EVE-NG vs ns-3

EVE-NG9.0Visit Nns-38.7Visit

Higher score EVE-NG #3 in Network Simulation Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit EVE-NG

vs

N ns-3 #6 in Network Simulation Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit ns-3

• EVE-NG fits best

  Large multivendor browser-based labs

• ns-3 fits best

  Open-source discrete-event research

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Side by side

Feature	EVE-NG 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Nns-3 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.7
Ranking	#3 in Network Simulation Software	#6 in Network Simulation Software
Best for	Large multivendor browser-based labs	Open-source discrete-event research
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	€150/yr	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Live chat, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features EVE-NG 3/3 · ns-3 2/3
Real-time emulation	✓	✓
Hardware-in-the-loop	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Automation API	✓	✓
Specs
Simulation model	Emulation	Discrete-event
Deployment options	Server	Desktop
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	Free and open source for research and education Broad wireless, IP, routing, mobility, and device models Real-time, tracing, visualization, and MPI support
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	Desktop deployment without a web interface Scenario development uses C++ or Python programs Integrations are limited to a focused set of tools
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 →	ns-3 is a free, open-source discrete-event network simulator for Internet systems. It is aimed primarily at networking research and education, supporting models for IP and non-IP networks, wireless technologies, routing, applications,… Read the review →

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

• ns-3 — where it wins

  • Free and open source for research and education
  • Broad wireless, IP, routing, mobility, and device models
  • Real-time, tracing, visualization, and MPI support

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop deployment without a web interface
  • Scenario development uses C++ or Python programs
  • Integrations are limited to a focused set of tools

• EVE-NG9.0/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit EVE-NGFull verdict →
• Nns-38.7/10 · Free plan

  A free, research-focused simulator with broad network models and desktop-based workflows.

  Visit ns-3Full verdict →