Abstract: Superconducting cable is a revolutionary technology in the field of power transmission. In order to make use of the superior performance of second-generation high-temperature superconductor rare earth barium copper oxygen (REBCO) tape to manufacture high-current cables that can achieve high current-carrying capacity and high efficiency in long-distance transmission, high-temperature superconducting cables of different configurations were studied. In the paper, structural characteristics of typical high-temperature superconducting cables were systematically sorted out, and their topological design, electromagnetic characteristics and manufacturing process were systematically compared and reviewed, which could provide valuable reference and guidance for future commercial research such as grid transmission and controlled nuclear fusion.