Objective To improve the corrosion resistance of Ni-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings. Methods Ni-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings were prepared by common electrodeposition, rotating cathode electrodeposition, ultrasound electrodeposition and ultrasound-rotating cathode electrodeposition. The ZrO2 content and the surface morphology of nanocomposite coatings were analyzed. The corrosion resistance of Ni-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings was studied. Results Although the ZrO2 content of the coating prepared by common electrodeposition was high, it had coarse grain and loose structure. Its corrosion rate was high and the surface morphology was corroded with many pits or holes. The ZrO2 contents of the coating prepared by rotating cathode electrodeposition or ultrasound electrodeposition decreased. But its grains became refined and the corrosion resistance was good. The ZrO2 content of the coating prepared by ultrasound-rotating cathode electrodeposition was the lowest. But it had the highest degree of grain refinement and structure density in these four methods. The corrosion rate was the lowest and the corrosion resistance was the highest. Conclusion The ZrO2 content and microstructure were influenced by ultrasound and ultrasound-rotating in electrodeposition. The nanocomposite coatings prepared by ultrasound-rotating cathode electrodeposition exhibited excellent corrosion resistance.