if you predict needing to make changes, and whether or not you want the possibility of a refund if you are dissatisfied with services.

Explore Forms, Documents, and Supportive Services

Always visit a company’s website before making a final selection. Most company templates and forms are designed to be easy to use and understand. Still, you should look through their online educational resources, at any preview of services, and inquire about customer service assistance. Also, take advantage of free trials. Determine whether you will have the support you need to create documents using the resources provided.   

Select Witnesses and Locate a Notary Public

While online will services typically either offer state-specific documents or documents that are valid in all states (except Louisiana in some cases), state laws must still be followed to ensure they are legally binding once made. Read about these laws , select witnesses if needed, and find a notary public if a signed affidavit will help your witnesses avoid testifying in court. 

Hire Lawyers to Create Documents

People who have estates that are not simple or straightforward or believe that their wills could be contested in court may choose to hire a legal professional. In these cases, lawyers plan and create all documents for them.

Determine Your Needs

While most attorneys can draft wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, only some may be specialists in elder law for those with concerns related to Medicaid or long-term care. Similarly, those with assets held overseas may need an attorney with international estate planning expertise, and those with legal interests in multiple states may require attorneys licensed in multiple locations.   

Find the Right Lawyer

Ask those you know for attorney recommendations, check sites with peer review ratings, and confirm an attorney’s state bar registration status. Find out if attorneys offer free consultations or if you will be required to pay and if any time limitations apply. Also ask what their fee plans and rates will be and if there are any additional charges you should expect. Then inquire about what documents they will need to get started. 

The laws in your state also apply to wills drafted by legal professionals. Read about these laws , select witnesses if required, and locate a notary public for a signed affidavit to avoid witnesses being required to testify that your will is valid.

• Free Resources for Estate Planning

Low-income individuals and their families can receive free assistance during the estate planning process. The following table lists available resources that can help – all at no extra cost.

Description

Senior Legal Hotline Directory

These hotlines provide seniors with answers to legal questions and/or referrals to local legal aid services. Hotline information is organized by state in this directory.

LawHelp.org

Connects those with low or moderate incomes with legal answers, forms, and assistance programs. Select a state on the Find Help Near You Now page to get legal assistance, including with estate planning, if available.

Legal Services Corporation

Search by address or click the map on the Get Legal Help page for organizations that may provide federally funded estate planning assistance in the United States, the District of Columbia, and US territories.

Free Legal Answers

Offered through the American Bar Association, volunteer attorneys answer legal questions pro bono for those who qualify.

The American Bar Association Pro Bono Resource Directory

This directory allows users to search a national database and find pro bono organizations in their state. Simply type a state’s name into the search engine for organizations that may offer free estate planning services.

Users can ask lawyers in a certain state or US territory questions on various topics, including estate planning , and receive free answers. 

The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Video Library  

This video library includes over 50 videos on estate planning topics. 

American Civil Liberties Union Estate Organizer

WIth this free estate organizer, seniors can document personal and financial information so it is easily accessible.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Are online will services owned by law firms?

Websites that let you create your own will are usually not law firms, though there may be some exceptions. Oftentimes these will-creation websites are founded by lawyers or have lawyers on the company board, but the website itself does not meet the legal requirements required to call itself a law firm. This means that there is no lawyer-client relationship or privilege implied in any of your dealings with the company in most cases. Some sites will offer to connect you with a lawyer, but the company itself should not be mistaken for a law firm.

Is my personal information safe online?

Creating a will online is typically no riskier than shopping online with your credit or debit card. However, you should watch out for scams that may be trying to take your personal information. Because of this possibility, you should always make sure that a website has been reviewed by reputable third parties to verify that it’s legitimate. Even if a company is legitimate , there’s a small chance that it could be hacked, like all websites. Most companies take precautions to prevent this, but it may be something to ask about if you’re concerned. Reputable companies will use encryption to safeguard your information.

What happens if my will contradicts other contracts and documents I have created?

Your will does not necessarily take precedence over other contracts or legal documents that you have created. For example, it’s likely that you have named beneficiaries for your life insurance policies already. If so, your life insurance company will be obligated to pay whomever you named in the policy, regardless of what the will says. In general, you should make sure all of your legal documents align with one another to reduce the possibility of legal problems when you are gone.

How easily can I update my online will in the future?

How easy it is to update your will online depends upon the company that you initially choose to use and, in some cases, the type of will . Most companies provide a login option that lets you update and print new copies. For a few companies, this updating feature is completely free and does not expire. However, some companies limit the time period during which you can do this. Some also offer to extend the time period for updating if you pay extra for a membership/subscription. The fee charged for this could be a recurring monthly or annual fee, or it could be for a one-time fee for a set number of years or even a lifetime.

Do online wills include a section on funeral arrangements?

Some online wills include a section for you to state your final wishes regarding burial, funeral services, and the like. However, this is not technically required to be part of a will, so some companies do not offer it, and some charge extra for it. If the company you’re considering does not offer a section on funeral arrangements, you should be able to get the necessary paperwork elsewhere quite easily.

• Answers to More Frequently Asked Questions About Online Will Services

What Are The Different Types of Wills and Which One Is Right For You?

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

How Much Does It Cost to Write a Will?

• Table of Contents

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• Financial Planning
• Estate Planning

Best Online Will Makers

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is our top choice for its range of documents

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

A will is a legal document that allows you to spell out how you'd like your assets to be distributed to family members, friends, or charitable organizations after you're gone. You can also create a will to name legal guardians for minor children, assign a caretaker for pets, and name an executor. A cost-effective way to draw up a legal will is to create one using an online will maker.

The best online will makers offer a range of estate planning services, free updates to your documents over time, and allow you to complete a will in your home or office at your leisure.

Best Online Will Makers of 2024

• Best Overall: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Best Value: Trust & Will
• Best Free Option: doyourownwill.com
• Best for Ease of Use: Willing
• Best for Charitable Giving: FreeWill
• Best Customer Service: Rocket Lawyer
• Our Top Picks
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Trust & Will
• doyourownwill.com
• Rocket Lawyer
• See More (3)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers

Guide to Choosing an Online Will Maker

Methodology, best overall : nolo’s quicken willmaker & trust.

• Price: $99 to $209
• Legal Support: No
• Free Trial: No

Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust gives you access to over 35 estate-planning documents, including a will, living trust, health care directive, and power of attorney , depending on the plan select. There are three annual subscription plans, so you can choose the one that works for you.

One year of free legal updates

Complete the downloaded documents at your own pace

Offers other legal document services

Documents not valid in Louisiana

Not available on mobile

Only compatible on a Mac or PC

Quicken, an internationally renowned personal finance and money management software company, partners with DIY legal guide publisher Nolo to offer WillMaker & Trust, to offer a robust online will maker that combines both companies' expertise.

There are three pricing tiers to choose from based on your needs:

• The $99 Starter plan is a basic annual plan with which you can establish a will, a health care directive, and final wishes. You can create and revise documents as needed. You can also store your documents with the plan's data vault. And even if your membership status lapses, you can still access your documents.
• The $139 Plus annual plan gives you everything the basic plan offers, but it also lets you draft a durable power of attorney, letters to survivors, and a living trust.
• The $209 All Access annual plan gives you access to everything included in the Plus plan, but you'll also get access to Everplans' smart digital vault. With this vault, you can digitally store all your important documents, including your will, trust, health care directive, insurance details, and financial records, in one place. It's a nice perk since Everplans' digital storage services have a significant cost on their own.

Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust's PC software has good customer reviews, but there are a couple of weak spots to be aware of. The first is that estate planning documents are not valid in Louisiana, U.S. territories, or Canada. The second is that you have to download the software to your computer, meaning you must have a PC or Mac with a compatible operating system and enough hard drive space. If you don't have a PC or a Mac, you'll need to find another option.

Despite these drawbacks, Quicken WillMaker & Trust by Nolo is the most comprehensive, affordable online will-making option we've found.

Best Value : Trust & Will

 Trust & Will

• Price: $199 to $599
• Legal Support: Available for an extra charge

Trust & Will is our choice for the best online will maker due to its easy-to-use website, affordable options, and because it allows unlimited updates to your documents for one year.

Useful educational resources

Intuitive website for quick process

Medical documents included

Legal consultations cost extra

Not ideal for complex family situations

Not the best choice if you own a business

Founded in 2017, Trust & Will aims to make estate planning simple, affordable, and accessible, and it's our choice for the best value in online will makers.  You can make a will in as little as 15 minutes, and you can even choose for the company to mail your completed documents for free, along with instructions to make them legally binding.

The company's trust product–$499 for individuals and $599 for couples–allows you to:

• Name an executor
• Leave gifts
• Exclude people from your property
• Specify your final arrangements
• List your health care wishes
• Designate healthcare agents
• Grant access to health care records
• Add conditions to contributions
• Avoid probate court

You'll get a revocable living trust , schedule of assets, last will and testament, HIPAA authorization , a living will, power of attorney, trust funding guide, and a certification of trust. Trust & Will's will service, which will run individuals $199 and couples $299, will give you access to everything the trust tier provides except for adding conditions to contributions and avoiding probate court . Your documents for this service include a last will and testament, HIPAA authorization, a living will, and a power of attorney.

You'll also get a year of unlimited updates for all products. The company offers the option to purchase updates and other services beyond the first year for a yearly subscription price of $19 for wills and $39 for trusts.

While it's a great value for many, you'll want to pick another service if you have a business, investment property, children from a different spouse or partner, or another complex family situation.

Best Free Option : doyourownwill.com

 Do Your Own Will

• Price: Free
• Free Trial: N/A

There are many free online will makers, but doyourownwill.com is the most comprehensive. You can get guardianship forms, power of attorney forms, living wills, and more, all for free. There are no time limitations for updating or downloading your documents.

Available in all 50 states

No account creation required

Allows you to designate memorial preferences

No legal support

Must double-check your state laws

Not the best option for complex and high asset distribution plans

Unlike other online will makers that allow you to make your will during a free trial period, doyourownwill.com from Electronic Forms LLC, is always free.

You get a will that's valid in all 50 states that can be downloaded in Microsoft Word or PDF format instantly. Plus, you can duplicate it for your spouse.

The site prompts you to answer questions about your personal circumstances, including your gender, marital status, and whether you have minor children. Next, you'll fill in your name and residential address and answer questions about your beneficiaries, including how much of your estate your spouse and children will receive in the event of your death. And you'll name an executor and choose at which age–18 or 21–your minor children can claim the proceeds of their trust.

Additionally, you can make gifts of specific personal property and designate your memorial preferences.

Doyourownwill.com is best for people with simple distribution plans with property and assets less than the threshold for federal estate taxes : $12.92 million. Furthermore, anyone with significant assets, even under the estate tax threshold, would be better served by consulting an attorney for their estate planning needs. Still, doyourownwill.com is a great all-around tool for free estate planning.

Best for Ease of Use : Willing

Willing has a sleek design and straightforward user experience. There aren't many options on its website except to start making your will. Its accessibility and portability make it appealing to people who don't want to spend hours trying to navigate will-making software.

Straightforward user experience

Streamlined to save time

Inexpensive

Upgrade required for revocable living trust

No pet guardianship allowed

May not be suitable for complex family and financial situations

Willing is an online will-making service offering an easy user experience. While there are limitations to the lowest-cost plan, it’s still a comprehensive online will maker that will meet the needs of those who are tech-averse or feel overwhelmed by the thought of creating their will, and it is our pick as the best for ease of use.

For $69, you get a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, and a living will. A revocable living trust and transfer-on-death deed for your home are also available but may cost more. You can make updates and download your documents anytime. You can make updates and download your documents anytime.

Note that Willing does not include pet guardianship. If that is important to you, you might want to consider using doyourownwill.com instead.

Best for Charitable Giving : FreeWill

FreeWill's goal is to make charitable estate donations easier for individuals writing their wills, and it is funded by more than 1,150 partner nonprofit organizations. FreeWill has facilitated over $7.5 billion being committed to nonprofits. A highly comprehensive tool, even compared to its paid counterparts, offers users a free last will and testament, living will, financial power of attorney documents, qualified charitable distribution, and stock donation forms valid in all 50 states.

Designed to support charitable giving

Available in 50 states

Ability to make changes to the will without creating a new one

Limited documents available

May not be suitable for complex situations

FreeWill is our choice for best for charitable giving because it's a public benefit corporation that partners with nonprofit organizations and helps people donate part of their estate to charity . From over 757,000 wills created on FreeWill, more than $7.5 billion has been committed to charity.

Establishing a will through the FreeWill platform is straightforward. You provide your name, marital status, and the legal names of your spouse and children, if applicable. You can name an executor , assign a legal guardian for your children, and even choose how much you want to leave for the care of your pets. Then FreeWill gives you the option to choose a cause to include in your will. You enter the percentage of your residual estate you wish to leave to this nonprofit.

Once you've selected a cause, you move back to the more practical matters of splitting up your estate among your chosen beneficiaries. You can also choose who will inherit non-probate assets like stocks, life insurance, and 401(k)s. You can even leave a final statement for your family.

FreeWill is a great choice whether you plan to donate part of your estate or not, but as with any online will maker, it is best suited for those with straightforward estates.

Best Customer Service : Rocket Lawyer

 Rocket Lawyer

• Price: $39.99 per month or $239.99 per year for subscription
• Legal Support: Yes
• Free Trial: Yes

Rocket Lawyer provides easy-to-access customer service, with ways to contact lawyers via email, phone, or online chat, and the company promises to respond within one business day. In addition, it provides an on-call attorney for immediate questions and offers a 30-minute phone consultation with a lawyer if you need one. Both are included in subscriptions for no extra charge.

Free seven-day trial

Ability to ask a lawyer questions

Subscription includes 30-minute phone consultation

Subscription required

Credit card required for free trial

If you cancel after trial period without paying, you can't get updates

Having served 25 million customers, Rocket Lawyer is our choice for best customer service among the online will makers we reviewed.

Rocket Lawyer charges $39.99 per month or $239.99 per year for a subscription. The subscription comes with a seven-day free trial, but if you cancel after making your will, you will not be able to get updates. In addition to wills and estate planning documents, the subscription allows you to make a wide variety of other types of legal documents. Subscribers can contact a lawyer with questions, and get a 30-minute consultation with an attorney for each new legal matter. Members who wish to hire a lawyer also get a 40% discount on attorneys in Rocket Lawyer's network.

Legal matters tend to come with a lot of jargon and confusing situations, Rocket Lawyer's access to attorneys and great customer service are an excellent option for resolving your questions.

As you search for a way to create a will, you'll run into numerous options, and your unique circumstances will determine which service is right for you. Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust was our top choice because it provides users with a robust experience at an affordable price. In addition, it offers 35 legal estate-planning documents and three plans to choose from, depending on what a customer needs for their situation. Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust has solid customer reviews, with one of its few drawbacks being that its estate-planning documents are not valid in Louisiana, U.S. territories, or Canada.

Compare the Best Online Will Makers

An online will maker works best if you and/or your partner have a straightforward family and/or financial situation. If you are on a budget or trying to save money on your will, Doyourownwill.com is a free option with unlimited updates. If you know you will need some extra help with your will and other documents, Rocket Lawyer has excellent customer service. Overall, if your situation is not too complicated, most online will makers will suffice, and you can tailor your choice to your or your family's specific needs.

In some instances, however, an online will maker isn't the best choice if you have a complex situation, including:

• A spouse who's not a U.S. citizen
• Children with special needs who are receiving state or federal benefits
• Paying out prenuptial, post-nuptial, or divorce agreements that include money paid out after death
• Estates worth more than state or federal estate tax exemption amounts
• Distributing a business
• Paying out to a trust instead of a beneficiary

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do online will makers cost.

Online will makers can cost anywhere from $0 to $200, with the average falling between $20 to $100. Most services charge a one-time fee, while some charge a subscription to access or update forms.

A higher fee upfront with no or low-cost fee to access later could save you money over time compared to a service with a high annual fee or one that requires you to start over with a new purchase. When you’re looking at online will makers, be sure also to check out what it costs to make updates and reprint your documents.

Is a Home Will Legal?

Using an online will maker allows you to create a legal document, but simply writing a will on your own without proper documentation may not be considered legal and can lead to your wishes not being recognized. States have requirements and procedures for making the document legal once it's created. They usually involve signing with a witness.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Write a Will?

While you do not need a lawyer to write your will for you to be legally recognized, a will must meet your state's criteria to be legally binding.

Do I Need a Will?

A will is an essential piece of estate planning to help ensure your wishes after death are carried out. If you have children, naming guardianship in a will is critical to their care. If you die without a will, your assets, including personal items and property, will be distributed as the probate court sees fit, even if family members contest it, or it is contrary to your wishes.

We looked at 14 online will makers and narrowed them down to the best based on the variety of legal forms available, pricing structures, the availability of legal counsel, and the product's ease of use. To evaluate the products, we looked for companies with historically positive user ratings or new companies that are somehow breaking the traditional estate planning mold. Finally, significant weight was placed on the ability to make a state-specific will and the number of states where the will is valid.

All of our top choices offer various documents related to making a valid will, are affordable and accessible to most people, and have solid reputations among users. 

Getty Images / wildpixel

Nolo. " Start Your Will Today! "

Crunchbase. " Trust & Will ."

Trust & Will. " Estate Planning Made Easy ."

Doyourownwill.com. " FAQs ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Estate Tax ."

FreeWill. " FreeWill Makes Estate Planning Warm, Intuitive, and Totally Free ."

FreeWill. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

FreeWill. " Get Peace of Mind ."

Rocket Lawyer. " About Us ."

Rocket Lawyer. " All the Legal Help You Need. Anytime. Anywhere ."

• Wills & Estate Planning

13 Best Online Will Makers in 2023

Updated 10/5/2023

Published 04/16/2020

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Michael T. Flannery, BA, JD

Attorney, distinguished law professor

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Online will makers have come a long way in the last few years. While your only option used to be to write your will yourself or work with an attorney, it’s now possible to generate a legal, comprehensive will in just a few clicks. Doing everything online can not only make the process more affordable, but it feels also a lot simpler than writing it by hand or going into an attorney’s office.

Jump ahead to these sections: 

• What's an Online Will Maker?
• How Did We Test Each Online Will Maker?

Best Overall: Online Will Tools Compared 

How to make your online will legal .

But, a quick online search reveals one problem. With so many online wills to choose from, how do you know which one is best for you?

In this guide, we’re taking on the challenge of trying 13 of the leading online will tools ourselves. We’re uncovering which are best for what needs, and whether there are any standout tools.

What’s an Online Will Maker? 

To begin, let's explain how an online will maker works. These platforms are a way to create a will or estate plan without needing to step foot in an attorney’s office. You create an online will from the comfort of your own home by just answering a few questions about your current situation and end-of-life wishes. 

Online wills handle things like: 

• Who takes guardianship of your children, pets, or dependents if you pass away? 
• How are your assets to be distributed to your beneficiaries? 
• Who is to be named as your beneficiary? 
• What charities you would like to donate to upon your death (if any)? 
• How are your digital assets (photos, social accounts, etc.) to be handled when you die? 
• Who do you want to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable? 
• What are your final wishes for your burial, funeral, or memorial? 

As you might have guessed, not every online will platform covers each situation above. We’ll let you know what platform each covers. 

Tip: If you're interested in a virtual end-of-life event or memorial page, you can use an online service like GatheringUs . They even have specialists who can guide and support you through the planning process.

How Did We Test Each Online Will Maker? 

Before starting our own online wills, we came up with criteria for measuring each tool. It’s important to note that each will was completed for myself, a married 20-something who currently resides in Florida. I did want to make a plan for my dog, Barbie, and I also had specific final plans I wanted carried out.  

After testing each online will maker myself, Michael T. Flannery, an attorney and estate planning expert, independently reviewed each platform to see if they had the elements to make a legal will, were comprehensive, or left out any vital information. You’ll find that he left notes under each service to flag any tips, things to watch out for, and his perspective throughout this article.

With this in mind, we created a point system for rating these forms. Each online will had the opportunity to earn a certain number of points in each category. 

Here’s what we graded them on:

• Price: Products ranged from free to upwards of $100.
• How you receive your completed documents: How long does it take to receive your completed documents? 
• User experience: This included considerations for the design, ease-of-use, and access to legal definitions or FAQs as you complete your will.
• Time to complete: These online will makers include some big claims about how quick they are to use. Our own times were between 10 and 35+ minutes, depending on the platform.
• Policy for updating will: Is it possible to update your will whenever you please, or is this limited by the platform? 
• Support: Is there any customer support and in what form? 

We found that each of the 13 services listed below will produce a valid will —but which is the best? Now that you understand how we started this process, it’s time to share the rankings.  

After trying all the online will platforms above, it’s clear there are standout performers. While none of the tools were bad or produced a poor product, some were simply a better value and a better experience. Some were also more beginner-friendly for those who had no experience with wills or end-of-life planning.  

Here’s a shortlist of our picks: 

Best Overall  

• Trust & Will

Best Value  

• Do Your Own Will

Again, there is no magic formula for finding the “perfect” online will platform. It comes down to your budget, assets, and unique wishes. If you have any doubts or questions, it’s always worth talking with a professional attorney who can lead you down the right path. 

1. Trust and Will 

• Cost: $159/individual or $259/couples; $19/year membership after the first year
• How you receive your will: Printed copy mailed to you
• User experience: Sleek interface, easy to understand
• Time to complete: 15 minutes
• Policy for updating: Unlimited updates 1st year or with membership
• Support: Phone and chat support available 
• Read our full Trust & Will Review

Trust & Will is the Apple of online will makers. It’s unbelievably sleek, easy to understand, and it has an impressive range of coverage. When you start the process, you answer questions one-by-one. Everything is simple, and there’s an indication of which response is “most common,” so you know what to expect.  

It also includes a section for giving to charity, sharing passwords to digital accounts, and funeral arrangements. Trust & Will offers you your documents in two ways: you can ship them to your house for free or immediately download them and print at home. Ultimately, this platform is worth the cost for the ease of use.  

Attorney’s take: Trust and Will includes several more legal issues and explanations than some of the other services. For example, it raises issues like “simultaneous death,” compensation for executors, digital assets, some tax references, an “in terrorem” or “no-contest” clause, and a focus on the specific powers of the executor. 

Try Trust & Will

2. FreeWill  

• How you receive your will: PDF for download
• Policy for updating: Update anytime
• Support: No support 
• Read our full FreeWill Online Will Review

FreeWill offers the greatest value in terms of what you get for your money and time. While very basic, it’s perfect for anyone who has a simple situation and doesn’t need complex customizations. The platform is sleek and easy, and you can also fill in specific requests for your burial and final resting place. 

Unlike other platforms, you have immediate access to your completed will via download as soon as you complete the questionnaire. FreeWill partners with well-known charities in a variety of causes, so this is the ideal platform for those hoping to give to organizations after they die.  

Attorney’s take: FreeWill provides more detail and a broader scope of legal issues, such as guardians for children, provisions for pets, charitable donations, digital assets, and a no-contest clause, and includes a self-proving affidavit. It also provides more specific advice to see an attorney for large or complex estates, so take note if you have a more complicated situation. 

Try FreeWill

• Cost: $149 or free with an Ethos life insurance policy
• Time to complete: 30 minutes
• Policy for updating: Free for 1st two years; $19 per year for changes subsequently
• Support: Option to talk to non-attorney agent or chatbot 
• Note: Ethos purchased the online will tool Tomorrow to use with their customers. They have not changed the tool itself. Read our full Tomorrow Online Will Review

Ethos is a life insurance and estate planning company. The company helps you determine which estate planning tools are best for your needs including the purchase of a life insurance policy, will, trust, and estate planning documents such as a medical power of attorney.

The format itself is very user-friendly, though it takes a few minutes to get the hang of the layout. Everything is incredibly simplified, and adding contacts like your spouse, beneficiaries, children, and so on is easy to do.  

Try Tomorrow.me

4. Do Your Own Will 

• User experience: Stylish interface, easy to understand
• Policy for updating: Update easily through free account
• Support: No support
• Read our full DoYourOwnWill.com Online Will Review

Do Your Own Will  is a comprehensive, easy-to-use online will maker. Unlike other platforms, the questionnaire fills a single page, which cuts down on load times. While it’s very basic, there are free options to add more or less depending on your needs. You can add a living will, durable power of attorney, pet guardian, digital agent, and general power of attorney, which isn’t typical for a free online tool.  

In addition, Do Your Own Will makes it easy to choose alternatives for your beneficiary and executor. Adding funeral information and final wishes is also a breeze, making this a surprisingly complex tool. This is one of the best-value options.  

Attorney’s take: I couldn’t find a way to make children the primary beneficiaries rather than the spouse, and unless I was missing something, it forced me to choose a spouse as the person I would give my remainder estate to. It didn’t let me choose my children or anyone else. In other words, it assumed that because I was married, I'd want my estate to go to my surviving spouse. I might've been missing some other way to change the variables, but even if it were my fault, that's not good.

Likewise, when I set up a trust for children, the only options it provided were that the children receive their benefit at either age 18 or 21. What if I wanted to choose 25 or 30? Do Your Own Will offered limited options for that. 

Try Do Your Own Will

• Cost: Free with seven-day trial or $45 for unlimited access to a single document
• How you receive your will: PDF or Word Doc for download
• User experience: Outdated interface, easy to understand 
• Time to complete: 25 minutes
• Policy for updating: No updates without paid plan
• Support: Option to talk to non-attorney support agent
• Read our full eForms Online Will Review

eForms is one of the most well-known platforms for free fillable online forms. Their online will maker is one of their cornerstone options, but their questionnaire interface is clunky and outdated. Though they have extensive guides on completing your own will and a FAQ, it’s not a smooth experience compared to other will makers, and there’s limited access to support. 

eForms does make it simple to have lifetime access to your will with their individual form plan ($45). Otherwise, you’ll need to hand over your credit card info for a seven-day free trial to download your completed form. They do allow users to download their form as both a PDF and Word Document, which is great perk if you plan on revising your form yourself or consulting with your own attorney. 

Attorney’s take : This seemed to be fairly standard in terms of legal provisions. It was comprehensive and seemed to be balanced in terms of effectiveness and simplicity. It was limited to providing for a spouse for primary devise, but included unique provisions, such as those about other property, beneficiaries who predecease, and omitted heirs. Overall, it was satisfactory, but pretty standard.

Try eForms' Last Will and Testament Template

6. Legal Zoom 

• Cost: $89 for DIY will; $99 for comprehensive will
• How you receive your will: PDF after a review period
• User experience: Basic interface
• Policy for updating: Unlimited for 30 days
• Support: Option to talk to an attorney w/ comprehensive will purchase
• Read our full LegalZoom Online Will Review

LegalZoom is similar to Rocket Lawyer in that the online will maker is very comprehensive and covers several scenarios that aren’t seen in more basic tools. It really shines when it comes to backup and alternative arrangements. For example, you can make several alternatives for beneficiaries, executors, and so on. This provides a lot of peace of mind.  

Within the system, you can also name a trustee to manage gifts on someone’s behalf, which would be useful for young children. There’s also an option to create a credit shelter trust and to add your own final wishes. Because each document is individually vetted by an attorney, there is a longer processing time for Legal Zoom. Instead of having instant access to your documents, you’ll need to wait a few business days.  

Attorney’s take : This platform offered a few items that others did not, such as the option to choose a residuary beneficiary other than a spouse and to establish a trust, including a credit shelter trust.

It also included options for the designation of digital assets and co-personal representatives. However, if it is going to introduce more expansive items like these, it could have offered a little more in-depth legal explanation.

Try LegalZoom's Online Will

7. Rocket Lawyer 

• Cost: Free with seven-day trial
• How you receive your will: PDF download of your will
• User experience: Clunky interface, somewhat difficult to understand
• Policy for updating: Only with paid account
• Support: Only with paid account 
• Read our full Rocket Lawyer Online Will Review

The Rocket Lawyer Last Will and Testament was very comprehensive, and it included a few extras that help it stand out from other tools. First, you can have witnesses sign virtually within the online will maker. This could be helpful if you’re filling out your will with your witnesses present.

 In addition, you can also download an optional self-proving affidavit that speeds up the probate process if you have it properly notarized. At the same time, the Rocket Lawyer system felt outdated and slow compared to other tools. Some of the questions were hard to understand, and the terminology wasn’t very friendly to those not familiar with legal terms.  

At the end of the questionnaire, you have to hand over credit card information to gain access to your free seven-day premium trial, which is the only way to download your documents. Then, your document is only accessible online while your premium account is active. This is a limitation that gets in the way of Rocket Lawyer’s effectiveness.  

Attorney’s take: At first, I was unsure if this was state-specific as I reviewed the “Legal Will Checklist.” There were many points in the checklist that said, “Some states do X” and “Most states do Y.” So by the end, I thought, “Ok, so I guess I am supposed to contact one of the lawyers to find out what the state I’m in does?” But, it includes an option to choose your state, so if it is state-specific, but the language can be confusing. Take note if you end up using Rocket Lawyer. 

But, some rules were left out, like state-specific rules for witnessing the will. Again, leaving out that information could cause you to question whether you’re getting it right. Do you need to take any extra steps for witnessing? Are you missing something else? Instead of providing enough information, Rocket Lawyer’s platform suggests talking to a lawyer to answer questions several times through the process, which is something you’ll have to pay for. 

The bottom line is that it seems to be missing a lot of legal definitions and depth that could have been easily included and help you feel confident in writing your online will.

Try Rocket Lawyer's Online Will

• How you receive your will: PDF download of your will through email
• User experience: Good design, mobile app available, hyper-focused on life insurance
• Time to complete: 10 minutes
• Policy for updating: Update online easily
• Support: Option to talk to a non-attorney agent
• Read our full Fabric Online Will Review

Fabric is an average platform with just enough features to create a basic will. Though it’s a bit bare bones compared to others on this list, it does have a sleek, easy-to-use design. Everything is simply explained, and there is no confusion about what everything means.  

Fabric also has a mobile app, which is an easy way to take your end-of-life documents on the go. Still, the online application focused heavily on life insurance, which could get in the way of your will planning. It’s impossible to learn more about your completed will until you fill out the form for a life insurance quote which is frustrating. Overall, this was a limited but efficient option. 

Attorney’s take: Fabric seemed to offer very black-and-white statements of law (i.e., witnesses cannot be named in the will), however, this isn’t necessarily accurate in most states. So, as I used the service, I was left to wonder, is this provision specifically accurate for my state? Or is it trying to make things so simple and general that it could be inaccurate? On the other hand, it made some specific provisions of law, such as offering that Ohio and the District of Columbia don’t use self-proving wills.

Also, the will includes some fairly practical information, such as where to keep your executed will once and how to ask the executor and witnesses to serve in these roles. It also ended with a specific list of reasons to see a lawyer first, which other services lacked. It included the modern Uniform Probate Code version of the simultaneous death act—this isn’t necessarily uncommon, but including it stood out from most of the other services.

Try Fabric's Online Will Maker

9. Law Depot

• User experience: Very simple, but easy to use
• Support: Option to talk to non-attorney agent 
• Read our full LawDepot Online Will Review

LawDepot  is the simplest of online will makers. For those with very basic situations, this is a good way to speed through the process. While it makes everything simple to understand no matter your experience level, it has limited support, and you’re not able to update your will without a paid account. 

There’s no indication that you need to give your credit card information (for a free trial) until the very end when your form is complete.  

Try LawDepot's Online Will Maker

10. Total Legal Wills 

• Cost: $19.95
• How you receive your will: PDF download of your will or the document shipped to you
• User experience: Outdated design, not easy to understand
• Time to complete: 10 minutes 
• Read our full TotalLegal Online Will Review

TotalLegal Wills  has a simple design, but it feels much more outdated compared to any of the others. If you search “Total Legal Wills,” you’ll see that a lot of other users assume this is a scam site because it looks like it’s from 1995.  

The questionnaire itself is a bit difficult to understand, though it has a lot of flexible options to suit a variety of needs. If you have any questions, the only way to reach a representative is through a phone number (with limited hours) or email. Overall, TotalLegal Wills is a fair option for the price, but it could use some updates.  

Attorney's take: TotalLegal Wills offers just a standard, basic package for a simple will.  It was not overly complicated but, like most, could have included more depth and more descriptions of the legal consequences of all the provisions.

Try TotalLegal Wills

11. US Legal Wills 

• Cost: $39.95
• Support: Option to talk to an attorney 
• Read our full US Legal Wills Review

US Legal Wills  provided online wills for over 20 years, making them possibly the longest-running online will platform. The questionnaire begins by sharing the eight-step process, which includes a section for your will (or expat will if you live overseas), as well as add-on features like power of attorney, living will, funeral plans, and password management for an added fee. 

While the process was straightforward, it was outdated in a few key areas. Unlike other platforms, you’re not able to re-select individuals you’ve already entered previously in the questionnaire. For instance, once you’ve completed the spouse section, you’ll need to re-enter your spouse’s information for the executor and beneficiary section manually. It becomes tedious quickly. Some of the buttons (i.e. “delete executor”) are placed in a way where they’re easy to click on accident, re-starting the frustration. Overall, it’s just not well-designed.  

US Legal Wills did shine when it came to naming alternatives and including forgiven debts within your will. However, they’re negated by the clunky features and high cost.  

Attorney’s take : US Legal Wills covered all of the major issues that you should think about. If you go with this service, make sure to read the practical tips that can be relevant to problems down the road, such as signing the document in blue ink, covering pages when the witnesses sign, where to keep the will after signing, and what challenges to anticipate in probate court. 

Try US Legal Wills

12. Quicken WillMaker & Trust by NOLO 

• User experience: Have to download software, lengthy
• Time to complete: 35+ minutes
• Policy for updating: Update easily within software
• Read our full Quicken WillMaker & Trust Review

The Quicken WillMaker & Trust by NOLO software is comprehensive, but it has one fatal flaw. Namely, it’s only available through a software download. Not only is this a complicated process, but it feels like a holdover from 2003. Most people interested in will software will pick something up from a local store.

While there’s nothing wrong with this tried-and-true method of software applications, it isn’t what most people have in mind when they want to complete a will online.  

Once downloaded, the software runs smoothly. It’s very comprehensive and does a fair job explaining terms. Ultimately, the process is very time-consuming and doesn’t need to exist as a software download. There’s also limited access to support, despite the higher cost. There are better tools for the price. 

Try NOLO's Quicken WillMaker & Trust

None of these online will makers above enable you to walk away with a 100% legal will. While your document is sound, you need to continue through a few steps to ensure it’s actually enforceable by law. 

These instructions are included with your online will download, but they’re as follows: 

• Witnesses: You need two witnesses. These individuals should not be named in your will. Additionally, some states require them to be from your state.  
• Notary: If you’d like to help your beneficiaries receive assets from your estate without needing probate court, some online wills include what’s called a self-proving affidavit. This is a sworn statement attesting to the validity of the will, and it’s notarized. 

Be sure to review the will laws in your state to make sure you’re covered. While your online will is a good first step, it’s not the only step.    

Create Your Own Will Online Today 

Though this list might seem overwhelming, it only means there are more options than ever for creating an online will. If you don’t have a complicated situation and want to skip the trip to an attorney’s office, an online will might be the right solution for you.  

Making plans for your assets and final wishes is one of the ways you can reduce the burden on your family when your time comes. Otherwise, they’re left picking up the pieces without your input. Take control by asking the hard questions and getting your wishes in writing. As you can see from the list above, it’s easier than you think.

Categories:

• Wills & Probate

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In some states, you can write a valid will yourself on a piece of paper [0] Cornell Law School . Holographic will . View all sources . However, if you have kids, property or assets, you’re probably better off using estate-planning software or working with an attorney.

Depending on your assets and family situation, there are several factors to consider when drafting a will. This essential estate planning step can spark conversations about the possessions you value and the legacy you want to leave, so it’s important to take the time to walk through the process.

Ways to write a will

Online will-writing software.

Price: Free to $89 and up.

Who it’s best for: People with smaller estates or relatively uncomplicated financial situations and those looking to avoid legal expenses.

An online will maker is an inexpensive way to navigate the will-writing process. While it’s not a good solution for those with large or complicated estates, it’s an excellent starting point for people looking for a simple way to do basic estate planning.

» MORE: The pros and cons of handwriting a will

Estate planning lawyers

Price: $300 to $1,000 and up flat fee or $200 and up hourly.

Who it’s best for: People with large or complicated estates, or those who want to use more advanced estate planning techniques to minimize estate taxes or bypass probate , the legal process for distributing a deceased person’s assets.

Estate planning attorneys can work with you to create a comprehensive estate plan including a will, trust and advance directives . They’ll ensure your documents are legally binding in your state and can help you navigate complex assets or family circumstances.

» What works best for you? Know the differences between wills and trusts

How to write a will in 7 steps

1. account for all possessions.

Everything you own, from physical property to financial accounts, is part of your estate. Assets you’ll include in your will include real estate, vehicles, valuables and other personal property.

However, wills don’t include any assets that are held jointly with another party or accounts that have a named beneficiary such as a retirement or life insurance account.

Even if you intend to leave your entire estate to a single heir , creating a comprehensive inventory is important to ensure that none of your assets end up in the wrong place, such as an old workplace retirement account that lists your ex-spouse as the beneficiary.

» Mores: Estate-planning checklist

2. Determine distribution

It can be helpful to separate bequests into categories to first take care of your beneficiaries’ needs, then consider sentimental gifts.

Start with larger assets such as property and accounts. If you want to explain your choices — leaving less to one child because you supported them financially for longer, for example — write a separate letter to your beneficiaries so you can keep the language in your will clear and precise.

Talk with family and friends to learn who would most appreciate certain belongings and record which items should go to whom. 

Double-check the beneficiaries listed on your bank accounts, life insurance policies and retirement plans. Beneficiary designations override the wishes outlined in your will, so make sure your designations are aligned.

3. Think about your children

If you have minor children, you will need to decide who will take care of them once you're gone. This means naming a guardian in your will in the event that both you and the other parent are not able to care for them. If you don't appoint a guardian, your state court will have to appoint one without your input [0] Cornell Law School . Guardianship . View all sources .

4. Name an executor

An executor ensures that the directions in your will are carried out after your death. You can choose a family member to be your executor, but if you’re concerned about their ability to handle your estate during a difficult time, you can name your lawyer or an institution such as your bank.

» How does your executor distribute your estate? Learn about the probate process

5. Factor in fees

If your executor is an institution or an attorney, they’ll likely charge a fee to handle your estate. If you select a friend or family member, you'll need to decide whether or not to pay that person for their services. Executor fees are paid out of your estate.

6. Make your will official

In most states, you’ll need to sign your will in front of at least two witnesses [0] Cornell Law School . Wills: attestation requirement . View all sources . In Colorado and North Dakota, you can have your will notarized instead of witnessed. Louisiana requires wills to be both notarized and witnessed [0] Louisiana State Legislature . Requirements of form . View all sources .

Store a hard copy of your will in a safe place, which could be a fireproof safe in your home or office or a bank-safe deposit box. Be sure to back up the digital version, too. Let your spouse, executor or a trusted friend know where your will can be found.

7. Update as needed

As your life and your heirs’ lives change, you may want to change your will. Did you sell an asset you had planned to leave to a child? Decide what you'll bequeath instead. Did a potential heir die before you? Choose a new recipient for the items you planned to leave to them.

Don't put off such updates; the court and your executor can't confirm your intentions unless you’ve put them down on paper.

Some online will makers offer free updates, though some require an ongoing membership to make changes ranging from $19 annually to $39 monthly. An estate planning attorney may charge a $100 to $500 fee to update a will.

On a similar note...

Compare online will makers

Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

Best online will writers.

| Editor-at-large

Updated December 13, 2023

In this guide

If you have relatively simple financial affairs, then an online will could be a cheap and convenient option for you.

This guide looks what an online will writer is, who the service might be suitable for and lists our top picks.

In this article, we explain:

• What is an online will service?
• Who is it suitable for?
• What are the top online will writers?
• How are our ratings calculated?

Read more: Guide to wills

This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue *

What is an online will writing service?

Online will writing services allows those with simple financial affairs to write a legal will, quickly and simply, without the need for face-to-face meetings and expensive solicitors fees. It can offer greater peace of mind than a DIY will.

A number, such as Farewill use in-house legal experts to check over your will to ensure it’s written correctly and your wishes are clear.

Below, we cover in more detail what else the services offer, along with other online will writers that we rate highly, including Bequest, Bequeathed and Guardian Angel. Many services will also offer lasting power of attorney services.

Word of warning: an online will writer is not for everyone

An online will writing service is unlikely to be suitable if you have complicated affairs and inheritance tax issues, own your own business or you have remarried.

Online will writing services also aren’t authorised and regulated in England and Wales in the same way as solicitors.

Remember, once you have your written will, it will need to be signed and witnessed to make it legally binding.

Read more: Do I need a lawyer to make a will?

Want to watch rather than read? Tips for drawing up a will

This video lists the top tips on how to create your own will. Or alternatively, read how to write a will .

Top online will writers

Makeawillonline.co.uk

Best for: Legal advice

Best for: free service (no legal check)

Best for price

Farewill Online Will

Best for customer experience

Guardian Angel

Best for transparency

*All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see How we make our money and Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

Preparing for the cost of death

Losing a loved one is always difficult. But it can be even harder when the cost of death causes financial strain and concern about how the funeral will be paid for. Nobody likes to think about what will happen when they die. However, spending time thinking about its impact and doing some financial planning for […]

What is Free Wills Month?

If you haven’t got round to writing your Will yet, now might be the time to do it because March is Free Wills Month. Instead of paying a solicitor fee, those over the age of 55 are invited to donate to charity. Here we explain how it works and who is eligible. Free Wills Month […]

What happens to debts when you die?

Debts aren’t inherited but are paid off out of your estate when you die. This means that your loved ones are off the hook, unless they had a joint loan with you or provided a loan guarantee for you. If your estate doesn’t have sufficient funds to pay for the debts, then they are likely […]

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Protect your family Write a will from home

• Legally valid and built based on state-specific laws
• Flat $99, Enjoy 50% off for spouse will
• Online support, 9am-6pm everyday

Introduction from our CEO

Priya Surya quickly shows how Goodwill can work for you.

Why Goodwill?

Verified will documents.

Ironclad, legally enforceable documents based on state-specific laws.

Privacy and Convenience

Modern estate planning from comfort and safety of home through a secure interface.

Global Coverage

Made in the US, to cover assets locally and abroad, for common law countries.

Update Anytime

Adding a new home, or changing your distribution? Just log in, take a minute to make the change, and print your new will.

Help from Live Experts

Speak with real humans online, via video or over the phone. Talk to us

How does it compare?

Traditional estate planning.

Lots of questions and paperwork

Find, visit, and pay for a lawyer

3-6 weeks for a will

Bait and switch pricing

Using Goodwill

Create a legally valid will at home, live help from will writing experts, flat, affordable pricing, update your will, anytime, doing nothing.

What are the consequences?

Who looks after your family?

Where are all your accounts?

How will the bills get paid?

Our partners:

Interested in offering wills to your affiliate audience, customers, or employees? Chat to us online.

Create your will in minutes, store online and update anytime

Answer a few easy questions.

Easily decide what is right for you and your family, with all the options you would have if you used a lawyer.

Review & sign

We pack everything you need into a handy, easy to understand document that you just need to sign.

Store forever, update anytime

Lifetime account with every will. Access your will at anytime and update it as life circumstances change.

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I was dreading doing this and spending lots of money on a lawyer, but their price is affordable!

David Williams, Father of 2

So easy and fast, there’s no reason to wait or put if off. One big item off the to-do list!

Sara Thompson, New Zealand native, Singapore resident

Built by lawyers

Our will writing tool has been created based on statutes such as the Wills Act, the Probate and Administration Act, and US case law.

Your will is designed around your state's laws and your specific cirumstances.

Based on US law, your will is:

Fully legal after proper signing

No need to notarise your will

No need to register your will

Your will is built around you, with expert support when you need it

Guardians for children.

Ensure your children’s wellbeing by naming someone you trust. If they live abroad, name a temporary guardian as well.

Gift anything to anyone

Anything you own can be gifted to any individual you want. Got that record collection that you want to go to that special person, not a problem. You can also choose to leave vehicles, collections of items and even simple money gifts.

Your estate split how you want

Your will, your way. Ultimate flexibility around who gets your assets and possessions.

Naming an executor

Guidance on how to choose the right person to distribute your assets. Read about Choosing an executor

Organise all your assets

Give your executor all the information about your finances and properties in one place, attached to your will.

Personal Messages to loved ones

Leave personal messages to make your gifts even more meaningful.

Commonly asked questions

What happens when someone passes away in the us.

If they have a will , their appointed executor locates the will, applies to the courts for a ‘Grant of Probate’, approaches financial institutions to close accounts, distributes assets from the accounts according to the will.

If they don’t have a will , someone step up to represent the deceased in the middle of your family’s grief. Others who qualify must give their written consent.

They must create a Schedule of Assets, and apply to the court for ‘Letter of Administration’, and once granted, approach financial institutions, and then distribute assets according to the state’s own formula. You and your family have no say.

Do I need a will?

Main reasons

• Ensures your assets are not lost/go unclaimed by your family
• Secure guardianship for any minor children, and ensure they are financially and emotionally cared for by someone you trust
• Appoints a person you trust and have informed to execute your estate
• Prevents confusion regarding your wishes
• Give to charitable causes you care about

It is particularly important if:

• you have children under 21
• you have no clear heirs, and there’s a high likelihood your assets could go to the state
• you are in a domestic partnership

When do I not need a will?

If you have assets less than $50,000, then your estate need not go through the probate process. In this case, it may not be necessary to set out your assets in a will. If your wishes exactly match the law of intestacy, and you don’t have any minor children, and don’t care about who executes your estate,

What do I put in my will?

Seems like you’ll have to pull your hair out with sorting out bank statements and insurance policies, while the lawyer runs an expensive hourly bill.

At Goodwill, we want to remove all the stress and make it easy to create a will in minutes, and keep it updated throughout your life.

Step 1: About you

When you write your will, you’ll be asked some basic information that goes into your will such as your full name, address, marital status, children, pets

Step 2: Guardians for children

If you have children under 21 or pets, you’ll be able to appoint guardians here

Step 3: Distributing your wealth

You’ll have a chance to indicate who gets what percentage of your overall wealth between your family, friends, and social causes you care about.

We’ll ask for:

• Your primary beneficiaries (for example, your spouse or partner)
• Your secondary beneficiaries (children, parents, friends, others) if your primary beneficiaries pass away before you do.

Step 4: Choosing executors

Choosing someone you trust who is capable of navigating the legal and financial process if something happens to you is one of the most important parts of writing a will.

You can appoint a family, friend, or a professional in this section in minutes.

Optional step: Gifts

You may wish to give sums of money to the caretaker of your pet, or a beloved possession to your favourite niece or nephew. Here’s where you specify who gets what, along with a personal message to them.

You can leave:

• A specified sum of money
• An specific possession such as an heirloom ring, or automobile
• A collection of items

You can leave these items to anyone you wish, because US laws allow for full testamentary freedom.

If you leave a gift or percentage of estate to a child under 21, it will be held by the guardian for safekeeping until they reach adulthood.

Optional step: Assets

This is a helpful list of your assets so your executor and family can locate them easily. You can add just the name of the institutions where you have accounts, or more information such as account number and current balance. This is not required or legally binding.

How do I make my will legally valid?

Goodwill ensures your will is written in accordance with the laws in the US.

But until your will is printed and signed properly (with two witnesses), it’s just a piece of paper.

After you create a will on Goodwill, you’ll be able to download your will. Check your Downloads folder for the file.

Print and bind you will

Three staples down the left side will do nicely

Choose two people to witness your signing

They must be over 21 and they cannot be a beneficiary in your will or their spouse. They must also be identified clearly in the will.

The Signing

Together, you and your witnesses all watching, sign the will.

According to the Wills Act in the US, your will is now legally valid.

Store your will

Store in a safe place at home, or somewhere accessible to your executor. Inform him/her of its location.

According to the Wills Act in the US, your will is fully legal:

Do I need to submit my will to the authorities?

• after it is signed properly with two neutral witnesses
• no need to notarise your will
• no need to register your will

After signing, store in a safe place that your executor can access, and inform them.

Can I register my will?

It is not required but if you wish, you can register your will with the US Will Registry . The service only notes that you have a will, and does not store original or copies of your actual will.

How do I update my will?

Goodwill provides unlimited lifetime access. Simply login using your user name and password (or social login), make necessary changes, and re-download your will.

The remainder of your information is securely stored and accessible at any time

Why is Goodwill so much more affordable than going to a lawyer?

Our mission at Goodwill is to create an affordable and accessible will writing service that anyone can use. Using technology allows us to create efficiencies in how we serve our customers.

Goodwill offers live expert customer support 7 days a week, and unlimited lifetime access for only $99.

Who is behind Goodwill?

Goodwill was started by estate planning experts Priya Surya and Jonathan Summers-Muir, with support from Entrepreneur First, and SG Innovate, an effort to create a digital ecosystem in the US.

Priya is a Fulbright scholar and graduate of Harvard University where she obtained her MPA/ID in 2010. She previously worked with World Bank in Washington DC to bring technology to financial inclusion, and was head of New Market Growth in Asia for Bima Mobile, a company that makes insurance accessible to millions of emerging market consumers. Her interest in legal and financial planning stems from her own experience as a mother and daughter was the impetus behind starting Goodwill.

Jonathan is a web developer and graphic designer. He has led teams across a diverse range of data sensitive products from professional football software, door access security and data analytic aggregation software. He has a keen interest in making the complicated processes of estate planning into a straight forward simple process. He was born in the UK, and now calls the US home.

Can I have a will expert double check my will?

Yes, your will includes full post-sales support every day of the week. Click on the chat icon at the bottom of the screen to speak to us over chat or easily schedule a call.

After receiving your will, we advise you read it from top to bottom, and speak with us about any questions.

We can also refer a lawyer for thorny legal issues specific to your situation.

Should my spouse and I have a separate will or joint will?

Joint wills.

Joint wills are highly inflexible. Both partners must agree to make any changes. If one person passes away, it’s difficult for the other person to make changes.

Individual wills

With Individual wills, both partners create an account with their own email address and password.

Individual wills are as easy as mirror wills, and have the benefits without the draw backs.

The advantages are the following:

• Flexible - you can make your will exactly like your partner’s or completely different, or anywhere in between. It is up to you.
• Affordable - it’s even more pocket-friendly with our partner discount
• Update anytime. No back and forth, just login, make your changes, and print your new ill.
• Support from expert will writing team with any questions you may have

Get started here

Why would I want to update my will?

If you bought a new home, added a new family member, gotten married or divorced, if your pet passed away or if you have started investing in a new robo advisory investment account, you should update your will to reflect these changes.

Often our children may be more or less independent as they grow older, and one might need more help than another.

Change is the only constant. Don’t let an outdated will disturb your peace of mind.

Still not sure? Explore our learning centre

Learn about will writing and probate

• 5 min read How to choose the right executor for your will?
• 6 min read The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Will
• 1 min read How do I get started with writing a will?

Update anytime

All your documents can be accsesed at anytime, and can be updated whenever you like. No more future lawyer fees.

30-day money back guarantee

If you are dissatisfied in any way with your will, you can contact us within 30 days and we’ll refund you, no strings attached.

We’re here to help anytime

Our expert will writing team of real humans are ready to talk to you 7 days a week

Make a will online

America 's .css-rqgsqp{position:relative;z-index:1;} .css-6n7j50{display:inline;} Online Will Writers

Ours wills include.

Guardians for your children

Ensure that your children will be protected

Protection for your partner

Ensure your partner is sufficiently provided for

Legal in America

Our Wills are based on precedence and are kept up to date

Data protection

Your information is encrypted and will never be shared

Real human support

Speak with our Will specialists when you need help

Legacy donations

Leave a legacy by giving back to charities in your Will

Protect your pets

Make sure all members of your family are looked after

Assets list

Organize all your assets and help your executors find what you own

Gift giving

Give away items, properties, or cash gifts to loved ones

Unlimited updates

Keep your Will up to date with our editing membership

A Human Touch

We don't leave your family's future up to bots. All our documents are personally reviewed by our own Will specialists, who are themselves qualified lawyers (and real humans).

Online Will service

Writing and maintaining your Will just got much easier with NobleWill's online Will writing service. Answer some questions about yourself and your wishes in as little as 15 minutes to receive an estate planning bundle custom tailored for you.

Premium Personalized Will Service

Plan your worldwide estate with the personalized guidance of our Will writing experts. Write Wills for every country where you own assets, each with their own customizations to fit your specific wishes, save on taxes, and speed up the process for your family.

Unsure which Will service is best for you? Take our quick questionnaire.

Why use NobleWills?

Your data is encrypted and the Wills are based off precedence and are carefully written by qualified Lawyers and STEP members.

Complete the questions in as little as 15 minutes. Receive the completed Will within 2 working days.

Flat fees starting from $149 for a single Will. $223.5 for couple Wills. Unlimited edits for $39 per year.

See how NobleWills compares with other options out there.

Personalized attention

Help from real Will writing experts is always a click away. When you use our on-site chat window, our Will specialists will personally tend to your questions and concerns. Have a question about the process? Want advice on who you should appoint as a guardian? Or perhaps you just want to give some feedback? Simply click on the green chat button in the bottom right corner of the screen to speak with us! We are available Monday to Friday .

Invite your partner

Save time and money when doing your Will together with your partner! How does it work?

• Complete the online Will process for yourself.
• Invite your partner and share details you have in common.
• Select to pay for you and your partner at a discounted rate.

Charities we support

Did you know that you can give away part of your estate or even cash gifts to charities when you use our online Will service? NobleWills is proud to support these charities and we hope you will consider doing so too!

Over $153,000 in donations committed so far

Free Guides

Our Will writing experts have written useful articles about general estate planning, guides to help you with our online Will writing service, and explanations about the contents of our products.

UK Inheritance Tax and how you can mitigate your liability

We are happy to have David Snelling from Charlton House Wealth Management (“CHWM”) to share their financial planning expertise through this…

One Will vs Multiple Wills: Managing International Assets

If you are considering estate planning and have assets in different jurisdictions, you may be wondering whether having one Will to cover ev…

Can I use ChatGPT to write my Will?

Spoiler Alert: Read to the end to see how ChatGPT responded to our questions. A Will is an essential document that forms the foundation of …

Looking for help?

Check out our help center for answers to common questions or our guides to help you navigate the estate planning process. Still can't find what you're looking for? Send us a message!

Plan your future with us .

Write your will easily online with Which?. You can even get it reviewed by our specialists to make sure it’s completed correctly.

• How our process works
• Why write a will
• Get started
• Common questions

Our specialist lawyers and paralegals have thought of everything to make it quick and easy for you.

Get started, save where you’ve got to, take breaks, come back to it when you like.

Create professional, legally binding documents without paying expensive solicitors’ fees.

Our guidance notes should cover everything but we’re here to help if you get stuck.

If you die without leaving a will, your money and possessions won’t automatically go to those closest to you. The law will decide who gets what, not you, and this can cause distress for your loved ones. But a will correctly written and witnessed makes things clear-cut and conflict less likely. Best get your will done now with a name you can trust.

Things to think about

Who are we.

We are Which? part of the Which? group, wholly owned by the Consumers' Association.

Completely independent

The unique thing about Which? is that we are completely independent. We have no owners, shareholders or government departments to answer to and you'll never see an advert in our magazines or on our websites.

This means we work entirely on behalf of you, the consumer, and nobody else – so you can rest assured that you're getting the very best advice available.

The Which? Group

As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, all the money we make from our commercial operations is used to support the activities of the Which? Group.

Who reviews my documents?

One of our team of specialist paralegals. Each member of the team has undergone professional training in wills and powers of attorney.  The team is supervised by a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Are you regulated?

We are part of Which? Limited that is an unregulated organisation. The team is supervised by a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Completing your document

What happens after i buy my document.

You can start filling it out when you’re ready with our easy to use software.

How long does it take to complete a document?

We suggest you set aside around 1 hour to complete a document, although it can take less or more time, depending on the type of document you're creating and how much information you have to hand.

Do I have to complete my document in a set time period?

No, there isn't a time limit, you are very much in control of when you complete your documents. So you can start, then pause and come back when you are ready. But now you have purchased your documents, we suggest you complete them sooner rather than later.

What happens once I've completed the document?

If you bought a 'Self Service' document, it is now ready to be printed, signed and witnessed.

If you have chosen a document that includes a review, you can now submit it to our specialists by clicking 'Send for review' next to your document. They’ll review it and send you any feedback, guidance and suggestions. Then we’ll send you an email confirming the next steps.

How long does the legal review take?

We aim to complete the review in 10 working days. At busy times it might take slightly longer.

Can I upgrade my self service document to get a review?

Yes. Log in to your account and go to the 'My documents’ section. Next to the document you want to be reviewed, click on 'Upgrade to legal review'.

You’ll need to pay the difference in the price between the two service levels.

Do you certify documents?

This isn’t a service we offer. Here are some ways you can get your document certified.

How will I know if my document is legally binding?

With our review service, specialist paralegals go through your document with a fine-tooth comb to iron out errors and to make sure it’s legally compliant. When they’re 100% satisfied that it is, and once it’s been printed, signed and witnessed correctly, it will be legally binding.

Which web browser do I need?

The website is designed to work in all current versions of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. If you do experience any technical difficulties, in the first instance try using an alternative browser. We recommend using Google Chrome.

What happens once my document has been reviewed?

Once your document has been reviewed, our specialists will return it to you with their feedback. You'll receive an email including the details. If there are no issues, your document will be approved. Alternatively, our feedback could highlight some changes you may need to consider. When you've taken any action needed, send the document back to our specialists to approve by clicking 'Send for review'. Once approved, you can then print your document by clicking 'Print' next to your document in the 'My documents' section of your account. It's really important to follow our guidance to make sure your document is signed and executed correctly. We do not review documents once they have been signed and executed, as this is not part of our service.

If the document is for someone else, do they need to create their own account?

No, all documents are completed within the same account. The person who created the account will be the person that fills in the details for all documents. 

What’s the difference between mirror wills and a pair of wills?

Mirror wills are usually made by married couples or civil partners. Normally, the first to die leaves their estate to the survivor. When the survivor dies, the estate passes to the beneficiaries (who are the same people in both wills).

A pair of wills is two wills made by two people with the flexibility to make them similar to each other or completely different.

Who can witness my will?

In England & Wales, a will must be witnessed by two independent people over the age of 18. Your witnesses don’t need to know what’s in your will.

Witnesses cannot be:

• beneficiaries in your will,
• spouses or civil partners of beneficiaries in your will, or
• anyone related to you.

What type of gift can I make in my will?

• Specific gifts – such as your jewellery, shares or property
• Cash – known as ‘pecuniary’ gifts
• Residuary gifts – what's left after all debts have been paid and all other legacies have been accounted for.

Can I use Which? if I have foreign assets?

If you have assets outside the UK, you can include them in your will. But we cannot guarantee that it will be accepted in the country where your assets are located.

We strongly suggest you take independent specialist advice about whether or not our service is likely to meet your needs.

I own a business. Can I use your services?

Can you advise on things such as inheritance tax and care fees.

Unfortunately not. If you’re a member of Which? and your membership includes access to our legal advice service, you can discuss inheritance tax with one of their expert lawyers. Please call 0117 911 8270 to make an appointment.

The government’s MoneyHelper service may also be able to help. Visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk to find out more.

Payments and refunds

How and when do i pay for my document.

You can pay online once you’ve added a document to your basket. We accept all major debit and credit cards and your payment is processed securely.

I’ve paid for a document but now I’ve changed my mind. Can I have a refund?

You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of purchase unless:

• You’ve completed a Self Service document 
• Your Legal review or Premium document has been reviewed by our specialists.

The easiest way to organise a refund is to log in to your account and send us a message via the 'Contact us' function.

We are only able to refund what you paid via the original method of payment.

Will Writing Firm of The Year (online) 2023

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10 of The Best Online Will Writing Services

Making a Will using an online Will-writing service is an excellent and simple way of securing the future of your estate. Online Will-writing services are affordable, easy to use, and can enable you to  write your Will  in as little as 10 minutes.

Age Space has compiled this helpful guide to some of the best online Will-writing services in the UK. This includes information about how each online Will-writing service works, how long the process takes, and how much you can expect to pay. We have also secured some exclusive discounts for Age Space users. 

• Which? Wills
• ActiveWills
• Properwills
• LegalWills.co.uk
• MakeAWillOnline
• Will Drafters Ltd
• Co-Op Legal Services

If you have a simple estate, then you can create a Will with Which? in as little as half an hour. Which? provide you with a simple guide to their Will-writing forms and process. You can fill these out in your own time and their dedicated support team are available by phone or email with any questions you have during the Will-writing process. 

Which? also operate a Review Service, ensuring that your Will is looked-over by one of their dedicated Will experts before you sign it to provide peace of mind that everything makes sense and is in order.

Prices start at £84 for a single Will, and £156 for a mirror Will. 

With our 15% discount you can also get your Will written and reviewed by an expert from only £72.00 

2. ActiveWills

Making an online Will through ActiveWills’ Will-writing service involves completing a simple online template devised by their expert estate-planning solicitors. You fill in each section, print the Will yourself, and then just need to get it signed and witnessed. There is a friendly chat facility if you need support whilst writing it. 

The process of writing an online Will through ActiveWills takes very little time, and you can have a simple Will put together in just 10 minutes! ActiveWills score 4.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot and with a Single Will costing £19.99 and a Mirror Will costing £29.99 they are one of the most affordable online Will-writing services. Plus you receive free lifetime storage of your legal documents.

The process of writing an online Will through ActiveWills takes very little time, and you can have a simple Will put together in just 10 minutes! ActiveWills score 4.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot and with a Single Will costing £19.99 and a Mirror Will costing £29.99  they are one of the most affordable online Will-writing services. Plus you receive free lifetime storage of your legal documents.

The process of writing an online Will through ActiveWills takes very little time, and you can have a simple Will put together in just 10 minutes! ActiveWills score 4.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot and with a Single Will costing £19.99  £9.99 and a Mirror Will costing £29.99 £14.99 they are one of the most affordable online Will-writing services. Plus you receive free lifetime storage of your legal documents.

50% Spring Discount for Age Space readers! Until 18th April Active Wills are offering Age Space readers Will writing at £9.99 for Single Wills and £14.99 for Mirror Wills. Click the link below to get this deal!

3. Properwills

Their step-by-step online questionnaire is sleek, easy to use and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Each Will is checked by a legal expert and usually ready to sign in less than 48 hours, making them one of the fastest services in the UK. And if you can’t print your Will, Properwills offer to deliver it for free. 

We like that the process is very intuitive and easy to follow and that their support team is responsive and always happy to help. Included in the price is 5 years of free, unlimited updates to the Will. 

Their Wills cost £99 (or £149 for couples) and includes everything to get your Will(s) sorted, checked and sent to you. It’s a fixed fee service so you only pay this – no surprise fees down the line.

Age Space Exclusive : Get 12% off online when you use our discount code – “ AGESP12 ″

4. Farewill

Writing your Will with Farewill is a quick and easy process, taking as little as 15 minutes. You can choose to create your Will either by answering some questions online, or with one of their friendly team of experts over the phone. Whichever method you choose, their helpful support team are available to you every step of the way. Farewill then finalise your Will in under 5 working days, and send it to you to sign in front of witnesses. 

Farewill are rated 4.9 out of 5 by over 13,000 happy customers on Trustpilot, and were awarded the National Will Writing Firm of the Year award at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The price for making an online Will with Farewill costs £100 (£160 for couples) and making a Will over the phone costs £240 (£380 for couples). Farewill also have an optional £10 a year update service, meaning you can make unlimited updates to your Will throughout the rest of your life.

Age Space Exclusive:  Get 15% off your Will when you use our discount code – “agespace15”

5. LegalWills.co.uk

To make a Will online at LegalWills.co.uk, you answer a series of questions about your wishes, spanning 9 different sections. Their Will experts can offer help at each step of the online Will-making process, to make sure your wishes are being met.   LegalWills.co.uk can produce a Last Will and Testament from £39.95. You also have the option to request that your Will is looked over by one of their expert solicitors for an additional cost of £50.00 

An advantage of using the LegalWills.co.uk service is that they allow you to make unlimited updates to your Will, free of charge. Age Space Exclusive : Save 10% when you buy a Will using the link below

6. Make A Will Online

The process for producing a Will with Make A Will Online will only take between 5-10 minutes with one simple form. At the end of doing a single Will you are also able to add an additional Will for half the price of the first. 

Their website is simple, quick and easy to use and is perfect for busy people who would prefer to avoid expensive solicitor fees. What makes Make A Will Online extra special is that every Will has a qualified solicitor check it over after it has been created.

A single Will costs £60 and a pair of Wills costs £90. 

Beyond’s online Will-writing service can take as little as 15 minutes to answer a series of key questions. Beyond then puts together your fully-legal Will for you. Their online support team provide live support throughout the Will-writing process, ensuring you get everything right. Every Will that is created with Beyond is checked over by their in-house legal expert. Once you are happy with the Will all you need to do is print and sign it in front of two witnesses.

Making an online single Will with Beyond costs £90, and you pay only when you print and sign. Wills for couples cost £135, meaning you save money compared to purchasing two separate Wills.

The process of writing a Will online with Kwil takes just 30 minutes, and you don’t have to pay anything until you’re happy to print and sign. All you need to do is answer some qualifying questions and work your way through their step-by-step process for putting the Will together. Kwil has a very helpful Online Lockbox Service in which you can securely store all of the information your executor may need once you die,

including details about your bank accounts, credit cards, pensions etc. The Kwil will-writing service costs £90 for individuals, and £120 for couples. Any amendments in the first year are free, and there is an optional £10 annual fee per person to be able to update the Will anytime after that.

9. Will Drafters Ltd.

Will Drafters Ltd’s Will writing service is conducted over the phone and a good choice for those who prefer communicating in person rather than using online forms. Following an initial conversation, their specialist legal team will prepare and mail you your Will to sign. Will Drafters Ltd have helped over 100,000 customers to write their Will online since 1990. 

Their prices start at £43 for a single, simple Will, and they also offer a WillPlus service which includes free lifetime storage and the ability to make unlimited updates to your Will.

10. Co-Op Legal Services

With Co-Op Legal Services you just need to answer some quick questions online, and then speak on the phone to one of their Will-writers who will help you to put together the final document. Once the Will is ready, they will post you a copy to sign in front of your witnesses. Co-op Legal Services was named as the National Will Writing Firm of the Year in 2018. 

They operate a fixed fee service, meaning that once they’ve quoted you a price there are no nasty surprises later down the line. The price for a single Will from Co-Op Legal Services starts at £150, and Mirror Wills cost from £245.

FAQs on How to Make a Will Online

How long does it take to make a will online.

In most cases, writing a Will online does not take very long. If you have a simple estate then making the will can take as little as 10 minutes, but it will take longer the more complicated your Will is. Some online Will-writing services require a few days for their legal experts to look over the online Will before you are able to sign it.

How much does an online Will cost?

The cost of writing a Will online varies from provider to provider, and on the type of Will you are looking to buy. The starting cost for a simple Single Will can be as little as £19.99 as from Active Wills, but with other providers costs can start from over £100. Mirror Wills cost more than single Wills, but tend to be cheaper than the cost of 2 Single Wills.

Are online Wills legal in the UK?

Online Wills are legal in the UK, as long as they have been correctly signed and witnessed in line with UK law. Two witnesses, who are not beneficiaries of the Will, must sign and date it also. This can now be done  online .

Can I update a Will made online?

You can update a Will made online. Some providers allow you to opt-in to pay a small annual fee in order to make unlimited updates to your Will in the future. If you choose not to opt-in, you can still be able to make updates to your Will, but there will usually be a one-off cost on each occasion you make an update.

To enable Age Space to keep providing content for our readers, for some of the links on this page we receive a small commission if you decide to buy a Will with a provider. 

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We’ve identified the top seven online essay writing services, picking only the cream of the crop based on a multitude of genuine reviews and comprehensive research from our side..

PaperHelp has very high customer service ratings, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating according to more than a thousand reviews as of April 3, 2024. Ease of use, quality of custom papers, and value for money are the most-cited reasons for the high ratings given to the company by undergraduate students.

We consider PaperHelp to be the best essay writing service in the United States and beyond due to the consistently high quality, originality, and value for money it provides to its customers.

The company allows the customer to be involved in the paper-writing process from its very beginning. You can get updates from the writer, review the essay while in progress, and request free revisions if needed. You get three revisions for free, which is usually more than enough to get the required result.

PaperHelp offers a variety of writing services, including essay, research paper, thesis, and dissertation writing for every level of academia.

In addition, PaperHelp gives plenty of bonuses and discounts for both new and regular customers. There is also a great loyalty program that enables students to save money on future orders, making it a good choice for resellers.

• Great value for money, affordable
• Suitable for most academic assignments, including Ph.D. papers
• Papers are always plagiarism-free
• Great loyalty program for regular customers and resellers
• Most essential extras are paid and expensive
• It takes quite some time to find a suitable writer for Master’s degree assignments

No matter the level of academia you are working in, PaperHelp can provide high-quality, original, written-from-scratch, plagiarism-free essays at a great value. We highly recommend PaperHelp to students as the top college essay writing service in the United States.

    2. BBQPapers — The Best Essay Writers, Premium Service

BBQPapers offers high-quality research papers and essays, plagiarism-free, and a high level of customer service. In addition, the company claims to have professional-level editors in the top 2% of academic excellence write and review your essays.

BBQPapers have a process whereby each paper is checked against the web and its own database for originality. BBQPapers also offers free revisions within ten days, accurate citations, professional editing, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

BBQPapers offers incentives in the form of loyalty program discounts and a “pay as you go” zero-interest plan option for projects priced over $500. The company also offers standalone editing and proofreading services and custom services for odd academic assignments.

This service guarantees security and confidentiality to its customers and guarantees the quality of the papers it produces for students.

Pricing is around $6 per 100 words, with editing and proofreading priced separately as standalone services. This is a bit pricey for writing services in the United States compared to the others we reviewed.

• The best quality among all essay services, writers are Ph.D. and M.A. degree holders
• Extra long money-back guarantee (60 days)
• Pay as you go option for expensive papers
• 99% of the writers are native speakers of English
• Essential add-ons are free
• Prices are above average
• Writing samples are not available

Customer satisfaction with BBQPapers is high. Students appreciate the quality and security this essay service offers to them and have been largely pleased with the final results, garnering good grades for their submissions.

   3. MyAdmissionsEssay — The Best Service for Application Essays

Even though the name suggests that this company specializes solely in admission essays, this website offers writing assistance with various academic tasks to all levels of academics, from high school to Ph.D.

In addition, this professional essay writing service boasts a pool of diverse writers with a variety of language skills. Your paper will be written from scratch by a well-educated writer in that particular field of interest. College papers are delivered quickly, as soon as 3 hours turnaround time.

Students may give specific instructions and have access to the writer during the process, as well as opportunities for revision to get the paper edited to their satisfaction.

This company guarantees confidentiality, safety, and plagiarism-free original content written according to scholars’ instructions.

MyAdmissionsEssay has some great reviews on the site, but there are not many available. Customers appreciate the quality of the writing and the quick delivery times.

The pricing of this essay writer service is competitive and affordable, and the service offers 24/7 online support to its customers. The company’s online pricing table is transparent and easy to navigate.

• Best and affordable option for personal statements
• Professional editing & proofreading service
• Quick turnaround
• Truly confidential service
• Limited payment options, the service doesn’t accept PayPal
• Minor typos and grammar errors found in final product

This service seems best for personal statements and simpler essays. Some customers complain of minor mistakes or formatting errors, and students dislike the limited payment options offered by MyAdmissionsEssay.

   4. WritePaperForMe — The Cheapest Paper Writing Service

WritePaperForMe made our list because of its reputation as a truly cheap essay writing service with good quality and customer support.

This service provides the best value for money. If you’re a student on a budget, this is a great service to consider for a simple and original essay with fast delivery at an affordable price.

WritePaperForMe promotes customer-centered service with round-the-clock support as well as free revisions to get your paper exactly where you want it before you submit it. This essay writing company also offers complete confidentiality to college students using its essay services.

Using WritePaperForMe is safe because it has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction, according to hundreds of customer reviews on SiteJabber and other review platforms. In addition, most reviews state that students received good results. Generally, quality and efficiency were also highly rated, but mostly with simple requests.

WritePaperForMe is a place where you can hire a cheap essay writer who is knowledgeable enough to write a short, simple essay that you just don’t have enough time to write yourself.

This site has hundreds of writers online and takes pride in the speedy delivery of good-quality papers. The WritePaperForMe website also provides quite a few essay samples listed by category. Students have free access to these essays and excellent customer support for ordering the perfect paper to suit their needs, regardless of topic.

Some customers complained that some of the writers struggled with research-intensive assignments like research papers and dissertations, but the general response to this service was positive.

• Quick and truly affordable
• Great customer service
• Might not be the best option for anything but essays
• Plagiarism report is a paid add-on

We would advise hiring a more professional paper writing service for more in-depth and important papers. WritePaperForMe might not be ideal if you need someone truly knowledgeable to work on your STEM research/term paper, thesis, or dissertation.

   5. GradeMiners — The Fastest Writing Service

This college paper writing service has gone through some changes over the last couple of years. With time, customer reviews of this site are becoming better and better.

GradeMiners is striving to improve its quality, and it shows. This academic writing company is getting high ratings for speedy delivery, updated satisfaction guarantees, and incentives for return customers.

Those incentives are now present in the form of daily discounts and exclusive email offers for return customers who sign up for the newsletter, something that wasn’t available back in the day.

In addition to academic writing services, GradeMiners also offers homework help and problem-solving assistance for high school and college-level students.

This service has fewer professional college essay writers than other sites, and the company generally employs ESL writers. This service offers writing in everything from academic papers to thesis and dissertations.

GradeMiners offers a money-back guarantee as well as free revisions for up to 30 days. The company received a 4.6 out 5 customer rating and claimed to deliver 70% of its orders earlier than the specified deadline.

In spite of claims, discounts, and guarantees, reviews on some services are mixed. Pricing is of great concern because there is no dedicated pricing table for services.

• Great option for rush orders and last-minute papers
• Extra long revision period of 30 days
• Writers are professional enough to handle most papers
• The prices are somewhat high
• Mostly ESL writers

Overall, GradeMiners prices out as a more expensive option than other comparable services. For some students, the trade-off for fast delivery makes it worthwhile.

   6. EssayPro — One of the Most Popular and Reliable Services

EssayPro offers features and perks that other essay writing websites do not. For example, it allows you to browse its writing staff and choose your own writer based on their academic qualifications, areas of interest and expertise, as well as past customer ratings and reviews.

Once you’ve chosen your paper writer, you have access to free unlimited editing, a free title page, and around-the-clock customer support.

EssayPro is certainly a legit essay writing website that offers professional services and has the best reputation for quality, security, and customer satisfaction.

In addition, the company guarantees confidentiality and anonymity so that no one ever knows that you outsourced your essay.

Some customers complain that this service is overpriced, but we found EssayPro to be quite competitive in terms of price. Papers with a shorter return time will be more costly. The more lead time you give, the more writers will garner you a break on the price.

Access to the writer during the process and unlimited editing capability make EssayPro one of the most highly regarded and popular college essay writing services out there.

• Popular and trusted site
• There’s an option to choose your writer yourself
• Round-the-clock support
• No phone support
• Isn’t the best option for theses and dissertations

To make its services affordable, EssayPro mostly hires ESL writers with excellent academic credentials, giving customers a pool of talent to choose from and making the best fit possible for the subject matter being addressed.

   7. EssayNoDelay — Legit Writing Service for ESL Students

EssayNoDelay is a reputable college essay writing service that comes highly recommended. It is an international company based in Bulgaria that employs hundreds of writers, most of whom are ESL.

The company provides excellent customer service via live chat and email. Turnaround times are fast for delivery, but customer service response to student emails can take up to a week, even for emergent requests.

This service, out of all the ones we reviewed, has the deepest discount for first-time customers and returning requests, but you can expect to pay significantly more for subsequent orders.

This online paper writer service has decent pricing but could do better by adding loyalty programs or better discounts for returning customers.

The quality of work from EssayNoDelay is generally good, and reviews are positive. This service boasts that 91% percent of its clients have returned to place more than 5 orders. Most complaints are with regard to minor grammatical or formatting errors in the work.

This company guarantees to provide an original, plagiarism-free paper, with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee on its work.

• The best loyalty program among other sites
• Good quality
• Mostly caters towards ESL students, it’s hard to find a writer from the U.S., the UK or Canada
• While first order is cheap, repeat orders are way more expensive

EssayNoDelay has proven to be a cost-effective custom essay writing service that provides professional writing assistance to students at all levels of academia.

Paper Writing Services: Common Questions, Answered

How long does it take to have my essay written for me.

Depending on your chosen service, your essay can be written within hours, days, or weeks. The longer the lead time you allow for some services, the deeper the discounts. You can expect to pay more for rush orders.

The complexity of the paper you order can also impact the turnaround time. If you need to monitor the process, make suggestions to the writer, edit the work, or request revisions after the paper has been produced, it will add time to the process.

We suggest you don’t wait too long to place your order, there are sometimes unexpected issues that can delay the delivery of your paper, and since deadlines and due dates in academia are mostly fixed, it’s up to the scholar to make sure there is enough time for the professional writer to complete the order including proofreading, editing, and revisions if required.

It’s recommended that you keep in contact with the writing service and the hired writer, in particular, to make sure that everything is to your satisfaction to avoid delays.

The responsibility falls to the student or scholar to ensure that essays are submitted to teachers and professors on time with all requirements met regardless of academic level.

Will my essay be written by a professional essay writer?

Some of the reliable essay writing services we have listed hire professional writers at all levels of academia.

Most services will allow the customer to choose the writer based on their field of expertise, academic credentials, and customer reviews posted on the website.

In addition, most websites enable the customer to select either a Native English speaker/writer or an ESL expert.

Some colleges consistently check students’ writing styles, so if you’re an ESL student, it makes sense to hire an ESL writer so that your paper only stands out a little from your own writing.

The most popular sites profile the college essay writers who are the most requested and most highly reviewed to promote them to customers.

Other services will assign the best essay writer based on the type of paper, subject matter, and level of academia needed to complete the task.

All of the services we reviewed guarantee their results and hire experts who are true professionals in their fields or have the academic experience to write with authority on the subject they specialize in.

Most of the services allow you to monitor the process. If communication is an issue, or if you are unhappy with the results, their guarantees allow you to substitute another professional to satisfy your requirements.

How much does it cost to purchase an essay?

If we’re talking about undergraduate writing assignments, the typical price for a single page is about $11-20. It usually varies depending on how fast you need your essay written. On average, a typical three-page college essay written in three days will cost you $50-110.

We advise you to be wary of some cheap essay writing services selling papers for prices lower than $9. While the price may seem appealing, it’s best to steer clear of such sites because they hardly ever deliver papers of subpar quality, let alone high-quality, plagiarism-free essays.

Is it safe to buy essays online?

Yes, you can be reasonably certain that buying papers and essays online through any of the academic writing companies that we have reviewed here will be safe and secure. By using any of these sites, your personal data will be kept confidential and fully protected.

Your school should never learn that you hired an online essay writer to produce a paper for one of your classes. This is a valid concern when employing a writing service to write a paper for you. The possibility that your teacher or professor will learn that you bought your paper online is small.

Here’s the thing. The only way these college paper writing services can continue to thrive and stay in business is to keep student data confidential and safe. Most of them post a security and confidentiality guarantee on their websites. Some students opt to give a pseudonym or merely their initials to help guarantee themselves anonymity.

The companies we mentioned in this review keep their databases secure and do not sell or share student data. In most cases, they have a customer satisfaction guarantee which covers security and quality.

If a company is offering a 100% money-back guarantee, you can wager that they are doing their utmost to avoid giving any refunds.

Are online essay writing services legit?

As with any kind of service you employ, it’s always a case of “buyer beware.” The responsibility falls on the customer to do their due diligence in choosing a reputable and honest and online essay writing service from which to purchase papers.

However, be wary of basing your decisions solely on customer reviews, as many of these companies are plagued by scores of negative reviews from scam sites provided by rival essay writing companies.

Look for well-established websites with a large pool of writers, and be sure to utilize the live chat feature that is on most of the websites, to ask the questions that are pertinent to your situation.

You want to be sure that you employ a writing service with professional paper writers who specialize in your field of study. At the higher levels of academia, you need to be sure that the writers have the academic experience and credentials to produce the quality level required for a thesis or dissertation.

When special formatting and citations are required, you will need to do diligent interviewing of your essay writer to be assured that they are able to produce the quality of content that you require.

What if I am not satisfied with my paper?

The majority of the services you will consider have a process whereby you get edits and revisions for free within a specified period of time after the completion of the work.

In some cases, future edits and revisions will be charged a fee.

Many services also offer a customer satisfaction guarantee which means that the expert essay writer you engage (that the service contracts with) promises to revise the finished product to your satisfaction, or you are entitled to 100% of your money back.

We understand that it rarely goes to that extreme. Most of the time, you will be able to obtain a final product to your satisfaction on the first try, even without asking for a revision.

If you want to achieve that, please provide the most descriptive order instructions that you can. This way, you can avoid the revision process and save yourself and your writer some time.

Part of making sure that the best outcome is to choose a writing service that employs proficient and professional essay writers in your area of study and that you give clear and explicit instructions as to the formatting, citation, and style of essay you require.

We also recommend that you check in regularly with your writer throughout the process so that you may be able to catch any issues that may arise and be able to correct them right away.

What are the main drawbacks of essay writing services?

The main drawbacks of using companies that write essays for you are the expense and the risk of discovery. While most essay writing services online are not too costly, getting into larger projects with extensive proofing and editing can become expensive, especially on a student’s budget.

While these sites generally guarantee security and confidentiality, there is always the chance that your professors/teachers may notice a change in the quality or style of your essays and figure out that you purchased the work rather than producing it.

The other drawback of using the services of essay writing websites is that you don’t benefit from the work the same way you would have if you had done the work.

If you are doing the research and the citations, you will be enriched by the process and gain knowledge in the subject from doing the work.

Using a writing service only gives you the benefit of the result, the grade, or the points you gain, rather than a more profound knowledge of the subject matter.

This has the potential to trip you up later in life when you may be called upon for that knowledge in your field of study and lack the expertise because you paid someone else to do the work.

Professional essay writing services fill a need in providing writing assistance to students at all levels of academia, but they should only be used infrequently and in urgent or timely situations where the student or scholar is unable to provide a quality essay on the subject assigned.

We understand that there are circumstances where a writing service can be a real lifesaver. Still, we caution students not to abuse these services or use them as a replacement for acquiring knowledge in their chosen field of study. Instead, when the need arises, choose a reputable service that guarantees good quality work.

The news and editorial staff of the Delco Daily Times had no role in this post’s preparation.

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10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

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Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

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ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

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Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

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Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

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ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

©2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The best AI image generators to try right now

If you've ever searched Google high and low to find an image you needed to no avail, artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to help. 

With AI image generators, you can type in a prompt as detailed or vague as you'd like to fit an array of purposes and have the image you were thinking of instantly pop up on your screen. These tools can help with branding, social media content creation, and making invitations, flyers, business cards, and more.

Also: ChatGPT no longer requires a login, but you might want one anyway. Here's why

Even if you have no professional use for AI, don't worry -- the process is so fun that anyone can (and should) try it out.

OpenAI's DALL-E 2 made a huge splash because of its advanced capabilities as the first mainstream AI image generator. However, since its initial launch, there have been many developments. Other companies have released models that rival DALL-E 2, and OpenAI even released a more advanced model known as DALL-E 3 , discontinuing its predecessor. 

To help you discover which models are the best for different tasks, I put the image generators to the test by giving each tool the same prompt: "Two Yorkies sitting on a beach that is covered in snow". I also included screenshots to help you decide which is best. 

Also: DALL-E adds new ways to edit and create AI-generated images. Learn how to use it

While I found the best overall AI image generator is Image Creator from Microsoft Designer , due to its free-of-charge, high-quality results, other AI image generators perform better for specific needs. For the full roundup of the best AI image generators, keep reading. 

The best AI image generators of 2024

Image creator from microsoft designer (formerly bing image creator), best ai image generator overall.

• Powered by DALL-E 3
• Convenient to access
• Need a Microsoft account
• In preview stage

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is powered by DALL-E 3, OpenAI's most advanced image-generating model. As a result, it produces the same quality results as DALL-E while remaining free to use as opposed to the $20 per month fee to use DALL-E. 

All you need to do to access the image generator is visit the Image Creator website and sign in with a Microsoft account. 

Another major perk about this AI generator is that you can also access it in the same place where you can access Microsoft's AI chatbot, Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) . 

This capability means that in addition to visiting Image Creator on its standalone site, you can ask it to generate images for you in Copilot. To render an image, all you have to do is conversationally ask Copilot to draw you any image you'd like. 

Also:   How to use Image Creator from Microsoft Designer (formerly Bing Image Creator)

This feature is so convenient because you can satisfy all your image-generating and AI-chatting needs in the same place for free. This combination facilitates tasks that could benefit from image and text generation, such as party planning, as you can ask the chatbot to generate themes for your party and then ask it to create images that follow the theme.

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer f eatures:  Powered by:  DALL-E 3 |  Access via:  Copilot, browser, mobile |  Output:  4 images per prompt |  P rice:  Free 

DALL-E 3 by OpenAI

Best ai image generator if you want to experience the inspiration.

• Not copyrighted
• Accurate depictions
• Confusing credits

OpenAI, the AI research company behind ChatGPT, launched DALL-E 2 in November 2022. The tool quickly became the most popular AI image generator on the market. However, after launching its most advanced image generator, DALL-E 3, OpenAI discontinued DALL-E 2. 

DALL-E 3 is even more capable than the original model, but this ability comes at a cost. To access DALL-E 3 you must be a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, and the membership costs $20 per month per user. You can access DALL-E 3 via ChatGPT or the ChatGPT app.

Using DALL-E 3 is very intuitive. Type in whatever prompt you'd like, specifying as much detail as necessary to bring your vision to life, and then DALL-E 3 will generate four images from your prompt. As you can see in the image at the top of the article, the renditions are high quality and very realistic.

OpenAI even recently added new ways to edit an image generated by the chatbot, including easy conversational text prompts and the ability to click on parts of the image you want to edit. 

Like with Copilot, you can chat and render your images on the same platform, making it convenient to work on projects that depend on image and text generation. If you don't want to shell out the money,  Image Creator by Designer  is a great alternative since it's free, uses DALL-E 3, and can be accessed via Copilot.

DALL-E 3 features: Powered by:  DALL-E 3 by OpenAI |  Access via:  ChatGPT website and app |  Output:  4 images per credit |  Price:  ChatGPT Plus subscription, $20 per month

ImageFX by Google

The best ai image generator for beginners.

• Easy-to-use
• High-quality results
• Expressive chips
• Need a Google account
• Strict guardrails can be limiting

Google's ImageFX was a dark horse, entering the AI image generator space much later than its competition, over a year after DALL-E 2 launched. However, the generator's performance seems to have been worth the wait. The image generator can produce high-quality, realistic outputs, even objects that are difficult to render, such as hands. 

Also: I just tried Google's ImageFX AI image generator, and I'm shocked at how good it is

The tool boasts a unique feature, expressive chips, that make it easier to refine your prompts or generate new ones via dropdowns, which highlight parts of your prompt and suggest different word changes to modify your output.

ImageFX also includes suggestions for the style you'd like your image rendered in, such as photorealistic, 35mm film, minimal, sketch, handmade, and more. This combination of features makes ImageFX the perfect for beginners who want to experiment. 

ImageFX from Google: Powered by:  Imagen 2  | Access via:  Website |  Output:  4 images |  Price:  free 

DreamStudio by Stability AI

Best ai image generator for customization.

• Accepts specific instruction
• Open source
• More entries for customization
• Paid credits
• Need to create an account

Stability AI created the massively popular, open-sourced, text-to-image generator, Stable Diffusion. Users can download the tool and use it at no cost. However, using this tool typically requires technical skill. 

Also :  How to use Stable Diffusion AI to create amazing images

To make the technology readily accessible to everyone (regardless of skill level), Stability AI created DreamStudio, which incorporates Stable Diffusion in a UI that is easy to understand and use. 

One of the standouts of the platform is that it includes many different entries for customization, including a "negative prompt" where you can delineate the specifics of what you'd like to avoid in the final image. You can also easily change the image ratio -- that's a key feature, as most AI image generators automatically deliver 1:1. 

DreamStudio features: Powered by:  SDXL 1.0 by Stability AI  | Access via:  Website |  Output:  1 image per 2 credits |  Price:  $1 per 100 credits |  Credits:  25 free credits when you open an account; buy purchase once you run out

Dream by WOMBO

Best ai image generator for your phone.

• Remix your own images
• Multiple templates
• One image per prompt
• Subscription cost for full access

This app took the first-place spot for the best overall app in Google Play's 2022 awards , and it has five stars on Apple's App Store with 141.6K ratings. With the app, you can create art and images with the simple input of a quick prompt. 

An added plus is this AI image generator allows you to pick different design styles such as realistic, expressionist, comic, abstract, fanatical, ink, and more. 

Also :  How to use Dream by WOMBO to generate artwork in any style

In addition to the app, the tool has a free desktop mobile version that is simple to use. If you want to take your use of the app to the next level, you can pay $90 per year or $10 per month.

Dream by WOMBO f eatures: Powered by:  WOMBO AI's machine-learning algorithm |  Access via:  Mobile and desktop versions |  Output:  1 image with a free version, 4 with a paid plan |  Price:  Free limited access

Best no-frills AI image generator

• Unlimited access
• Simple to use
• Longer wait
• Inconsistent images

Despite originally being named DALL-E mini, this AI image generator is NOT affiliated with OpenAI or DALL-E 2. Rather, it is an open-source alternative. However, the name DALL-E 2 mini is somewhat fitting as the tool does everything DALL-E 2 does, just with less precise renditions. 

Also :  How to use Craiyon AI (formerly known as DALL-E mini)

Unlike DALL-E 2, the outputs from Craiyon lack quality and take longer to render (approximately a minute). However, because you have unlimited prompts, you can continue to tweak the prompt until you get your exact vision. The site is also simple to use, making it perfect for someone wanting to experiment with AI image generators. It also generates six images, more than any other chatbot listed. 

Craiyon f eatures: Powered by:  Their model |  Access via :  Craiyon website  |  Output:  6 images per prompt |  Price:  Free, unlimited prompts 

Best AI image generator for highest quality photos

• Very high-quality outputs
• Discord community
• Monthly cost
• Confusing to set up

I often play around with AI image generators because they make it fun and easy to create digital artwork. Despite all my experiences with different AI generators, nothing could have prepared me for Midjourney -- in the best way. 

The output of the image was so crystal clear that I had a hard time believing it wasn't an actual picture that someone took of my prompt. This software is so good that it has produced award-winning art .

However, I think Midjourney isn't user-friendly and it confuses me. If you also need extra direction, check out our step-by-step how-to here: How to use Midjourney to generate amazing images and art .

Another problem with the tool is that you may not access it for free. When I tried to render images, I got this error message: "Due to extreme demand, we can't provide a free trial right now. Please subscribe to create images with Midjourney."

To show you the quality of renditions, I've included a close-up below from a previous time I tested the generator. The prompt was: "A baby Yorkie sitting on a comfy couch in front of the NYC skyline." 

Midjourney f eatures: Powered by:  Midjourney; utilizes Discord |  Access via:  Discord |  Output:  4 images per prompt |  Price:  Starts at $10/month

Adobe Firefly

Best ai image generator if you have a reference photo.

• Structure and Style Reference
• Commercial-safe
• Longer lag than other generators
• More specific prompts required

Adobe has been a leader in developing creative tools for creative and working professionals for decades. As a result, it's no surprise that its image generator is impressive. Accessing the generator is easy. Just visit the website and type the prompt of the image you'd like generated. 

Also: This new AI tool from Adobe makes generating the images you need even simpler

As you can see above, the images rendered of the Yorkies are high-quality, realistic, and detailed. Additionally, the biggest standout features of this chatbot are its Structure Reference and Style Reference features. 

Structure Reference lets users input an image they want the AI model to use as a template. The model then uses this structure to create a new image with the same layout and composition. Style Reference uses an image as a reference to generate a new image in the same style. 

These features are useful if you have an image you'd like the new, generated image to resemble, for example, a quick sketch you drew or even a business logo or style you'd like to keep consistent. 

Another perk is that Adobe Firefly was trained on Adobe Stock images, openly licensed content, and public domain content, making all the images generated safe for commercial use and addressing the ethics issue of image generators. 

Adobe Firefly f eatures:  Powered by:  Firefly Image 2 |  Access via:  Website |  Output:  4 images per prompt |  P rice:  Free 

Generative AI by Getty Images

Best ai image generator for businesses.

• Commercially safe
• Contributor compensation program
• Personalized stock photos
• Not clear about pricing
• Not individual-friendly

One of the biggest issues with AI image generators is that they typically train their generators on content from the entirety of the internet, which means the generators use aspects of creators' art without compensation. This approach also puts businesses that use generators at risk of copyright infringement. 

Generative AI by Getty Images tackles that issue by generating images with content solely from Getty Images' vast creative library with full indemnification for commercial use. The generated images will have Getty Images' standard royalty-free license, assuring customers that their content is fair to use without fearing legal repercussions.

Another pro is that contributors whose content was used to train the models will be compensated for their inclusion in the training set. This is a great solution for businesses that want stock photos that match their creative vision but do not want to deal with copyright-related issues. 

ZDNET's Tiernan Ray went hands-on with the AI image generator. Although the tool did not generate the most vivid images, especially compared to DALL-E, it did create accurate, reliable, and useable stock images. 

Generative AI by Getty Images f eatures:  Powered by:  NVIDIA Picasso |  Access via:  Website |  Output:  4 images per prompt |  P rice:  Paid (price undisclosed, have to contact the team)

What is the best AI image generator?

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is the best overall AI image generator. Like DALL-E 3, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer combines accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and can generate high-quality images in seconds. However, unlike DALL-E 3, this Microsoft version is entirely free.

Whether you want to generate images of animals, objects, or even abstract concepts, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer can produce accurate depictions that meet your expectations. It is highly efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective.

Note: Prices and features are subject to change.

Which is the right AI image generator for you?

Although I crowned Image Creator from Microsoft Designer the best AI image generator overall, other AI image generators perform better for specific needs. For example, suppose you are a professional using AI image generation for your business. In that case, you may need a tool like Generative AI by Getty Images which renders images safe for commercial use. 

On the other hand, if you want to play with AI art generating for entertainment purposes, Craiyon might be the best option because it's free, unlimited, and easy to use. 

How did I choose these AI image generators?

To find the best AI image generators, I tested each generator listed and compared their performance. The factors that went into testing performance included UI/UX, image results, cost, speed, and availability. Each AI image generator had different strengths and weaknesses, making each one the ideal fit for individuals as listed next to my picks. 

What is an AI image generator?

An AI image generator is software that uses AI to create images from user text inputs, usually within seconds. The images vary in style depending on the capabilities of the software, but can typically render an image in any style you want, including 3D, 2D, cinematic, modern, Renaissance, and more. 

How do AI image generators work?

Like any other AI model, AI image generators work on learned data they are trained with. Typically, these models are trained on billions of images, which they analyze for characteristics. These insights are then used by the models to create new images.

Are there ethical implications with AI image generators?

AI image generators are trained on billions of images found throughout the internet. These images are often artworks that belong to specific artists, which are then reimagined and repurposed by AI to generate your image. Although the output is not the same image, the new image has elements of the artist's original work not credited to them. 

Are there DALL-E 3 alternatives worth considering?

Contrary to what you might think, there are many AI image generators other than DALL-E 3. Some tools produce even better results than OpenAI's software. If you want to try something different, check out one of our alternatives above or the three additional options below. 

Nightcafe is a multi-purpose AI image generator. The tool is worth trying because it allows users to create unique and original artwork using different inputs and styles, including abstract, impressionism, expressionism, and more.

Canva is a versatile and powerful AI image generator that offers a wide range of options within its design platform. It allows users to create professional-looking designs for different marketing channels, including social media posts, ads, flyers, brochures, and more. 

Artificial Intelligence

The best ai chatbots: chatgpt isn't the only one worth trying, google and mit launch a free generative ai course for teachers, dall-e adds new ways to edit and create ai-generated images. learn how to use it.

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The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines are proprietary to ACTFL. Language educators and not-for-profit school entities may use the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for curriculum development, classroom-based assessment, and to estimate learner progress toward proficiency. The  ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and any previous or subsequent versions may be used for non-profit, educational purposes only, provided that they are reproduced in their entirety , with no alterations, and with credit to ACTFL. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines in any form is prohibited other than for non-profit, educational purposes. You may not, except with ACTFL's express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit any media content. No other uses are authorized.

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