The different kinds of catalysts – zeolite, (mixed) oxide – were tested and compared in catalytic oxidation of ethanol and isopropanol respectively. All catalysts proved remarkable aktivity in catalytic oxidation of selected model compounds. Even the less active catalyst, basic zeolite NaX, converted 50 % of ethanol as well as isopropanol at around 300 °C. The deepen comparison revealed that CeO2 and zeolite NaX-CeO2 is more suitable for oxidation of isopropanol while oxidation of ethanol is faster in a presence of the metal mixed oxides, Co4MnAl and NiMgMn. The additional contribution of the present article is a comparison of certain catalysts properties linked directly to the catalytic performance in the oxidation processes, such as oxygen storage capacity (OSC), surface properties, acidity/basicity and others.