Niobium oxide is widely used in glass field due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. This review summarized the fundamental research results of the application of niobium in glass and glass ceramics. The structure function of niobium oxide in glass is complex, and it mainly acts as glass network intermediate. The addition of niobium oxide into different glass systems have different effects on the network structure, thus affecting the properties of glass. The research work on niobium containing glass and glass ceramics mainly focuses on the optical and electrical properties. Niobium oxide can be used as an important oxide to replace lead oxide in lead-free glasses. Based on the research and application of niobium in glass field, the future development directions were discussed. The structure and dielectric properties of niobate glass ceramics can be improved by adding rare-earth element ions into niobate glass ceramics to adjust the crystal type.