The work presents a comprehensive review on the influences of cutting tool material on the efficiency of hard turning process. Major trends in tool use and coating innovations are specified. The results of the hard turning process are evaluated through a number of main parameters such as surface roughness, cutting force, cutting heat, and wear mechanism. These results show that high cutting forces and cutting temperatures are still the huge challenges in choosing cutting tool materials in hard turning. This also limits the applicability of these materials and increases tooling costs due to the need to move towards using cutting tools with higher grades and hardness. The analysis results also point out the necessity of using appropriate cooling lubrication technology to support the hard turning process, helping to improve tool usage efficiency and the effectiveness of the hard turning process.