Abstract: Multi-terminal systems and DC networks are the future development direction of flexible DC transmission and distribution systems, and their safe, reliable and stable operation requires that DC circuit breakers act as a guarantee. Although researchers both at home and overseas have proposed various technical solutions for DC circuit breakers, DC circuit breaker products still lack in the market that can meet the actual engineering applications. The research on DC circuit breakers is systematically reviewed in the paper. Firstly, the commutation methods and performance of different technical solutions are analyzed, and the core components of DC circuit breakers and their driving protection are introduced. Secondly, the topology structures of various types of DC circuit breakers are summarized, and directions for improvement and optimization are outlined. Finally, the key technologies for the development of DC circuit breakers and future trends development are discussed and summarized, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of medium and high-voltage DC circuit breakers.