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 network simulator for learning and practicing network configurations. It runs in the browser using WebAssembly and supports command-line practice for Cisco IOS, Huawei VRP and Aruba AOS-CX. NetSim Labs says it includes more than 35 labs from HCIA to HCIE level. The Free plan costs nothing, billed at $0 forever, and includes 10 basic labs, up to 15 devices per topology, AI Copilot with a bring-your-own-key setup, and local storage only. Pro costs $15 a month and adds 35+ advanced labs, unlimited devices, included AI Copilot, cloud sync across devices and priority support. Enterprise has custom pricing and lists SSO/SAML, an instructor dashboard, LMS integration through LTI, custom lab creation and dedicated support. Topology configurations and lab progress stay local unless cloud sync is enabled. The core engine is licensed under AGPL v3, with commercial licenses offered for organizations needing other terms.