Laser cladding technology is an advanced surface treatment technology and has the advantages of low dilution rate, dense structure, good bonding between coating and substrate, and pollution-free working environment. The research progress of laser cladding technology was reviewed from four aspects: laser cladding nozzle, laser cladding process, laser cladding material, and industrial application. In the aspect of laser cladding nozzles, the types and conversion principles of laser spots and the introduction methods of cladding materials were introduced. In addition, the coupling mode of laser beam and powder beam and the types of cladding nozzles were summarized, including paraxial powder feeding cladding nozzle, outside-laser coaxial powder feeding nozzle, inside-laser coaxial powder feeding nozzle and cladding nozzle under special working conditions. In terms of laser cladding process, the influence of process parameters on the macro morphology and microstructure of the cladding layer was described. The auxiliary processing methods of laser cladding were summarized. The principle and technical advantages of extreme high-speed laser cladding, and the research progress of process control of laser cladding were introduced. In laser cladding materials, the types of cladding materials and the addition methods of reinforcement phase were introduced. In the industrial applications of laser cladding technology, the application of mining machinery, mold and rails was described. Finally, the development trend and application prospects of laser cladding technology were prospected.