Solid-state hydrogen storage materials have been considered as one of the most promising hydrogen storage methods due to the advantages of high volumetric density, flexible transportation, good safety, etc. The development of hydrides with reversible hydrogen capability at low temperature (<80 ℃) is of great significance for expanding the application of solid-state hydrogen storage technology. The low thermodynamic stability of transition metal alanates may meet the low-temperature requirements of hydrogen storage systems, which has the potential values of fundamental research and applications. This paper not only systematically reviews the research progress of transition metal alanates, including the preparation methods, structural and property characterizations, underlying mechanisms, etc., but also discusses the main problems and development trend, which aims to provide reference for the further study of transition metal alanates.