Spinel structure ZnFe2O4 were prepared by solid state reaction and hydrothermal method. Investigations on X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific area measuements indicate that the samples are well-crystallized cubic spinel structre with average particle sizes of 500 nm and 200 nm and specific areas of 136.7 m2 g-1 and 382.5 m2 g-1 for solid state reaction and hydrothermal method, respectively. The ZnFe2O4 samples show high lithium-storage capacity and good reversibility. Compared with the sample prepared by solid state reaction, ZnFe2O4 prepared by hydrothermal method demonstrate better electrochemical performances. Its specific charge capacity decays from 750 mAh g-1 to 702 mAh g-1 after 30 cycles, with capacity retention of 93.6 %. ZnFe2O4 is a very promising anode material for lithium ion battery for its easy preparation, low coat and good electrochemical performances.