EVE-NG

EVE-NG is a multivendor network emulation platform for network, security, and DevOps professionals. It suits people building network labs, proof-of-concept environments, or training setups, especially when they need to connect emulated nodes to real networks. Its strongest case is flexible lab design and sizable professional labs; its trade-offs are role-based paid pricing and the end of Community Edition support in June 2026.

Overview

EVE-NG brings topology design, node emulation, and real-network connectivity into a server-based platform. Its intended settings range from enterprise solutions and e-learning to individual work and group collaboration. That breadth makes it relevant to both lab builders and instructors, though the plan structure matters: the free tier is limited to the Admin role, while shared access with multiple roles requires EVE-NG RBL.

The platform lists Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted platforms. Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, and Google Cloud platform VMs.

Readers comparing this category can browse Network Simulation Software and Network Testing Software.

Key features

Topology design and connectivity

A click-and-play designer, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports give users several ways to assemble and manage labs. Hot links connect running nodes, and EVE-NG supports interaction with real networks. That combination is useful for demonstrations and solution environments that need more than an isolated simulation.

Emulation, integrations, and scale

EVE-NG supports real-time emulation and hardware-in-the-loop. Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. Integrations include Docker-integrated Wireshark and an integrated NAT cloud. RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, including multi-server RADIUS, support environments that need centralized user authentication.

The free plan allows 7 nodes per EVE instance and 63 per lab; professional plans raise the lab ceiling to 1024 nodes. That is a substantial difference for large topologies, but the free instance cap may constrain users who want many nodes running at once.

Pricing

EVE-NG uses a freemium model. The Freemium plan costs nothing and permits 7 nodes per EVE instance and 63 per lab, with the Admin role only. It is a reasonable starting point for individual lab work, but Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.

EVE-NG Base costs what you agree with the maker and allows the Admin role with up to 1024 nodes per lab. It suits a single-role deployment that needs larger labs, but does not provide the multi-role access in RBL. EVE-NG RBL also costs what you agree with the maker and includes admins, editors, and users, alongside the same 1024-node lab limit. Added roles are priced separately, so teams should account for role count rather than treating the displayed price as a blanket team license.

Paid pricing is per contact, and the displayed amount is informational: the actual price appears in the buyer’s location currency, with a preferred currency selectable. A Professional license periodically validates online and can be used offline for 24 hours after receiving a validity token. Live chat support is provided at no additional cost at EVE-NG LTD’s discretion, without a guarantee.

Platforms

EVE-NG lists Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted support, with server deployment. It can be hosted on Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, or Google Cloud platform VMs. This range gives infrastructure teams several hosting routes, while the server deployment model is a key consideration for individuals expecting a standalone desktop application.

Who it's for

EVE-NG is a strong fit for network, security, and DevOps professionals who need configurable multivendor labs, real-time emulation, or hardware-in-the-loop work. Enterprises and e-learning providers can use it for solution environments and training; RBL is the relevant choice when participants need separate admin, editor, and user roles. Individuals can start with the free plan, provided its instance and lab limits meet their needs.

It is less compelling for a group that needs multiple roles but is unwilling to pay per contact and for additional roles, or for users who require continuing Community Edition support.

Pros and cons

Pros: Topology design, file and image imports, and hot links support a flexible lab-building workflow.

Pros: Real-network connectivity, hardware-in-the-loop, and real-time emulation suit work that extends beyond isolated models.

Pros: Professional labs can reach 1024 nodes, with KVM acceleration and Docker support.

Cons: The free plan is restricted to 7 nodes per instance, 63 per lab, and the Admin role.

Cons: RBL charges per contact, and additional roles cost separately, which can make broader team access harder to budget.

Cons: Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.

Cons: Professional licensing periodically validates online, with offline use limited to 24 hours after a validity token.

Alternatives

Choose OMNeT++ when noncommercial teaching or research use is the priority: its Academic Public License is free for those uses, while commercial use requires a separate arrangement. IMUNES is a free alternative across Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows platforms.

Cisco Modeling Labs may suit users focused on Cisco nodes: its free tier allows 5 running nodes, while Personal and Personal Plus allow 20 and 40 Cisco nodes respectively for one user. GNS3 is a free, open-source option for readers who prefer software they can download and use without a paid plan.

Kathará is another free option for users who want a tool available across API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows platforms. Mininet is free and open source under a permissive BSD license, but requires a Linux kernel and is limited by one server’s CPU and bandwidth. ns-3 is free software under GNU GPLv2 for research, development, and use. OMNEST is a paid alternative with a commercial annual license priced by quotation and a free trial.

Verdict

Choose EVE-NG if you need a substantial multivendor lab environment that combines topology design, emulation, and links to real networks. Its professional node ceiling and training-friendly role options are compelling, but the free plan is tightly capped, RBL pricing grows with contacts and added roles, and Community Edition support has ended. For a multi-role team or a 1024-node lab, it is worth considering; for a small free-only setup, weigh its caps and support status against the alternatives.