Overview

EVE-NG is a server-based network emulation platform for building virtual labs and proof-of-concept environments. It is best suited to network, security, and DevOps professionals who need multivendor labs or training environments; its strongest draw is the combination of topology design, real-network connections, and broad hosting choices.

It can also serve e-learning providers, enterprises, individual practitioners, and collaborators. The trade-off is that plan limits and role access matter: the free tier is restricted to an administrator, while Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.

For category comparisons, see Network Simulation Software and Network Testing Software.

Key features

Topology design and lab connections

A click-and-play topology designer, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports give teams several ways to assemble and manage lab layouts. Hot links connect running nodes, and the platform can interact with real networks. That makes it useful for constructing and connecting realistic lab environments, rather than limiting work to isolated diagrams.

Emulation and integrations

EVE-NG supports real-time emulation and hardware-in-the-loop. Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. The capacity is a meaningful advantage for large scenarios, but it does not erase the more restrictive free-tier caps.

Integrations include an integrated NAT cloud, Docker-integrated Wireshark, and RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication. Multi-server RADIUS and Active Directory support can matter to organizations that need to connect lab access with authentication systems. An automation API is also supported.

Hosting and license behavior

Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, as well as Google Cloud platform VMs. This range gives teams flexibility to place labs in different virtualization environments. Professional licenses periodically validate online; after receiving a validity token, they can be used offline for 24 hours. Live chat support is offered at no additional cost at EVE-NG LTD’s discretion, without a guarantee of service.

Pricing

EVE-NG uses a freemium model. The Freemium plan is free and allows 7 nodes per EVE instance and 63 nodes per lab, with Admin role only. Those limits make it a practical starting point for individual labs, but the single role restricts collaboration and administration flexibility.

EVE-NG Base costs 150.00 EUR per contact and allows up to 1024 nodes per lab, with Admin role only. It suits a user who needs larger labs but not multiple user roles. EVE-NG RBL also costs 150.00 EUR per contact and supports admins, editors, and users, with up to 1024 nodes per lab; added roles are priced separately. RBL is the more suitable paid option for shared work, though teams should account for the extra role costs.

The displayed prices are informational; the actual price appears in the buyer’s local currency, and a preferred currency can be selected. The Community Edition’s support and end of life ended in June 2026, so it is not a sensible choice for users who need ongoing Community Edition support.

Platforms

EVE-NG lists Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted platforms, with server deployment. Its hosting support spans Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion, Player, and Google Cloud platform VMs. The mix favors organizations and practitioners able to provision and manage a server environment over users looking for a purely local desktop application.

Who it's for

EVE-NG is a strong fit for network, security, and DevOps professionals who need substantial emulation labs, real-network connectivity, or hardware-in-the-loop support. Enterprises and training providers can benefit from its authentication integrations and, on RBL, multiple user roles. Individuals can begin on the free plan, provided the 7-node instance cap and Admin-only access fit their needs.

It is less compelling for groups that need collaboration without paying for role access, or for users who require continuing Community Edition support. The Base plan’s Admin-only model also makes it a poor match for teams that need distinct editor and user roles.

Pros and cons

Pros: Topology tools, XML labs, and configuration import and export support structured lab creation and exchange.
Pros: Professional plans scale to 1024 nodes per lab and add KVM acceleration and Docker support for larger or more varied emulation setups.
Pros: Real-network connections, hardware-in-the-loop, and broad virtualization hosting support suit complex lab environments.
Cons: The free plan permits only 7 nodes per instance and 63 per lab, with Admin role only, limiting both scale and collaboration.
Cons: Base remains Admin-only, while RBL charges separately for added roles, raising the cost of broader team access.
Cons: Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026; Professional offline use is limited to 24 hours after a validity token is received.

Alternatives

Choose OMNeT++ if a free noncommercial tool for teaching or research fits better; commercial use requires a separate arrangement. IMUNES is a free option for readers seeking an alternative with Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows support.

Cisco Modeling Labs may suit readers who want a free tier capped at 5 running nodes or paid personal plans for 20 or 40 Cisco nodes, each for one user. Kathará is a free open-source alternative with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

NetSim by Tetcos is worth considering for Windows users seeking a free individual-use Lite plan or an academic plan with 100 nodes and 35+ inbuilt lab experiments. ns-3 is a free GPLv2 option for publicly available research, development, and use.

OMNEST is an alternative for readers seeking a commercial annual license, available by quotation and valid for 12 months. Cloonix is a free AGPLv3 option for users able to work with a Linux host.

Verdict

EVE-NG is a strong choice for network, security, and DevOps professionals who need a flexible, high-capacity emulation lab with real-network connectivity and multiple hosting paths. Its principal advantage is the combination of large Professional labs, topology tools, integrations, and hardware-in-the-loop support. Look elsewhere if you need Community Edition support, substantial free capacity, or multi-role team access without role charges.

	EVE-NG	Mahimahi
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial		No
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Linux
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Simulation model	emulation	emulation
Real-time emulation	Yes
Hardware-in-the-loop	Yes
Deployment options	server
Documented node limit	1,024 nodes
Automation API	Yes	Yes

EVE-NG vs Mahimahi

EVE-NG

Mahimahi