Abstract: Research progress of low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant polyolefin cable materials in recent years were reviewed from the aspects of matrix resin and flame retardant. Flame retardant mechanism and research progress of metal hydroxide flame retardant, phosphorus flame retardant, intumescent flame retardant system and bio-based flame retardant system were analyzed and introduced. Research status of low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant cable materials was comprehensively expounded. Finally, development of low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant technology in the field of cable materials was prospected to be efficient, green, intelligent and multifunctional, such as the gradual rise of bio-based flame retardant.