NAPALM
NAPALM: A focused, self-hosted foundation for automating configuration and device data across vendors. Ranked #14 of 27 in Network Automation Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers needing a multivendor API.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers needing a multivendor API
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- DeploymentSelf_hosted
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Unified API across major network device vendors
- Supports configuration changes and deployment validation
- Integrates with Ansible, SaltStack, and StackStorm
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment and engineering ownership
- Python library format may not suit teams seeking a hosted service
- Workflow orchestration is outside its stated core capabilities
Our verdict on NAPALM
NAPALM is an open-source Python library for developers and network teams that need a common way to interact with devices from multiple vendors. Its unified API connects to devices, retrieves operational data, manipulates network configurations, and supports deployment validation. Core drivers cover Arista EOS, Cisco IOS, Cisco IOS-XR, Cisco NX-OS, and Juniper JunOS, with additional community drivers available. Linux, macOS, and API-based use are supported.
Its strongest fit is as an automation foundation rather than a complete operations platform. NAPALM supports loading and replacing configurations, device data retrieval, and validation workflows, while its CLI tools cover configuration, testing, and validation tasks. Integration with Ansible, SaltStack, and StackStorm allows teams to place those capabilities within existing automation environments. Developers who want a consistent interface across different network operating systems can build around that common layer instead of handling each vendor connection separately.
The trade-off is ownership and scope. NAPALM is self-hosted and delivered as a library, so teams are responsible for deployment and for shaping it into their preferred automation workflows. It is a strong choice for developers who want direct control over multivendor network automation and already work with Python or compatible frameworks. Teams seeking a hosted commercial service or a packaged workflow-orchestration environment should choose a broader platform instead.
Your product? Our editors can test NAPALM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
NAPALM pricing
NAPALM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Self_hosted |
| Configuration management | Yes |
| Workflow orchestration | Not verified |
| Network testing | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Arista EOS, Cisco IOS, Cisco IOS-XR, Cisco NX-OS, Juniper JunOS |
| Device limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Ansible, SaltStack, StackStorm |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
NAPALM integrations
NAPALM lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Ansible
- SaltStack
- StackStorm
Alternatives to NAPALM
- Arista CloudVisionBroad network automation and observability for Arista-led operations.9.3
- Cisco Catalyst SD-WANA mature SD-WAN platform for centralized enterprise connectivity, routing, and security.9.2
- TufinA broad network security policy platform for controlled firewall change and compliance.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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