Best Network Simulation Software in 2026
Updated
In short: EVE-NG is ranked #1 of 29 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of IMUNES and NetSim by Tetcos. The best-ranked option with a free plan is IMUNES.
Network simulation tools offer different ways to work with models and emulation, making the intended setup an important point of comparison. Compared on simulation model, real-time emulation, and hardware-in-the-loop, the entries also include details on automation APIs, deployment options, and documented node limits. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing provide additional cost context. GNS3 begins the ranking, followed by EVE-NG and NetSim by Tetcos; OMNeT++, ns-3, Containerlab, IMUNES, and EMANE appear next. Consider which capabilities matter for your work, from the model or emulation approach to deployment and any stated node limit.
29 network simulation software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 EVE-NG No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 2 IMUNES No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 3 NetSim by Tetcos No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Simulation model: discrete-eventReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 4 OMNeT++ No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Simulation model: discrete-eventReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 5 EMANE No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: Yes
- 6 GNS3 No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Simulation model: hybridReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 7 Kathará No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Simulation model: emulation
- 8 ns-3 No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Simulation model: discrete-eventReal-time emulation: Yes
- 9 Containerlab No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2Free
- 10 Cisco Packet Tracer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3
- 11 Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 12 Marionnet No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: emulation
- 13 Mininet No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: emulation
- 14 Mininet-WiFi No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: emulation
- 15 PacketStorm Network Emulators No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 16 Shadow No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Simulation model: hybridReal-time emulation: No
- 17 Cloonix No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2Free Simulation model: emulation
- 18 EXata Network Modeling No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: hybridReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 19 Mahimahi No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: emulation
- 20 Netropy Network Emulator No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: emulationReal-time emulation: Yes
- 21 NetSim No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2
- 22 OMNEST No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: discrete-eventReal-time emulation: YesHardware-in-the-loop: Yes
- 23 PNETLab No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: emulation
- 24 QuNetSim No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Simulation model: discrete-event
- 25 Days No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1 Simulation model: discrete-event
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which network simulation software is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
EVE-NG is ranked #1 of 29 with a score of 6.4. IMUNES is second and NetSim by Tetcos third.
How many of these have a free plan?
10 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.