Side by side
Cisco pyATS vs Containerlab
Both stand on network automation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted
Cisco pyATS combines reusable network tests, device libraries, and test-suite management in a free framework. Teams should account for its listed Linux and macOS platforms and best-effort email support.
Visit Cisco pyATS
Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4
Containerlab offers a topology-as-code workflow for creating network labs across supported container and VM platforms. It requires a Linux host environment and Docker, and users should note the elevated privileges involved in its optional sudo-less setup.
Visit ContainerlabThe facts
| Cisco pyATS | Containerlab | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | developer.cisco.com | containerlab.dev |
| On network automation software | #3 of 29 | #1 of 29 |
Cisco pyATS: what it does well
- Free under the Apache 2.0 license.
- Reusable tests support asynchronous test suites.
- Connects over CLI, NETCONF, or RESTCONF.
- XPRESSO supports scheduled runs with Jenkins and Docker.
- Cisco device libraries cover five listed product families.
What to know first
- Listed platforms are Linux and macOS.
- Email support is best-effort, not a stated SLA.
Containerlab: what it does well
- Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause.
- Topology files define nodes, links, and settings.
- Supports a wide range of network platforms.
- Offers CLI lifecycle commands and optional graphical interfaces.
- Can launch labs in GitLab CI and GitHub Actions.
What to know first
- Requires a Linux server or VM and Docker.
- Some operations require sudo privileges.
- Sudo-less setup can grant group members root-level privileges.
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