Carbon-based dots represent a new type of quantum dot with unique and well-defined properties owing to their quantum confinement and edge effects, which are widely employed in sensing, light-emitting diodes, nanomedicine, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, bioimaging, etc. In this review, we update the latest research results of carbon-based dots in this rapidly evolving field of electroanalysis, place emphases on their applications as sensors and give future perspectives for developing more smart sensors.