Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are the intelligent devices change color by applying electric potential, with the advantages of wide working temperature, high optical contrast, good reversible bistability, low driving voltage, and low energy consumption, which show great application potential in the field of dynamic smart windows, full-color electronic screens, anti-glare goggles, adaptive dual-stealth camouflage, and energy storage status visualization. Cathodically coloring material tungsten oxide and anodically coloring material nickel oxide are two widely studied inorganic electrochromic materials, and complementary electrochromic devices based on WO₃ and NiO films have high commercial values in the application of large scale smart windows. Improving the performance of the complementary ECDs such as optical modulation range, response rate, cycle life and weather fastness has attracted much attention. This review focuses on the structural composition of complementary electrochromic devices and summarizes the recent research progress of the electrochromic full devices based on WO₃ and NiO. Firstly, the electrochromic mechanism and decay mechanism of WO₃ and NiO films are clarified, the effects and latest research progress of four strategies for film performance optimization that include optimizing preparation conditions, element doping modification, designing nanostructure, and introducing composite materials are discussed in detail. Secondly, according to the composition and structure design of the device, the classification system of the complementary electrochromic full device is introduced, and the influence of selection for each component material and the device structure on device overall performance are summarized. Finally, the application of the electrochromic device prospects and development trends are forecasted.