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Head-to-head · Network Simulation Software

EVE-NG vs Common Open Research Emulator (CORE)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score EVE-NG #3 in Network Simulation Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit EVE-NG
Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) #8 in Network Simulation Software 8.5/10 Open source ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit CORE

EVE-NG leads on 0 checks, Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEVE-NG · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly EVE-NG

EVE-NG scores higher on our rubric for network simulation software: 9.0 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

EVE-NG is the better fit for large multivendor browser-based labs. Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) is the better fit for linux-based real-time network emulation.

  • EVE-NG fits best

    Large multivendor browser-based labs

  • Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) fits best

    Linux-based real-time network emulation

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Side by side

Feature EVE-NG 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.5
Ranking #3 in Network Simulation Software #8 in Network Simulation Software
Best for Large multivendor browser-based labs Linux-based real-time network emulation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price €150/yr Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Linux
Support Live chat, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Features EVE-NG 3/3 · Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) 3/3
Real-time emulation ✓ ✓
Hardware-in-the-loop ✓ ✓
Automation API ✓ ✓
Specs
Simulation model Emulation Emulation
Deployment options Server Not checked yet
Documented node limit 1024 nodes Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans
  • Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls
  • Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API
  • Real-time emulation with lightweight virtual nodes and Linux namespaces
  • Connects physical networks and hardware through physical interfaces
  • Python and gRPC APIs support programmable automation and distributed execution
Cons
  • The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance
  • Freemium accounts are admin-only
  • Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually
  • Linux-only platform coverage
  • Self-hosted deployment requires managing the software environment
  • Emulation-focused design may not fit users seeking other simulation models
Our verdict

EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security and DevOps professionals. Enterprises, training providers, individuals and collaborators can use it to build virtual proof-of-concept, testing and training…

Read the review →

Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) is free, open-source software for building and running emulated computer networks on Linux. It is aimed at network and protocol researchers, application testers, security teams, educators, and users…

Read the review →
  1. EVE-NGNetwork Simulation Software 9.0Free plan
  2. Common Open Research Emulator (CORE)Network Simulation Software 8.5Open source

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EVE-NG — where it wins

    • Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans
    • Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls
    • Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API

    Where it doesn't

    • The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance
    • Freemium accounts are admin-only
    • Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually

  • Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) — where it wins

    • Real-time emulation with lightweight virtual nodes and Linux namespaces
    • Connects physical networks and hardware through physical interfaces
    • Python and gRPC APIs support programmable automation and distributed execution

    Where it doesn't

    • Linux-only platform coverage
    • Self-hosted deployment requires managing the software environment
    • Emulation-focused design may not fit users seeking other simulation models
  • EVE-NG9.0/10 · Free plan

    A broad emulation platform for large, collaborative multivendor network labs.

    Visit EVE-NGFull verdict →
  • Common Open Research Emulator (CORE)8.5/10 · Open source

    A flexible Linux emulator for topology design, protocol research, and hardware-in-the-loop work.

    Visit COREFull verdict →

More comparisons

All network simulation software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update