EVE-NG vs NetSim

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.

NetSim is a browser-based simulator of Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training. Its preconfigured labs provide the materials needed to complete each objective. Learners can compare their configurations with expected configurations to identify mistakes and get instant feedback, while lab progress and history sync between devices. Labs run in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices without installation; supported systems include Linux, macOS, and Windows. Network Designer lets users create custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved device configurations. It is included with the listed certification-specific plans. NetSim also includes the IOS images needed for its labs, without requiring additional licensing of those materials. Listed lab packs cost $29 a year and include 10 or 16 guided labs. Certification plans cost $179 a year and list between 70 and 101 guided labs. Online licenses last one year from purchase and can be used without usage limits during that period.