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BIRD Internet Routing Daemon

Free#15 of 25 in Virtual Routers Software

BIRD Internet Routing Daemon: A free, self-hosted routing daemon for teams that need protocol breadth and routing control. Ranked #15 of 25 in Virtual Routers Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux routing deployments needing mature open-source tools.

7.7/10Editor score
Visit BIRD
BIRD Internet Routing Daemon7.7 Visit BIRD

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.7 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Linux routing deployments needing mature open-source tools
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Deployment type
    Virtual machine
  • Founded
    1998 · Prague, Czechia
  • Facts checked
    24 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Supports BGP, OSPF, RIP, and Babel for IPv4 and IPv6.
    • Provides multiple routing tables and a powerful route-filtering language.
    • Includes L3VPN, VRF, EVPN, and RPKI validation support.

  • Where it doesn't

    • Deployment is self-hosted on Unix-like systems.
    • Configuration and control are command-line oriented.
    • Support channels are community and documentation.

Our verdict on BIRD Internet Routing Daemon

BIRD Internet Routing Daemon is open-source software for exchanging routes and calculating forwarding tables across IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Maintained by CZ.NIC, it is suited to routing teams operating internet exchange points, data centers, ISP networks, or routing-analysis deployments. Its protocol coverage and routing controls fit operators who want a self-hosted daemon rather than a managed virtual router. The listed platform support is Linux and self-hosted, so it is not a fit for teams seeking a hosted service or a broader deployment choice.

Its scope goes beyond basic route exchange. BIRD supports BGP, OSPF, RIP, and Babel, as well as multiple routing tables and route exchange between them. A route-filtering language provides control over route policy, while command-line tools support online control and status inspection. Soft configuration reloading is also included. VPN-related functions include L3VPN, VRF, and BGP VPN/EVPN capabilities; the product also supports RPKI/ROA and ASPA validation. This breadth makes BIRD relevant to deployments with varied routing needs, though its command-line orientation is a consideration for teams that prefer graphical administration.

BIRD itself is free and open source, with no product tier distinction described. That makes it a practical candidate for mid-market and enterprise teams that can operate self-hosted routing software and value protocol and policy control. The listed support channels are community and documentation, rather than a specified direct support offering. Organizations that need managed deployment, a non-command-line operating model, or a defined vendor support arrangement should weigh alternatives. Choose BIRD when Linux-based self-hosting and mature routing capabilities align with the team's operational model.

Your product? Our editors can test BIRD Internet Routing Daemon in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

BIRD Internet Routing Daemon pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on bird.nic.cz

BIRD Internet Routing Daemon fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Deployment typeVirtual machine
Routing protocolsBGP, OSPF, RIP, Babel
Max throughputNot verified
VPN supportYes
High availabilityYes
Cloud platformsNot verified
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsLinux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forMid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitebird.nic.cz
Facts checked24 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — BIRD Internet Routing Daemon 7.7/10

BIRD Internet Routing Daemon is listed in our Virtual Routers Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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