Abstract: Hydrogen evolution reaction is an promising way to prepare hydrogen production. Exploiting non-precious metal materials with excellent electrochemical performance is vital to promoting the practical application of electrocatalysis. Carbon-based transition metal catalysts have high activity and stability, which are important in reducing hydrogen production costs and promoting the development of the hydrogen production industry. However, there is a lack of relevant reports for the effect of carbon components on the performance of carbon-based transition metal electrocatalysts. Therefore, we have summarized the literature on carbon-based transition metal electrocatalysts related to hydrogen evolution reaction, discussed the design strategies of carbon components in composite structures and their impact on catalytic performance, including electronic structure control by heteroatom doping, morphology adjustment, and the influence of self-supporting materials on carbon-based transition metal catalysts. This review not only analyzes the progress in hydrogen evolution reaction, but also provides an insight to guide the synthesis of high-performance carbon-based transition metal catalysts.