Instead of Containerlab
Containerlab alternatives
Containerlab gives network labs a code-first structure: declarative topology files define nodes and links, and CLI commands deploy, inspect, save, destroy, and graph them. It supports containerized and VM-based network operating systems from vendors including Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, and Arista, with integrations for VM routers and Kubernetes-style topologies. Its graphical options and API extend the workflow, and the software is free and open source.
- 1
Cisco Modeling Labs
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1Cisco labs with a five-node free tier — Cisco Modeling Labs offers a free tier capped at five running nodes and an automation API, rather than Containerlab’s vendor-spanning topology workflow.
Free plan Visit site - 2
EVE-NG
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2Visual multivendor labs and training environments — EVE-NG adds a click-and-play topology designer, imported configurations, and Professional features such as KVM acceleration and up to 1024 nodes per lab.
Free plan · paid from €150/yr Visit site - 3
GNS3
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2Emulating and simulating virtual or real networks — GNS3 combines a graphical client and local or remote server with emulated devices, simulated devices, and connections to real networks.
Free plan Visit site - 4
IMUNES
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2IP experiments with adjustable link behavior — IMUNES focuses on general-purpose IP emulation and adds per-link delay, bandwidth, bit-error, and duplication controls.
Free plan Visit site - 5
Mininet
Free plan APILinuxMac+2SDN experiments through a Python API — Mininet builds virtual hosts, switches, controllers, and links on one machine, with a Python API and OpenFlow support.
Free plan Visit site - 6
OMNeT++
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Building and analyzing network simulations — OMNeT++ is a modular C++ simulation framework with NED models and analysis tools, rather than a network operating system lab orchestrator.
Free plan · pricing on request Visit site - 7
PNETLab
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2Sharing and running community lab workbooks — PNETLab centers on downloadable and shareable labs, with a local virtual machine, Store, workbooks, timers, and online or offline modes.
Free plan Visit site - 8
Batfish
Free plan APILinuxMac+2 - 9
Cisco pyATS
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted - 10
Gluware
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb - 11
ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4 - 12
NAPALM
Free plan APILinuxMac+1 - 13
Nautobot
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1 - 14
ONAP
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1 - 15
ONOS
Free plan APILinuxMac+2 - 16
OpenDaylight
Free plan APILinuxMac+2 - 17
Netmiko
Free plan APILinux - 18
Nornir
Free plan LinuxMac - 19
Forward Enterprise
Free trial APISelf-hostedWeb - 20
- 21
BackBox
Paid APILinuxSelf-hosted+1 - 22
Cisco Catalyst Center
Paid APILinuxMac+3 - 23
NetBrain
Free trial APILinuxSelf-hosted+2 - 24
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
Free trial APISelf-hostedWeb+1 - 25
Itential Automation Platform
Paid APISelf-hostedWeb - 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
Paid Web - 30
Arista CloudVision
Paid Web - 31
Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Paid Web
A different tool may suit you better if you want a visual topology designer, a Python API, traffic controls, or a simulation framework rather than labs centered on network operating systems. Containerlab’s documented setup requires a Linux server or VM and Docker, with sudo privileges needed for some operations; its sudo-less option gives members of the clab_admins group root-level privileges. When comparing alternatives, consider whether you need actual device images or modeled protocols, how you will host and connect nodes, the collaboration or training tools available, and whether free or paid licensing fits your use.
← Back to Containerlab The whole network automation software list