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Head-to-head · Network Simulation Software

GNS3 vs Cisco Modeling Labs

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score GNS3 #1 in Network Simulation Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit GNS3
Cisco Modeling Labs #2 in Network Simulation Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Cisco CML

GNS3 leads on 1 check, Cisco Modeling Labs on 0, and 3 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 scoreGNS3 · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresGNS3 · 3 of 3

GNS3 scores higher on our rubric for network simulation software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

GNS3 offers hardware-in-the-loop; Cisco Modeling Labs doesn't. On deployment options, Cisco Modeling Labs gives you Server where GNS3 offers Desktop.

GNS3 is the better fit for free, broad multivendor network labs. Cisco Modeling Labs is the better fit for teams needing Cisco-focused lab automation.

  • GNS3 fits best

    Free, broad multivendor network labs

  • Cisco Modeling Labs fits best

    Teams needing Cisco-focused lab automation

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature GNS3 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Cisco Modeling Labs 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Network Simulation Software #2 in Network Simulation Software
Best for Free, broad multivendor network labs Teams needing Cisco-focused lab automation
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Linux, Windows, macOS
Support Docs, Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features GNS3 3/3 · Cisco Modeling Labs 1/3
Real-time emulation ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Hardware-in-the-loop ✓ (best) —
Automation API ✓ ✓
Specs
Simulation model Hybrid Not checked yet
Deployment options Desktop Server
Documented node limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines built-in simulation with actual-device emulation
  • Supports local, remote, cloud, and physical-network connections
  • Includes packet capture, Wireshark integration, and a REST API
  • Cisco and third-party images with browser-based lab management
  • REST APIs, Python automation, and integrations with pyATS, Ansible, and Terraform
  • Clustering, external connectivity, Wireshark streaming, Docker, and KVM support
Cons
  • Practical scale depends on available hardware
  • Complex labs may require multiple deployment components
  • Actual-device emulation depends on compatible device images
  • Personal and Personal Plus are single-user plans with fixed node capacity
  • CML Cloud Phase 1 is an invite-only proof of concept
  • It does not emulate physical hardware or act as a discrete-event simulator
Our verdict

GNS3 is open-source software for building, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting virtual and real networks. It is designed for network engineers, students, educators, and organizations that need multivendor topologies, certification…

Read the review →

Cisco Modeling Labs is a network simulation platform for network engineers, students, educators, and enterprise teams. It provides an HTML5 interface for creating and managing virtual labs with Cisco and third-party virtual machine images.…

Read the review →
  1. GNS3Network Simulation Software 9.4Free plan
  2. Cisco Modeling LabsNetwork Simulation Software 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GNS3 — where it wins

    • Combines built-in simulation with actual-device emulation
    • Supports local, remote, cloud, and physical-network connections
    • Includes packet capture, Wireshark integration, and a REST API

    Where it doesn't

    • Practical scale depends on available hardware
    • Complex labs may require multiple deployment components
    • Actual-device emulation depends on compatible device images

  • Cisco Modeling Labs — where it wins

    • Cisco and third-party images with browser-based lab management
    • REST APIs, Python automation, and integrations with pyATS, Ansible, and Terraform
    • Clustering, external connectivity, Wireshark streaming, Docker, and KVM support

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal and Personal Plus are single-user plans with fixed node capacity
    • CML Cloud Phase 1 is an invite-only proof of concept
    • It does not emulate physical hardware or act as a discrete-event simulator
  • GNS39.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, broad multivendor lab for simulating, emulating, and connecting real networks.

    Visit GNS3Full verdict →
  • Cisco Modeling Labs9.2/10 · Free plan

    A Cisco-focused virtual lab with broad automation, integration, and deployment options.

    Visit Cisco CMLFull 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