As a novel heat-resistant material with low thermal conductivity and density, the alumina aerogel shows broad application prospect in high-temperature thermal insulating areas. However, the thermal resistance, mechanical strengths and high-temperature thermal insulating performance of pristine alumina aerogels need to be improved by introducing reinforcements and opacifiers (namely the alumina aerogel composite). Here, the latest research progress of synthesis of heat-resistant alumina aerogels, preparation and properties of alumina aerogel composites are summarized. The future of alumina aerogel composites is also proposed.