Abstract In this paper, we review the different configurations proposed for electromagnetic field optical sensing. Intrinsic and extrinsic optical fiber sensors for electric and magnetic field measurement are examined, including those realized jacketing the fiber by magnetostrictive, conductive, electrochromic and polymeric materials and those measuring induced strain by magnetostrictive, electrostrictive and piezoelectric transducers. Extrinsic optical fiber sensors exploiting magneto-optic, electro-optic and Joule effects are also presented. Moreover, integrated optical electric and magnetic field sensors in which microwave signal provided by an antenna modulates the optical signal generated by an optical source are reviewed. Finally, active and coupled resonators based on electric field sensors are investigated.