Microwave sintering is used to study the differences between conventional sinter and iron ore in terms of microwave heating characteristics, microwave sinter alkalinity, ore phase structure, pore structure, metallurgical properties, etc. The results show that the microwave sinter has the characteristics of low sintering temperature, more reasonable mineral composition, high porosity and better metallurgical properties, which confirms the technical feasibility of using microwave heating to produce sinter. The results can provide theoretical support for the industrialization of microwave sintering of iron ore.