Hybrid metal phosphates (HMPs) are a class of smart materials that have been increasingly explored for their potential in water purification. These materials combine metal cations with phosphate anions, resulting in structures with unique properties that have been advantageous for water treatment applications. One of the main advantages of HMPs is their high surface area, which allows for increased adsorption of contaminants from water. This high surface area is often attributed to the porous nature of HMPs, which can provide numerous active sites for the adsorption of pollutants. Additionally, the presence of metal cations in HMPs can enhance their adsorption capabilities through ion exchange and complexation reactions. HMPs also exhibit catalytic and photocatalytic activities, making them suitable for the degradation of organic pollutants in water. The combination of metal cations and phosphate anions in HMPs can facilitate redox reactions, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can degrade organic contaminants. The present review paper reports synthetic procedures of a variety of hybrid metal phosphates (HMPs), including those based on monomers, polymers, and surfactants, with the inclusion of cerium (IV), tin (IV), thorium (IV), and zirconium phosphates. A comprehensive characterization of these materials is also explained including, ion exchange studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analyses (TGA/DTA/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the synthesis, characterization, and potential applications of HMPs in addressing environmental challenges related to water pollution.