MikroTik RouterOS vs NetBox
MikroTik RouterOS
mikrotik.com
NetBox
netboxlabs.comSide by side
| Figure | MikroTik RouterOS | NetBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $45/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 12 | 5 |
| Spec score · Network Management Software | 8.9 (#2) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Documentation depth | The manual covers installation, licensing, diagnostics, switching, wireless, routing, firewall, VPN, AAA, high availability, IoT, storage, containers, scripting and an automatically generated CLI reference. | The documentation is organized into installation, configuration, customization, best practices, integrations, plugins, administration, models, reference, development, and release notes. |
| Limit: learning curve | Independent reviewers repeatedly describe RouterOS administration and its interface as difficult for beginners or requiring advanced networking knowledge. | G2 reviewers describe the interface as less intuitive, complex in some scenarios, and subject to a steep learning curve. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.6 out of 5 from 30 reviews | 3.6 out of 5 from 5 reviews |
| Rating on TrustRadius | 9 out of 10 from 28 reviews | 8.7 out of 10 from 14 reviews |
| REST API | The REST interface exposes RouterOS menus over HTTP with JSON GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE and POST operations, so ordinary HTTP clients can automate it. | NetBox provides a Django REST Framework API using HTTP, JSON, token authentication, and OpenAPI documentation. |
| Self-hosting | x86 RouterOS can be installed from ISO or Netinstall, while CHR is a virtual-machine image usable locally or in cloud environments. | Community NetBox can be installed from a release archive, Git checkout, or experimental Python package with PostgreSQL, Redis, and an application server. |
| What it does | RouterOS is a Linux-kernel network operating system for MikroTik routers, switches and wireless devices, and can turn a PC into a router. | NetBox is positioned as a central source of truth for understanding, operating, automating, and securing network and infrastructure environments. |
Plans
MikroTik RouterOS
- Free DemoFree
- Level 4 WISP$45 a month
- Level 4 WISP$45, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95 a month
- Level 6 Controller$250, paid once
- Level 6 Controller$250 a month
- 60-day TrialFree
- Free CHRFree
- P1$45, paid once
NetBox
- NetBox Cloud Free PlanFree
- NetBox EnterprisePriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- StarterPriced on request
In their own words
MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is networking software with VPN access, site-to-site networking, audit logs and advanced administrative controls. It supports WebFig, Windows WinBox, Android, iOS, command line, API, MikroTik hardware, x86 PCs and virtual machines. The Free Demo costs nothing and operates in 24-hour trial mode before licensing. Level 4 WISP costs $45 a month and allows 200 PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP and OVPN tunnels each. Level 5 WISP costs $95, paid once, with 500 PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP tunnels and unlimited OVPN tunnels. Level 6 Controller costs $250 a month and allows unlimited tunnels for all four types. RouterOS is listed as having a free plan and a free trial. SSO/SCIM and device posture are not supported. MikroTik is headquartered in Riga, Latvia.
NetBox
NetBox is a network and infrastructure platform that keeps physical components, virtual assets, IPs, and VLANs in a shared source of truth. Its stated uses include data center infrastructure management, IP address management, network automation, and network source-of-truth work. Every action is recorded in an audit log. Teams can use the hosted SaaS edition, deploy NetBox in their own infrastructure, or use the open-source community offering. NetBox Labs describes itself as the commercial steward of the open-source project. Hosted plans are positioned for different scales and needs: Starter for infrastructure with hundreds of devices, Professional for infrastructure at scale and automation, and Premium for scaled environments requiring advanced security, compliance, and deployment options. NetBox Enterprise is self-managed, with an air-gap edition available. Enterprise subscriptions include 24/7 expert assistance and training. Named integrations include ServiceNow, Splunk, Ansible, Itential, Gluware, and VMware. NetBox Cloud offers SSO integrations with Azure, Okta, and Google. Prices for the named plans are not displayed; the pricing page directs prospective customers to sales.