In this paper, discharge characteristics, plasma generation and propagation characteristics of pulsed metal ion plasma thruster (PMIPT) using different anode structures are reviewed. First of all, a PMIPT using an exposed anode structure with an insulating sleeve (EASIS) is discussed. Differences in plasma generation and propagation characteristics between the EASIS-PMIPT and the PMIPT using an exposed anode structure without an insulating sleeve (EAS-PMIPT) are analyzed. Results show that the insulating sleeve blocks radial diffusion of generated charged particles near cathode, and improves the ejection performance of plasma. In addition, it is found that a large number of charged particles enters anode during discharge with an exposed anode (EA). Then, a PMIPT using an insulated anode structure (IAS) is discussed. Results indicate that peak density of plasma ejected along axial direction of insulating sleeve is further increased by using an IAS. However, compared with the PMIPT with an EA, production of plasma is reduced. Furthermore, a PMIPT using an IAS with a micropore (IASM) is discussed. It is revealed that, compared with the PMIPT with an EA, plasma peak density and propagation velocity when adopting an IASM increase by 12.6 times and 3.9 times respectively. Eventually, PMIPT structures with a spiral anode structure (SpAS) and a multi-anode structure (MAS) are discussed respectively. Results show that for the two thrusters, directional ejection performance of plasma plumes are effectively improved by using the self-magnetic field and electric field during discharge respectively. This study will provide support for improvement of metal plasma ejection performance and the design of a PMIPT.