NetBox is an excellent source of truth for what your infrastructure looks like. Netra is where you manage changes to live DNS. They solve different problems — and many teams run both together.
NetBox tells you what exists. Netra helps you change what exists — safely, with approval and audit.
Where each tool's scope begins and ends.
| Capability | Netra | NetBox |
|---|---|---|
| DNS record managementCreate, modify, delete live DNS records | YesWrite operations to live providers | NoDocumentation only, no write ops |
| Approval workflowsSubmit → approve → apply | YesBuilt-in, two-person rule | NoNot an operational tool |
| Drift detectionDetect out-of-band DNS changes | YesContinuous, automatic | No |
| Multi-provider DNSManage multiple DNS providers | Yes5 provider types | NoNot a DNS management tool |
| Infrastructure documentationModel racks, devices, cabling | NoDNS operations only | YesCore feature — DCIM |
| IPAMIP address and prefix management | No | YesCore feature |
| Circuit trackingISP and circuit documentation | No | Yes |
| NotificationsSlack, Teams, email alerts | Yes7 channels + one-click actions | PartialWebhooks only |
| REST APIProgrammatic access | YesNamed API tokens | YesExcellent, well-documented |
| Modern UIClean, responsive interface | YesCmd+K, dark mode, SPA | YesModern, well-designed |
| CI/CD integrationPipeline-driven workflows | YesGitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps | PartialVia API and webhooks |
| CostAnnual licensing | $5,000/yr | FreeOpen source (NetBox Labs offers paid support) |
Many teams run NetBox as their source of truth for infrastructure documentation and Netra as their operational layer for DNS changes. NetBox tells you what should exist. Netra enforces how changes get made — with approvals, audit trails, and drift detection to ensure reality matches documentation.
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