<p>Fe₃O₄ has broad development as an anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its high specific capacity and low cost. The low electrical conductivity and huge volume variation during cycle processes hinder its practicability. To enhance the electrochemical performance, the N-doped carbon derived from urea and glucose as a carrier, the novel Fe₃O₄ loaded on the porous N-doped carbon sphere structure was explored. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the Fe₃O₄ loaded on the porous N-doped carbon composite material exhibited a porous spherical structure with a specific surface area of 131.32 m² g^− 1. The initial reversible capacity of the composite material was 1694.2 mAh g^− 1 at 500 mA g^− 1, and 813.7 mAh g^− 1 after 200 cycles. The reversible capacity of composite material are 710 mAh g^− 1, 601 mAh g^− 1, 470 mAh g^− 1, 385 mAh g^− 1, and 365 mAh g^− 1 at current densities of 100 mA g^− 1, 200 mA g^− 1, 500 mA g^− 1, 800 mA g^− 1, and 1000 mA g^− 1, respectively. The specific capacity is 615 mAh g^− 1 when the current density is tuned back to 100 mA g^− 1. The abundant pore volume facilitates lithium-ion diffusion and improves lithium storage capacity. Its structure is conducive to controlling volume expansion, improving conductivity and electrochemical performance.</p>