| Feature | EVE-NG Community | EVE-NG Professional | |---|---|---| | Price | Free | Paid (Subscription) | | Node limit per lab | 63 | 1024 | | Concurrent users | 2 admins only | Multiple users allowed | | Running multiple labs together | Not supported | Supported | | Wireshark capture | Local wrapper | Integrated Docker Wireshark | | Export/Import configs to local PC | Not supported | Supported | | Multi startup configuration | Not supported | Supported | | Shared lab folder | Not supported | Supported |
Once installed, you will need to upload your QEMU images ( .qcow2 ) for routers, switches, and firewalls into the proper directories. Conclusion
Native support for Docker containers and custom Dockers, including Wireshark packet capture directly via Docker.
EVE-NG Pro allows multiple users to work on the same lab simultaneously. It includes advanced user management, allowing organizations to create folders, assign labs, and manage permissions, making it ideal for team collaboration or, if you're a trainer, leading virtual classes. 4. Docker Container Support eve ng pro full
Managing QEMU and Docker images in the Community version can sometimes feel "hacky," requiring CLI manipulation. The Pro version offers a polished web-based interface for uploading, deleting, and managing your image libraries. It streamlines the workflow, letting you focus on the network design rather than the backend Linux configuration.
The Professional Edition introduces critical "Quality of Life" features that are missing from the free version:
: Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab , compared to the 63-node limit in the Community version. | Feature | EVE-NG Community | EVE-NG Professional
EVE-NG Professional (EVE-NG Pro) is the commercial, feature-rich edition of the Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation (EVE‑NG) platform. It provides an integrated, web-based environment for building, running, and testing multi-vendor network topologies using virtualized network OS images (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, hosts) and other appliances. EVE‑NG Pro is intended for network engineers, architects, training providers, and labs that need advanced functionality, scale, and collaboration beyond the community (free) edition.
To leverage the full potential of EVE-NG Pro, it is recommended to install the platform on a dedicated server or a high-performance workstation using VMware ESXi or VMware Workstation.
EVE-NG (which stands for Emulated Virtual Environment - Next Generation) started as a project called UNetLab. The developers wanted to create an "all-in-one" solution. Instead of installing software on your Windows PC, you install EVE-NG as an operating system (Linux-based) on a server or VM. You access it entirely through a web browser. The Pro version offers a polished web-based interface
For casual study or passing an associate-level exam (like CCNA), the free Community edition is usually sufficient. However, if your responsibilities include , EVE-NG Pro is worth every penny. The time saved by dynamic hot-linking, live packet capturing, and multi-user collaboration pays for the annual license cost almost immediately. If you are planning to deploy EVE-NG Pro, let me know:
This sounds technical, but it is vital for automation. EVE-NG Pro has built-in API support. If you use Python, Ansible, or Terraform to configure networks, the Pro version allows these external tools to query the topology (e.g., "Give me the IP address of Router 1") automatically.
The platform receives regular updates, with version 6.4.0-78 released in January 2026. New features include real-time traffic visualization, enhanced Docker support, and performance optimizations.
Senior engineers can join a junior engineer's active lab to troubleshoot a configuration live.
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