Biomass, as the most widely used carbon sources, is the main ingredient in the formation of fossil fuels. Biomass-derived novel carbons (BDNCs) have attracted much attention because of its adjustable physical/chemical properties, environmentally friendliness, and considerable economic value. Nature contributes to the biomass with bizarre microstructures with micropores, mesopores or hierarchical pores. Currently, it has been confirmed that biomass has great potential applications in energy storage devices, especially in lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this article, the synthesis and function of BDNCs for Li–S batteries are presented, and the electrochemical effects of structural diversity, porosity and surface heteroatom doping of the carbons in Li-S batteries are discussed. In addition, the economic benefits, new trends and challenges are also proposed for further design excellent BDNCs for Li–S batteries.