Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted the attention of related researchers because of their excellent performance such as no memory effects, environmental-friendly and small self-discharge. The development of information electronics, electric vehicles and smart grids has created a huge demand for high energy density, long cycle life and low cost LIBs. As one of the important components of LIBs, the performance of anodes has an important impact on the overall indicators of the battery, the material used as anode is required to have high specific capacity and excellent cycling performance and other characteristics. Lithium metal is easy to form dendrites in the reaction process, and its commercial application is limited. The carbon base anode, lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) and silicon carbon anode are also difficult to meet the requirements of practical applications, the research of new anode materials has become a new hotspot. In this paper, the research status of anode materials for LIB was reviewed, the advantages and disadvantages of anode materials such as carbon based anode, Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, silicon carbon anode and new anode material were summarized and analyzed. Besides that, the research direction of anode materials for LIB was pointed out, and the prospect of anode materials was prospected.