Abstract: Development of high speed and high performance of mechanical equipments requires higher strength and better wear resistance of wear-resistant copper alloys. Although performance of traditional aluminum bronze series, manganese brass series and lead brass series alloys has been improved, their application scope is limited by various factors, such as material characteristics, processing technology and environmental protection, respectively. The application status and research progress of five typical wear-resistant copper alloys with high application values including Cu-Ni-Sn series, Cu-Al₂O₃ series, Cu-Nb series, Cu-C series (including copper/graphite, copper/graphene and copper/carbon nanotubes) and complex brass are described from preparation process, properties and application field. The problems in their development and application are analyzed, and their development prospect is also discussed.