Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted tremendous attention for large-scale stationary grid energy storage. With the upcoming commercialization of SIBs in the foreseeable future, developing high-performance carbon anodes from sustainable biomass is becoming increasingly important in the preparation of cost-effective SIBs. This review summarizes advanced carbon anodes for SIBs derived from various lignocellulose biomass waste. The history of our understanding of sodium storage mechanisms in carbon anodes is first discussed to clarify their structure-performance relationships. Conventional preparation strategies including pore structure design, heteroatom doping, control of the graphitic structure, and morphology control and their effects on the sodium storage capability of biomass-derived carbon anodes are then discussed. Finally, the practical applications, future research directions and challenges for the use of biomass-derived carbon anodes for SIBs are discussed from the aspects of synthesis methods, microstructure control and production costs.