This review presents a comprehensive analysis on different ways of enhancing heat transfer rate and pressure loss reduction in various types of compact heat exchangers (CHXs). The sole objective of this study is to accumulate major thermodynamic features of CHXs presented by experimental and numerical investigation for innovative designing purpose. The influence of fins and tubes spacing, geometry and shape on heat transfer performance are widely discussed. The effect of different fins types and their pattern, height, pitch/spacing on heat transfer augmentation and pressure drop reduction is also illustrated. Overall, this review will help researchers and academicians for designing modern and innovative compact heat exchangers with light size, moderate cost, augmented heat transfer characteristics and pressure loss performance, and enhanced thermo-hydraulic features. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.