Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are an inorganic material of double metal hydroxides with a layered structure. Due to anion exchangeability, LDHs have great application potential in the field of metal corrosion protection by uploading inhibitor, capturing corrosive ions, etc. The common preparation methods for LDHs powder and LDHs film were summarized, including co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, ion exchange, calcination reduction and urea synthesis used to prepare powder and colloidal deposition, solvent evaporation, spin coating, delamination assembly and in-situ growth used to prepare film. The advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods were comparatively analyzed. The interlayer anion exchange mechanism, physical barrier mechanism and collaborative anti-corrosion mechanism of LDHs were reviewed and analyzed. Further, the application of LDHs in the field of metal corrosion protection were categorized into three groups according to different forms of LDHs, namely the carrier added in in anti-corrosion coatings in the form of powder as corrosion inhibitor or additive, LDHs film growing in situ directly on the surface of metal substrate by chemical transformation and loading of corrosion inhibitor or chemical modification; sealing of the anodic oxide film. Finally, the application and development trend of LDHs in the field of metal corrosion protection were prospected.