Abstract Extensive research work on heat transfer in heat pipe using conventional working fluids has been carried out over the past decade. Heat transfer in heat pipes using suspensions of nano meter–sized solid particles in base liquids have been investigated in recent years by various researchers across the world for finding new opportunities. The suspended nanoparticles effectively enhance the transport properties and heat transfer characteristics of base fluids in heat pipes. The study reveals an improvement in the thermal efficiency and reduction in the thermal resistance of heat pipe with nanofluids, than that of conventional working fluids. This paper reviews and summarizes recent research on fluid flow and the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids in heat pipes and identifies perspective of nanofluids that can be used in heat pipes for further research.