Cloonix vs EVE-NG

Cloonix is a free, AGPLv3 suite of C software components for creating virtual networks with KVM-based virtual machines and containers. It runs as a user-land application on a Linux distribution, with a web platform also listed. Users assemble machines, containers, and network items, connect them through Open vSwitch bridges, and view the topology on a graphical canvas. Virtual machines use QEMU-KVM; crun containers can use ZIP files or directories as root filesystems. Elements include NAT, host TAP and physical interfaces, links between Cloonix networks, and packet transit for dropping, shaping, or delaying traffic. The project names Open vSwitch, crun, QEMU-KVM, SPICE, and Wireshark as key components. A Wireshark spy can display or save captures on supported interfaces but is not the complete Wireshark application. Wi-Fi emulation uses vwifi and iw. Installation offers a privileged bundle or cloonix-toy without root requirements. The homepage lists version 53.01, dated November 4, 2025.

EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security, and DevOps professionals. It is presented for building virtual proof-of-concept projects, solutions, and training environments for organizations, educators, individuals, and groups. A topology designer supports lab creation, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports. Running nodes can connect through hot links, including to real networks. Listed Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. Integrations include RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, Docker-integrated Wireshark, and an integrated NAT cloud. Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware platforms, and Google Cloud platform VMs. The free plan allows 7 nodes per instance and 63 per lab, with the Admin role only. EVE-NG Base and RBL are priced on request; RBL supports multiple roles, with added roles priced separately. Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.