Aluminum alloy and composite materials with low density and good conductivity are considered as the preferred materials to replace copper wires. In this paper, the effects of internal microstructure defects, types of solid solution elements and microstructure on the conductivity of aluminum alloy and composite materials are analysed. On this basis, the methods of boron treatment, Mg/Si ratio adjustment, rare earth element addition, heat treatment and deformation treatment to improve the conductivity of aluminum alloys are summarized, as well as the development of solid state process, liquid state process and selective laser melting process for conductive aluminum matrix composites. The advantages, disadvantages and application conditions of each method are analysed, and the future research direction of aluminum alloy wire is summarized and prospected.