Pentanediols (1,2-pentanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol, etc.) are significant pharmaceutical chemicals that are used extensively worldwide. In addition to serving as an intermediate for the fungicide propiconazole and in the production of cosmetic products, they are also employed as key components in the manufacture of surfactants, polyester fibers, and pharmaceutical products. With the development of domestic and foreign markets in recent years, there has been growing demand for pentanediols production. Conventionally, the industrial production of pentanediols relies on non-renewable fossil resources, posing significant environmental concerns. Hence, the catalytic conversion of renewable biomass-based feedstocks to produce pentanediols represents a green production process, promising a brighter application prospect and research significance. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent studies on the catalytic transformation of biomass-based feedstocks (such as xylose, furfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, gamma-valerolactone, and levulinic acid) for pentanediols production. A detailed summary of the catalysts employed for pentanediols synthesis is presented, encompassing various catalytic systems (noble and non-noble metals), reaction mechanisms, pathways, reaction conditions, and catalyst stability. On this basis, perspectives are offered on refining the biomass-derived pentanediols production process, considering sustainability and economics, etc. This review aims to furnish theoretical guidance and beneficial references for further developing novel, efficient, green, and stable catalytic systems.