To understand the energy absorption property of aluminum foam-filled steel pipes and the energy absorption property affected by aluminum foam filler, the energy absorption ability and transverse compression property of steel pipes and aluminum foam-filled steel pipes are tested. The results show that the normal stress-strain curve of steel pipes is similar with that of cellular materials. The normal yield stress of a steel pipe with a large diameter under transverse compression is lower than that with the same wall thickness but a small diameter. The deformation mode of steel pipes can be changed by the filling of aluminum foam. The aluminum foam filler improve the energy absorption ability of steel pipes. The effect of aluminum foam density on the energy absorption ability of steel pipe is small, and the effect of pipe diameter on the energy absorption ability of aluminum foam-filled steel pipes is large.