EVE-NG review
A broad emulation platform for large, collaborative multivendor network labs.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 environments. Its browser-based HTML5 interface supports multivendor network devices, topology design, Docker containers, configuration import and export, packet capture, multiuser labs and connections to real networks. Deployment options include virtual machines, bare-metal servers and supported cloud environments, with API access available for automation.
The plan structure separates individual experimentation from larger shared labs. The Freemium edition is free and allows 7 nodes per EVE instance, with admin-only accounts. EVE-NG Base costs €150 per year with annual billing and adds paid Pro features, 1,024 nodes per lab and two simultaneous admin users. EVE-NG RBL uses role-based licensing and supports 1,024 nodes per lab with additional roles. The published pricing is in EUR, while the purchase price may vary by location currency. Teams should compare the plan's account model with their collaboration requirements before choosing a tier.
Its feature depth suits labs that need more than basic topology modeling. Integrated Wireshark packet capture, Docker support, link controls for bandwidth, delay, jitter and packet loss, clustering, concurrent lab support and a REST-style JSON API cover a wide range of network emulation workflows. Hardware-in-the-loop capability comes from connections to real networks, while the documented 1,024-node limit gives paid labs a defined scale boundary. EVE-NG is a strong fit for multivendor, browser-based environments and structured training or testing. It is less suitable for small labs that need more than 7 free nodes or for teams that require non-admin roles without moving to role-based licensing.
EVE-NG pros and cons
- 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
EVE-NG fact sheet, pricing and score →
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