EVE-NG

Overview

EVE-NG is a server-based network emulation environment for building and connecting virtual labs. It suits network, security, and DevOps professionals who need to develop proof-of-concept setups or training environments, including teams working together. Its strongest case is flexible, large-scale lab design; the main trade-off is that role access and node capacity depend on the plan, and Community Edition support has ended.

Topology design, real-time emulation, and links to real networks make EVE-NG relevant to both controlled training and solution work. It supports hardware-in-the-loop and offers a range of hosting options, but it is not a general-purpose desktop application: deployment is server-based.

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

Key features

Build and connect labs

A click-and-play topology designer is paired with configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports. That mix gives users several ways to shape and exchange lab layouts. Hot links connect running nodes, and users can interact with real networks, which makes the platform useful when a lab needs to reflect more than an isolated virtual setup.

Emulation and integrations

EVE-NG lists real-time emulation and hardware-in-the-loop support. Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and capacity for up to 1024 nodes per lab. The feature comparison also includes Docker-integrated Wireshark and an integrated NAT cloud. RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, including multi-server RADIUS support, can support organizations that need centralized EVE user authentication.

Hosting and operational terms

Supported hosting environments include Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, as well as Google Cloud platform VMs. This gives administrators multiple deployment paths, though the listed deployment model remains server-based. A Professional license periodically validates online; after receiving a validity token, it can be used offline for 24 hours. EVE-NG LTD may provide live chat support at no additional cost, at its discretion, without guaranteeing it.

Pricing

EVE-NG offers a free plan and paid plans from €150/yr. The Buy page says its displayed price is informational: the actual amount appears in the buyer’s location currency, with a preferred currency selectable.

The free plan's 7-node instance ceiling is a more immediate constraint than its 63-node lab limit for anyone running multiple or larger environments. Base raises lab capacity but retains admin-only access, so it does not solve team role separation. RBL adds multi-role access, but additional roles cost extra. Both paid plans show a contact-based price rather than a stated billing term, so the €150/yr starting note should not be read as a confirmed renewal schedule for either plan.

Community Edition is no longer a supported fallback: its support and end of life ended in June 2026.

Platforms

EVE-NG supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted use, with server deployment. Its hosting options include Proxmox, VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion and Player, and Google Cloud platform VMs. This breadth gives administrators choices in where to host labs, while the server model means platform support should not be mistaken for a promise of a standalone local workflow.

Who it's for

EVE-NG is best suited to network, security, and DevOps practitioners who need configurable emulation labs, real-network connectivity, or training environments. The free tier can serve an individual exploring modest labs; the paid plans are more appropriate when a lab needs up to 1024 nodes, and RBL is the relevant choice when editors and users need roles beyond admin. It is a weaker fit for users who need a supported Community Edition, larger free instances, or collaborative roles without separately priced additions.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Flexible lab design: Topology editing, configuration exchange, XML labs, and image or map imports support varied lab setups.
• Broad emulation toolkit: Real-time emulation, hardware-in-the-loop, hot links, and real-network interaction serve both training and solution work.
• Room to scale: Professional offerings support up to 1024 nodes per lab, with Docker options and KVM acceleration.
• Multiple hosting paths: Support for hypervisors and Google Cloud platform VMs gives administrators deployment choices.

Cons

• Restrictive free instance cap: Seven nodes per EVE instance can limit experimentation before the 63-node lab ceiling is reached.
• Roles are gated: Base remains admin-only, while RBL charges separately for added roles, complicating team cost planning.
• Community Edition has ended: Its support and end of life ended in June 2026, removing it as a supported alternative to paid plans.
• Support is discretionary: Live chat may be provided at no added cost, but it is not guaranteed.

Alternatives

Choose IMUNES if you want a free option with Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows support. NetSim by Tetcos is worth considering for individual Windows use through its free NetSim Lite plan; its Academic plan lists 100 nodes and 35+ inbuilt lab experiments, with academic pricing. OMNeT++ may fit noncommercial teaching or research, with separate terms for commercial use. For mission-critical mobile wireless systems work, consider EMANE. GNS3 is a free, open-source option across Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Choose Kathará if you want free open-source software with API support. ns-3 is free GPLv2 software for research, development, and use. Containerlab is a free alternative for Linux servers or VMs where Docker is installed; some operations require sudo privileges.

Verdict

Choose EVE-NG for serious network, security, or DevOps lab work when configurable topologies, real-network connections, and substantial per-lab capacity matter. Its free plan offers a way to start, but the instance cap is tight, Base does not add team roles, and RBL adds role costs. Look elsewhere if a supported community edition or predictable, role-inclusive pricing is central to your decision.