Abstract: Metal matrix syntactic foam is a new type of structural and functional porous composite which is made of hollow particles and metal matrix. It has many excellent properties, such as lightweight, high specific strength, high specific stiffness, high energy absorption, thermal insulation, sound absorption, noise insulation and electromagnetic shielding. High energy absorption capability is a prominent feature of metal matrix syntactic foam, and it has a broad application prospect in the fields of anti-collision damping, shock absorption, buffer and explosion-proof and anti-vibration, such as automobile, aerospace, military equipment and ships and so on. In this paper, the matrix materials, hollow particles filling materials, the factors affecting the compressive energy absorption properties and the energy absorption mechanism of metal matrix syntactic foam were summarized. This paper focuses on the preparation process of metal matrix syntactic foam. The research progresses of the energy absorption mechanisms of aluminum based, magnesium based, zinc based and steel based syntactic foams in recent years were emphatically reported, and some problems existing in the current research and the application status of metal matrix syntactic foams were analyzed. Finally, the prospect of the research and development trend of metal matrix syntactic foam was prospected.