GigPenguin vs Bandmate

The short answer: Bandmate (bandmate.co) is a network that connects musicians, bands and venues, with band tools like a shared calendar and pay splits. Everyone in the band joins with their own profile. GigPenguin is for the bandleader who has a gig and needs band members on it, and they don't need to join anything.

There are a few apps called Bandmate or Bandmates. This page is about Bandmate at bandmate.co, the one most people mean when they search for a Bandmate band app.

At a glance

Where Bandmate is the better choice

If you're looking for people, Bandmate is the right kind of tool: musicians have public profiles, bands can post that they're looking for a player, and there's a venue directory and booking conversations. For a settled band it adds a shared calendar, member availability, pay splits and a press kit with photos, a bio and a stage plot.

Where GigPenguin is the better choice

• Nothing to join. The sub you're booking for one wedding doesn't need a profile on anything. They get a text or email and tap a link.
• Per-gig offers and answers. Each seat on the gig is offered to one band member with their own pay, and they answer in, tentative or out.
• You know who's read the plan, and when it changes, everyone is told what changed and you see who tapped Got it.
• Reminders and subs are handled. Anyone who hasn't answered gets a reminder each morning. When someone can't make it, offering the seat to a sub is one tap.

Which do you need?

Finding new players, or a home for a settled band: Bandmate. Getting the band you've already got onto Saturday's gig and confirmed: GigPenguin.

What we say about Bandmate comes from its own website (bandmate.co/, bandmate.co/features/bands/, bandmate.co/pricing/), checked on October 11, 2026. Prices and features change; check theirs before you decide. Spotted something out of date? Email support@gigpenguin.com and we'll fix it.