The domestic and foreign preparation methods of copper-steel composite wire are introduced in the paper, they are basically plating method, hot-dip plating method, continuous extrusion method, clad-welding method and hot extrusion welding method. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared and analyzed. Among of them, hot extrusion welding method is a common method in foreign for producing copper clad steel wire. In recent years, the equipment and the technology are introduced by domestic companies and put it into production, it fills up the gap for producing copper clad steel wire in the domestic and it provides new market and application prospects for copper clad steel wire produced and applied in the domestic.