The field of energy storage devices is primarily dominated by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their mature manufacturing processes and stable performance. However, immature lithium recovery technology cannot stop the continuous increase in the cost of LIBs. Along with the rapid development of electric transportation, it has become inevitable to trigger a new round of competition in alternative energy storage systems. Some monovalent rechargeable metal ion batteries (sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium ion batteries (PIBs), etc.) and multivalent rechargeable metal-ion batteries (magnesium ion batteries (MIBs), calcium ion batteries (CIBs), zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), and aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), etc.) are potential candidates, which can replace LIBs in some of the scenarios to alleviate the pressure on supply. The cathode material plays a crucial role in determining the battery capacity. Transition metal compounds dominated by layered transition metal oxides as key cathode materials for secondary batteries play an important role in the advancement of various battery energy storage systems. In summary, this manuscript aims to review and summarize the research progress on transition metal compounds used as cathodes in different metal ion batteries, with the aim of providing valuable guidance for the exploration and design of high-performance integrated battery systems.