Metal-based non-skid coatings prepared by adopting thermal spraying technology can effectively enhance frictional resistance between material surfaces, and show excellent performance in terms of wear resistance and corrosion prevention, hence they are widely used in fields of industrial production, offshore platform and ship deck. Compared with polymer macromolecular non-skid coatings, metal-based coatings have such advantages as long service life, stable friction coefficient and no toxic solvent. Firstly, anti-skid principle, preparation technology and characteristics of the metal-based non-skid coatings were introduced. Research status and application background of four types of metal base (Al-based, Fe-based, NiCr-based and Co-based) were illustrated. Law of influence of such factors as spraying process parameters, powder parameters and service environment on tribological behavior of the coatings was analyzed. As non-skid coatings, Al-based coatings feature in good corrosion resistance and low price; Fe-based and NiCr-based coatings show good high temperature corrosion resistance and erosion resistance; but Fe-based amorphous coatings are at high cost; and Co-based coatings exhibit excellent low temperature corrosion resistance. In practical application, antiskid materials are selected according to service conditions, and spraying technologies are selected according to characteristics of the material itself. Finally, it was proposed that new non-skid materials, coating preparation technology and advanced characterization techniques would be focused research directions of metal-based non-skid coatings in the future.