Objective To prepare Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays with excellent antibacterial activity and photocatalytic performance. Methods The Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays were synthesized directly on Ti foils by magnetron sputtering and hydrothermal treatment method. The acid treated sample was calcined at 500 degrees for 2 hours. The phase composition of the synthesized samples was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Surface cross sectional morphology microstructure and chemical elements were observed by scanning electron Microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Energy Dispersive Spec- troscopy(EDS). The photocatalytic antibacterial performance after contact with S. aureus and E. coli was assessed. And the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was measured under visible light. Results The results showed that the anatase TiO2 phase nanorods had uniform size and obvious orientation. The Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays showed excellent efficient antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and almost all of the bacteria were killed. The result of photocatalytic experiment showed that the degradation rate of methylene blue was effectively improved by the Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays. Conclusion The Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays were successfully synthesized on Ti foils substrate by the composite technology of magnetron sputtering and hydrothermal treatment method. The Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays showed excellent antibacterial activity and a better photocatalytic performance.