Petroleum-based phthalate plasticizers have successfully occupied more than 80% of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticizer market due to their high cost performance and good plasticizer performance. However, due to the negative impact of petroleum-based plasticizers on human health and the environment, the use of petroleum-based plasticizers has been restricted in developed countries in Europe and the United States, so it is imperative to replace petroleum-based plasticizers with environmentally friendly and renewable bio-based plasticizers. Because of its wide source, low cost and rich chemical structure, biorenewable resources provide a broad market for the development of new bio-based PVC plasticizers. This paper reviews the research progress of different types of bio-based PVC plasticizers in recent years, mainly introduces the research and application of plant oils (soybean oil, castor oil, cashew nut oil), citrate esters and other types of bio-based plasticizers (vanillic acid, lactic acid, cashew phenol, tartaric acid, isosorbate, succinate, etc.). The development trend of bio-based plasticizers was also prospected.