Free and open first
Best Network Simulation Software in 2026
Network simulation tools can help you model or emulate networks, with capabilities that vary by tool. Compare Simulation model and Real-time emulation, and consider whether Hardware-in-the-loop matters for your work. Automation API, Deployment options, and Documented node limit offer further points of comparison. Free plan and Paid from can help frame access and cost. EVE-NG, IMUNES, and Containerlab are among the options shown; weigh their listed features against the network behaviors and setup you need to explore.
- 31 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Avidemux
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1 - 2
Containerlab
Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4Containerlab offers a topology-as-code workflow for creating network labs across supported container and VM platforms.
- 3
Marionnet
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Marionnet offers a way to teach, test, or develop network setups without physical networking equipment.
- 4
Cisco Packet Tracer
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPacket Tracer offers both network simulation and device-setup practice for learners using desktop systems. Keep its NetAcad login and network-access requirements in mind.
- 5
EVE-NG
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2EVE-NG offers network emulation and lab-building features across free and paid plans. Check the free node and role limits, and note that Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.
- 6
GNS3
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2GNS3 supports multi-vendor network lab work without license fees, with practical scale tied to the host computer.
- 7
IMUNES
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2IMUNES provides configurable network experiments with real-time emulation and hardware-in-the-loop support.
- 8
Kathará
Free plan APILinuxMac+2Kathará supports teaching, sandbox testing, and protocol development across several operating systems and backend options.
- 9
Cloonix
Free plan LinuxWebChoose Cloonix if you need an AGPLv3 framework for assembling and viewing virtual network topologies on a Linux host.
- 10
Mininet
Free plan APILinuxMac+2Mininet provides a free way to build and investigate virtual networks using Linux networking and OpenFlow.
- 11
EMANE
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedChoose EMANE for wireless research and development that needs configurable, real-time network emulation, including physical-layer effects and multiple radio models.
- 12
Common Open Research Emulator (CORE)
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedCORE offers GUI-based and scripted real-time network emulation, including connections to physical networks and hardware-in-the-loop operation.
- 13
ns-3
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1ns-3 provides simulation, real-time scheduling and code-execution capabilities for networking research and education.
- 14
OMNEST
Free plan APILinuxMac+2OMNEST combines an IDE, protocol models, integration options, and distributed execution for complex simulation work.
- 15
OMNeT++
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1OMNeT++ combines modular C++ modeling with graphical and command-line simulation, analysis, and extension options.
- 16
PNETLab
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2PNETLab offers lab-running and sharing tools with both online and offline modes. Check the offline account and Store-lab limits, and note that device images may need to be supplied separately.
- 17
QuNetSim
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1QuNetSim offers students and developers a free framework for exploring quantum networking tasks, routing, and backends.
- 18
Cisco Modeling Labs
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1 - 19
Mahimahi
Free plan LinuxMahimahi brings traffic recording, replay, and network emulation into a composable Linux toolset. Its fit depends on your Linux environment and the network conditions you need to model.
- 20
Mininet-WiFi
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedMininet-WiFi brings wireless stations, access points, mobility, and several integrations to Mininet-based emulation.
- 21
NetSim
Free plan WebPick NetSim for browser-based network configuration practice across three vendor CLIs, with a free starting tier and a Pro path for larger labs.
- 22
NetSim by Tetcos
Free plan WindowsChoose NetSim if you need packet-level wired or wireless simulation, custom 5G protocol work, or hardware and power-system testbed emulation.
- 23
Telephone
Free plan MacChoose Telephone if you want a Mac SIP softphone with Contacts, call-link, and notification support.
- 24
Shadow
Free plan LinuxShadow combines real application execution with a private, configurable simulated network.
- 25
MIMIC Simulator
Free trial LinuxSelf-hostedWindowsMIMIC offers extensive SNMP simulation capacity, device configuration, and automation for testing and training scenarios.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price