Aerogels are considered to be promising materials in various applications due to their exclusive properties. Over the last decades, the potential of organic, inorganic, or hybrid aerogels has been practically exploited in different fields of use. Some aerogel compositions have been patented recently but their application in the area of adsorption remains limited. This review intends to discuss the potential of aerogels as adsorbents, which is summarised from the more recent progressive research and their capabilities. Furthermore, the potential of aerogels as viable absorbents for environmental remediation is also discussed. After a short introduction covering the aerogel properties, preparation procedures, and their possible classification options, the review is structured based on their possible use as adsorbents. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2019.