Flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composites were successfully synthesized using ball milling and the hydrothermal method. The microstructure, morphology, and phase composition of flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composites were analyzed using XRD, EDS and SEM techniques, confirming the successful preparation of the composite materials. The electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of the composite with varying contents of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 were comprehensively investigated. The electromagnetic properties of flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composite materials were analyzed by VSM. The results showed a reduction in the real part of the permittivity, but this led to the optimization of impedance matching. This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effect of magnetic loss and dielectric loss, thereby enhancing the overall electromagnetic performance of the composite. The sample prepared with a composition of 40% (wt %) Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composite displayed the most pronounced absorption performance. At a frequency of 4.3 GHz, the minimum reflection loss achieved was − 41.3 dB. The maximum effective absorption bandwidth measured 5.6 GHz. Notably, through adjustment of the composite material thickness, the effective absorption bandwidth could be broadened to 10.5 GHz (2.5–13.0 GHz), encompassing the entire C and X bands.