Natural fibers can play a vital role in composite and textile industries due to its renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly properties. Areca nut, one of the fiber-rich plants is wasted in large quantities from different industries especially the tobacco industry. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the areca nut fibers from different parts like leaves and husk was discussed. The two different fibers–coarse and fine were studied on the basis of its characteristics, the well-planned extraction methods and production application were analyzed. This organized review will generate a sense of the uses of the areca fibers in fiber composites and nonwoven fabric productions. Also, an insight into the advantages of areca fibers over conventional synthetic fibers is clearly exposed through this review. © 2021 Taylor & Francis.