<p>Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are energy conversion devices converting efficiently the chemical energy in fuel into electricity at high temperatures with all-solid-state components. However, one of the main challenges in the commercialization of SOFCs is the thermal and mechanical mismatches between different component materials during operation at high temperatures. Symmetrical SOFCs (SSOFCs), which employ the same materials as air and fuel electrodes, simplify the synthesis processes of SOFCs and improve thermal and mechanical compatibility between electrodes and electrolyte. SSOFCs have the potential to replace SOFCs for large-scale commercial applications. Previous studies on electrodes primarily focus on the applications with single atmosphere. Electrode materials with stability in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, as well as high electrocatalytic activity for air and fuel, are essential for the development of SSOFCs. To provide a useful direction for the rational optimization of electrode materials, the developments of SSOFC electrode materials in recent years are reviewed in this paper. The reaction mechanisms and degradation mechanisms of electrode materials are discussed.</p>