MDJM Alternative for UK DJs and Entertainers
Raviga is standalone booking software built for UK performers by a working DJ and Lead Software Developer. No WordPress site needed, no plugins to install, no hosting to manage. Here is how the two platforms compare.
The Honest Summary
MDJM (Mobile DJ Manager) has been around for years and deserves credit for what it is: a genuinely free, open-source WordPress plugin that gives DJs basic booking management tools at no cost. That is a generous approach and we respect it.
But MDJM is a WordPress plugin. That means you need a WordPress website, a hosting provider, the technical knowledge to install and configure plugins, and the patience to manage updates, security patches, and the occasional plugin conflict. If you are comfortable with all of that, MDJM can work for you.
If you would rather just sign up and start managing your bookings from your phone, Raviga is the simpler path. No WordPress site required, no plugins to install, no hosting to manage. Just a purpose-built platform designed for performers, accessible from any device.
WordPress is an incredible content management system, I’ve used it for years, but that’s all it is. Sure, it can be used with plugins to add functionality but it will always be a content management system with plugins as an after thought. Raviga is dedicated to the task.
What Sets Raviga Apart
MDJM and Raviga take fundamentally different approaches to the same problem. Here is where the differences matter most for a working performer.
📆 No WordPress Required
Raviga is standalone software-as-a-service. There’s no hosting to arrange, or plugins to install and no WordPress updates to manage. Just sign up for free here and you are ready to go. MDJM requires a WordPress website, a hosting provider, and the technical confidence to manage it all yourself.
💷 Mobile-First Design
Raviga is designed to work on your phone, tablet, or desktop. Check your bookings between gigs, update event details on the move, or send a quote from the pub. MDJM runs inside the WordPress admin panel, which was never designed for mobile use.
📝Everything Included
Enquiry forms, calendar sync, email templates, and digital contracts are all included in Raviga from day one. With MDJM, Stripe payments cost an extra 40 pounds per year, dynamic contact forms are another 40 pounds per year, and Google Calendar sync is only available in the paid bundles. Those costs add up.
📃 Equipment Management
Raviga tracks serial numbers, storage locations, purchase values, and lets you check equipment in and out with QR codes. You can build crib sheets for every gig showing exactly what kit to bring. MDJM does not offer any equipment management features at all.
✉️ Everything in one place
Full event audit history so you can see what happened, and when. When contracts were signed and invoices were paid. When customers email about their event, the emails go to your email and into Raviga. You can respond by email, and that’ll go into Raviga too. Everything constantly synchronised, you’ll never miss an email again.
Why Performers Choose Raviga Over MDJM
MDJM was designed for a world where every DJ had a WordPress website and was comfortable managing plugins. That world is getting smaller every year. Most working performers today want tools that just work, without having to worry about hosting bills, plugin updates, or whether a WordPress core update is going to break their booking system the night before a wedding.
Raviga was built by a working DJ and Lead Software Developer who understood that problem first-hand. The result is a platform that requires zero technical knowledge, works beautifully on your phone, and includes everything you need without nickelling and diming you for extensions. Your bookings, contracts, invoices, equipment, and client communications all live in one place, accessible from anywhere.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Raviga | MDJM |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Standalone SaaS (cloud) | WordPress plugin (self-hosted) |
| Technical Setup | Sign up and start using it | WordPress site + hosting + plugin install |
| Mobile Experience | Mobile-first, works on any device | WordPress admin (desktop-oriented) |
| Enquiry Forms | Included, embeddable on your website | Paid extension (£40/year) |
| Digital Contracts | Included with e-signature | Included in free core |
| Invoicing | Native with VAT support | Basic invoicing in core |
| Payment Processing | Stripe (coming soon) | Stripe (paid extension, £40/year) |
| Equipment Tracking | Serial numbers, QR scanning, locations, values | Not available |
| Email Templates | Full WYSIWYG editor, 9 lifecycle templates | WordPress email templates |
| Calendar Sync | ICS feed (any calendar app) | Google Calendar (bundle/paid) |
| Team Management | 3 users on Pro plan | Unlimited employees (free core) |
| Client Portal | Yes | Yes (free core) |
| Playlist Management | Not available | Yes, with Spotify import |
| Free Plan Event Limit | 5 active events | Unlimited (requires WordPress) |
Comparison accurate as of March 2026. We have done our best to represent both platforms fairly. If anything looks incorrect, let us know.
Zero Setup
Sign up and start managing bookings in minutes. No WordPress site, no hosting provider, no technical knowledge needed.
Works on Any Device
Check your bookings on your phone between gigs. Raviga is mobile-first. MDJM runs in the WordPress admin panel.
No Extension Fees
Enquiry forms, calendar sync, and email templates all included. No paid extensions to bolt on.
Equipment Tracking
Serial numbers, QR check-in and check-out, storage locations, and crib sheets for every gig. MDJM has no equipment features.
Built By a Performer
Built by a working DJ with 25 years of experience and a Lead Software Developer by trade.
Always Up to Date
Raviga is always the latest version. No plugin updates to run, no compatibility issues to troubleshoot.
Pricing Comparison
MDJM deserves credit for its genuinely free core plugin. But the real cost depends on how you use it and what features you need.
| Raviga | MDJM (Self-Hosted) | MDJM (Hosted) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 5 events, no card, no setup | Unlimited events (requires WordPress) | No free tier |
| With payments + forms | £15/month (all included) | £60/year + hosting (~£5-10/month) | £8.45/month |
| Equipment tracking | Included | Not available | Not available |
| Hosting and maintenance | Managed by Raviga | You manage everything | Managed (subdomain on thedjhub.co.uk) |
| Updates and security | Automatic, always latest version | You run updates manually | Managed |
If you are comfortable managing WordPress, MDJM’s free core is genuinely generous. If you would rather not think about hosting, updates, or plugin conflicts, Raviga is the simpler choice at £15 per month with everything included.
- All features included
- Up to 5 active events
- Perfect for getting started
- Unlimited Events
- Team Access (3 users included)
- Priority Support
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is MDJM free?
2. What does Raviga have that MDJM doesn't?
Our fully custom form builder means you can create a multitude of forms and embed them on any website (including WordPress!), and our incredible equipment management system is second to none.
All of our functionality comes bundled in the one cost, so you'll never pay for add ons. Raviga also does not require any technical knowledge to set up or maintain.
3. Do I need WordPress to use Raviga?
Sign up for free and you are ready to go immediately.
4. Is Raviga more expensive than MDJM?
Raviga is £15 per month with everything included and no hosting to manage. MDJM's hosted plans are £4.95 to £8.45 per month but give you a subdomain on thedjhub.co.uk, not your own professional platform.
5. Can I migrate from MDJM to Raviga?
6. Does MDJM work on mobile?
Ready to Try a Simpler Alternative?
Join performers across the UK who have moved on from WordPress plugins to purpose-built booking software. Built by a working DJ and Lead Software Developer. UK registered company. Free forever tier. No WordPress required.
No credit card. No WordPress. No hassle.