In this paper, the recent progress in friction welding of alumina along with its various composites to metals is thoroughly investigated and compared. Among the existing methods of joining ceramics to metals, the friction welding process seems to be a reliable approach that provides promising joint properties. A relationship is established between processing parameters, their resultant microstructures, and their associated mechanical properties. The material properties and the environmental factors are taken into account while manifesting this comparison. The influence of various factors such as rotations per minute (r/min), friction pressure, and friction time on mechanical properties is critically analyzed. However, several challenges that must be addressed appropriately to achieve these joints and to fabricate the same have been discussed.