<p>Recovering precious metals (PMs) from diverse waste sources, including electronic waste (E-waste), mining residues, and industrial effluents, has become a critical focus due to their immense economic value and limited natural reserves. Nanoadsorbents, renowned for their high surface area, tunable surface properties, and exceptional physicochemical characteristics, have emerged as highly promising candidates for the efficient recovery of metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd). However, the full realization of their potential remains in its infancy, necessitating further research and significant advancements to optimize their efficiency. This review highlights two cutting-edge materials—porous carbons and metal–organic frameworks that stand out for their extraordinary surface areas, customizable properties, and selective adsorption capabilities, making them particularly suitable for PM recovery. Additionally, the review provides a critical evaluation of the advantages and limitations of these materials, offering a roadmap for selecting and enhancing adsorbents for PM recovery. We believe that this comprehensive analysis will drive innovation in material development, facilitating more efficient recovery of precious metals from waste streams.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>