<p>Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a convincing alternative to lithium-ion batteries owing to the abundance and low cost of sodium resources. The prime requirement for improving the performance of SIBs is indeed the development of high-efficiency anode materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in anode materials for SIBs, including carbon-based materials, alloy-type materials, metal oxides, phosphides, sulfides, and organic compounds. Each material class is discussed in terms of structure, sodium storage mechanism, electrochemical performance, and key challenges. Particular attention is paid to carbonaceous anodes such as hard carbon, which currently leads the field due to their commercial viability, environmentally friendly nature, and economic benefits. Strategies such as heteroatom doping, surface modification, and nano-structuring are evaluated for their effectiveness in electrochemical performance. This review aims to guide researchers seeking to optimize anode materials for next-generation SIBs with high energy density, long cycle life, and robust safety performance.</p>