Nebula
Nebula: A self-hosted network monitor that combines device discovery with interactive topology maps. Ranked #25 of 45 in Network Topology Mapping Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams wanting a free self-hosted topology monitor.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams wanting a free self-hosted topology monitor
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Automated discoveryYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Automatically scans subnets and discovers devices for an inventory.
- Interactive topology maps sit alongside SNMP and multi-protocol monitoring.
- Historical metrics, alerts, and lightweight remote-site collectors are included.
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment rather than a hosted service.
- Plugin architecture means integrations depend on available plugins.
- Discovery and monitoring depth may not suit teams needing verified dependency mapping.
Our verdict on Nebula
Nebula brings network discovery, monitoring, and topology mapping into an open-source platform for network administrators, managed service providers, and infrastructure teams. It scans subnets to build device inventories, gathers metrics through SNMP and other protocols, and displays devices in interactive maps through a web dashboard. Its self-hosted deployment and no-cost open-source code make it relevant to teams that want to operate their own network visibility toolkit rather than subscribe to a hosted service.
The product’s core workflow links discovery with ongoing monitoring. Teams can track bandwidth, CPU, and memory metrics, set threshold alerts and notifications, and review historical metrics and analytics. Lightweight collectors are intended for remote sites, extending the monitoring approach across distributed environments. Role-based access control and audit logs support access governance, while a plugin architecture provides room for polling methods and integrations. The listed platforms include web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API, and self-hosted use.
Nebula is a stronger fit for teams comfortable managing an on-premises tool and its plugins than for buyers seeking a ready-made hosted service or a documented catalog of integrations. Email and community are its support channels. According to the vendor’s pricing information, the open-source code can be used at no cost; the vendor does not publish tiered plans. Choose Nebula when self-managed discovery, maps, and multi-protocol metrics are the priorities. Consider alternatives if your decision depends on established integration coverage or verified dependency-mapping depth.
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Nebula pricing
Nebula fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Automated discovery | Yes |
| Dependency mapping | Not verified |
| Topology views | Not verified |
| Deployment | On-premises |
| Device limit | Not verified |
| Network data sources | SNMP and other protocols |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | nebula-project.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Nebula
- SolarWinds Network Topology MapperA dedicated mapper for teams that need automated discovery, change detection, and exportable diagrams.9.2
- ManageEngine OpManagerSelf-hosted network monitoring with device discovery, Layer 2 maps, traffic analysis, and alerts.9.0
- Datadog Network Performance MonitoringPairs topology and path views with traffic monitoring and application correlation.8.9
Also Ranked In
Nebula is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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