The contrast agent (CA) has become an essential component of clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) practices, routinely applied to enhance the visualization of various diseases that are otherwise hard to detect. The majority of commercial CAs are based on small Gd(III) complexes, which have been widely used in diagnostic medicine for more than three decades, benefiting tens of millions of patients worldwide. Recently, however, Gd‐based CAs have been identified as the cause of a severe adverse effect known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). In addition, increasing evidence suggest that release of toxic free Gd(III) ions from the MRI CAs lead to the deposit of Gd in the brain and other organs. Development of non‐Gd‐based MRI CAs, therefore, is increasingly important. As an essential micronutrient, Mn is a preferred element of choice in this regard and, therefore, has regained attention in research over recent years. In this article, we will first summarize the key elements for the design and evaluation of MRI CAs. Three types of Mn‐based agents, including small ionic Mn(II) agents, Mn(III) complexes, and Mn‐containing nanoparticles will then be reviewed, according to these key elements. Finally, the recent advances in developing Mn‐based MRI probes as molecular imaging sensors will be highlighted. Throughout the review, the advantages and limitations of Mn‐based agents for MRI, in comparison with the conventional Gd‐based CAs, are the focus of the discussions. Overall, certain types of Mn complexes, such as new water‐soluble MnPs, have shown unique benefits over their Gd counterparts. This includes high sensitivity at high clinical magnetic fields, better biocompatibility of Mn in comparison to Gd, high stability, flexible structure/function, and tunable pharmacokinetics. Some of the new Mn agents have demonstrated potential for future clinical applications, as well as for advanced sensor development.