EVE-NG

Overview

EVE-NG is a clientless, multivendor network emulation platform for network, security and DevOps professionals. It is best suited to people building virtual network proofs of concept, solutions or training labs; its free tier is a useful starting point, but its role and instance caps make plan choice important.

It combines topology design with real-time emulation, hardware-in-the-loop support and connections to real networks. The server-based platform supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosted environments, with hosting options including Proxmox, VMware products and Google Cloud platform VMs.

Compare it with other tools in Network Simulation Software and Network Testing Software.

Key features

Topology design and connectivity

A click-and-play topology designer, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports give users several ways to build and manage labs. Hot links connect running nodes, and interaction with real networks makes EVE-NG relevant when a lab needs to relate to a live environment rather than stay isolated.

Emulation and integrations

Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. That ceiling suits large lab designs, while the free edition’s separate limits of 7 nodes per EVE instance and 63 per lab are more restrictive for multi-instance or larger work.

RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, multi-server RADIUS, Docker-integrated Wireshark and an integrated NAT cloud broaden its fit for managed and connected lab environments. An automation API is also available. Professional licensing periodically validates online; after receiving a validity token, it can be used offline for 24 hours.

Pricing

EVE-NG uses a freemium model. Freemium costs nothing and allows 7 nodes per EVE instance, 63 nodes per lab and the Admin role only. That is a practical no-cost way to explore lab building, but the instance cap and single role limit its usefulness for larger deployments or shared workflows.

EVE-NG Base is priced on request and includes the Admin role and up to 1024 nodes per lab. It removes the free plan’s lab ceiling but does not add editor or user roles. EVE-NG RBL also is priced on request, supports admins, editors and users, and allows up to 1024 nodes per lab; added roles are priced separately. RBL is the more suitable paid option when a team needs differentiated access, while Base fits an admin-led setup. Both prices are shown in euros as informational amounts; the buyer sees a price in their location’s currency and can select a preferred currency.

The EULA says EVE-NG LTD provides live chat support at no additional cost, at its discretion and without a guarantee. Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026, so it is not a sound choice for readers expecting ongoing community-edition support.

Platforms

EVE-NG supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosted platforms, with server deployment. Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, as well as Google Cloud platform VMs. This range suits teams choosing among several host environments, though the server deployment model is central to its use.

Who it's for

EVE-NG is aimed at network, security and DevOps professionals, as well as enterprises, e-learning providers, individuals and groups building training environments or virtual solution and proof-of-concept labs. The free plan suits smaller, admin-only labs. Paid plans are more relevant when node scale or multiple user roles matter.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A 1024-node lab limit on paid plans accommodates substantial topologies, while hot links and real-network interaction connect emulation with live environments.
• Pros: RBL supports admin, editor and user roles, and the listed authentication integrations include RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory.
• Cons: The free plan is limited to 7 nodes per instance, 63 per lab and Admin access, restricting scale and collaboration.
• Cons: Base remains Admin-only, and added RBL roles cost extra, so broader team access affects the plan decision.
• Cons: Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026; Professional license validation also requires periodic online checks, with only 24 hours of offline use after a validity token.

Alternatives

IMUNES is a free option for readers looking for a no-cost network simulation tool; its free plan costs nothing and it supports Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows.

Containerlab is another free choice, but it requires a Linux server or VM, Docker, and sudo privileges for some operations. GNS3 is open source and free to download and use, making it an alternative for readers who want open-source software.

OMNeT++ offers a free Academic Public License for noncommercial teaching and research; commercial use requires a separate license. ns-3 is free software under GNU GPLv2 and is publicly available for research, development and use. EMANE is a free Linux and self-hosted option from a company focused on mobile wireless systems.

NetSim by Tetcos offers a free Lite plan for individual use and an Academic plan with 100 nodes and 35+ built-in lab experiments. Cisco Packet Tracer is a free option for readers seeking network software on Windows, macOS or Linux.

Verdict

EVE-NG is a strong fit for professionals and training providers who need configurable network emulation, real-network connectivity and large labs, especially when team roles justify RBL. The free tier offers a way in, but its node and role limits are substantial, while Community Edition support has ended. Choose another tool if those constraints or paid licensing do not fit your lab.