Liver failure is a common pathophysiological process of various hepatic diseases developing into the end stage. Because of its intricate pathogenesis and lack of specific and impactful treatment, the incidence and mortality of hepatic failure remains high and life-threatening. Currently, the principle of therapy for liver failure includes eliminating the causes, medical treatment, and preventing complications. Various artificial liver support systems (ALSSs), such as non-bioartificial liver, bioartificial liver, and hybrid artificial liver, which can remove circulating toxins, provide essential substances, and improve the internal environment, act as a partial substitute of the liver and has been widely used as an important therapy for acute or chronic liver failure. Although substantial progress has been made in the clinical studies of ALSS, there are still many problems to be dealt with. This article reviews the clinical efficacy of ALSS, as well as current clinical application, existing problems, and research advances.