Due to its excellent optical absorption properties, carrier transport capability and simple fabrication processes, perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention in recent years. High efficiency, pollution-free and low cost have always been the goals pursued in the solar cell field. However, traditional perovskite solar cells have a greater impact on the environment due to the heavy metal element lead in their light absorbing materials, which limits the further commercial application of such perovskite solar cells. Based on this consideration, many scientists are working hard to find novel lead-free perovskite materials. Among numerous lead-free perovskite materials, Sn-based perovskite materials have become the most promising alternatives due to their relatively low toxicity, suitable band gap, and high power conversion efficiency of corresponding devices. Sn-based perovskite solar cells also have some weak points, however. Their energy conversion efficiency and the device stability are much lower compared with Pb-based perovskite solar cells. The device is very sensitive to air during the preparation process. In order to solve these problems, it is imperative to study the factors affecting the performances of Sn-based perovskite materials and devices. The paper introduces various kinds of Sn-based perovskite materials and their application in perovskite solar cells, including organic-inorganic hybrid Sn-based perovskite materials, mixed Sn-Pb perovskite materials and all-inorganic Sn-based perovskite materials. The latest research progress of Sn-based perovskite materials and their corresponding device properties are summarized. In addition, the factors affecting the device performances are discussed, and the future directions of the Sn-based perovskite solar cells are forecast.