Quasi-static and dynamic compression of open-cell and close-cell aluminum foams were investigated by MTS-809 material testing machine and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar under the free state and passive confined pressure conditions. Experimental results indicate that the passive confined pressure has an important impact on quasi-static and dynamic compression mechanical properties of open-cell and close-cell aluminum foams. The enhancement effect of the passive confined pressure on close-cell aluminum foams is stronger than the impact on open-cell aluminum foams. The quasi-static and dynamic compression processes of aluminum foams consist of elastic stage, yield platform stage and compacting stage. The open-cell and close-cell aluminum foams investigated have strain rate sensitivity characteristics.