Superhydrophobic surfaces have been widely used in corrosion protection of metals because of the unique micro/nano-scaled roughness and low surface energy properties which can form a layer of air cushion physical barrier and reduce the contact area with water or other corrosive media. Firstly, the theory of superhydrophobic surfaces was introduced briefly, mainly including Young‘s equation, Wenzel model and Cassie-Baxter model. Then, three effective ways to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces were summarized: the micro/nano-scaled roughness structure was constructed on low surface energy materials; the micro/nano-scaled rough structure was first constructed, and the surface was modified with low surface energy; and the construction of low surface energy modification and micro/nano-scaled roughness was completed at the same time. On this basis, the application of common superhydrophobic surfaces (films or coatings) in metal protection was reviewed in detail. The application of superhydrophobic surface with active protection function in metal protection by introducing corrosion inhibitor into super-hydrophobic system was further introduced. Finally, the problems of the complicated preparation process and unsatisfactory durability of the currently used superhydrophobic surface were pointed out. In addition, the application prospect and development direction of superhydrophobic surface in the field of metal protection were prospected.