α-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods are synthesized via a facile two-step method. The electrochemical measurement of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) shows that prepared α-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods as the anode exhibit high discharge capacity, high rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. The reversible capacity of α-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods is 1475mAh/g at 0.1C rate (10hours per charging cycle) and retains at 1127mAh/g after 50 cycles, much higher than that of pure α-MoO3 and MnO2. Even at high current rate of 6C, the reversible capacity of α-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanorods is 394mAh/g and retains at 286mAh/g after 50 cycles. Our results indicate that α-MoO3@MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites have enormous potential for application in lithium-ion batteries.