This review summarizes the current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and impact of Sinanodonta freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae), native to East Asia, that have successfully invaded Europe, Central America, North Africa, and several Asian regions. The main introduction pathways of Sinanodonta were reconstructed based on DNA sequence data and distribution records. Invasive lineages of Sinanodonta belong to three species: S. woodiana s. str. (“temperate invasive” lineage), S. pacifica (“tropical invasive” lineage), and S. lauta. Their generalist fish-dispersed larvae, short life span, high fecundity, use by humans for multiple purposes, and ability to establish populations in anthropogenically disturbed conditions were identified as crucial traits driving their invasions. Information on the consequences is scarcer, but Sinanodonta can impact native species through larval parasitism, host fish/food competition, and parasite transmission. In addition, ecosystem effects through their filtration—biodeposition—excretion activity and the occurrence of massive die-offs were detected. Ecosystem services and disservices have not yet been quantified, even at local scales, and management methods in the invasive range are understudied. A better understanding of Sinanodonta ecology, impacts, and management options is urgently needed to make informed decisions and set realistic and impactful restoration goals. The review presents a new phylogeny with new data and synthesizes information on the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution, native and non-native distribution, major pathways and vectors of introduction, ecology, impacts, and management options of all invasive lineages of the genus Sinanodonta. The two globally invasive lineages of S. woodiana and S. lauta are highlighted. The review also discusses the life cycle, habitat requirements, temperature range, water quality requirements and tolerance to stressors, host fish relationships, symbionts, parasites, and predators, and community ecology of Sinanodonta. The main pathways and main vectors of introduction are also discussed, including natural dispersal and human-driven dispersal. The review concludes that Sinanodonta has significant ecological impacts in the non-native range, including larval parasitism, competition, and ecosystem effects. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the ecology, impacts, and management options of Sinanodonta.This review summarizes the current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and impact of Sinanodonta freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae), native to East Asia, that have successfully invaded Europe, Central America, North Africa, and several Asian regions. The main introduction pathways of Sinanodonta were reconstructed based on DNA sequence data and distribution records. Invasive lineages of Sinanodonta belong to three species: S. woodiana s. str. (“temperate invasive” lineage), S. pacifica (“tropical invasive” lineage), and S. lauta. Their generalist fish-dispersed larvae, short life span, high fecundity, use by humans for multiple purposes, and ability to establish populations in anthropogenically disturbed conditions were identified as crucial traits driving their invasions. Information on the consequences is scarcer, but Sinanodonta can impact native species through larval parasitism, host fish/food competition, and parasite transmission. In addition, ecosystem effects through their filtration—biodeposition—excretion activity and the occurrence of massive die-offs were detected. Ecosystem services and disservices have not yet been quantified, even at local scales, and management methods in the invasive range are understudied. A better understanding of Sinanodonta ecology, impacts, and management options is urgently needed to make informed decisions and set realistic and impactful restoration goals. The review presents a new phylogeny with new data and synthesizes information on the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution, native and non-native distribution, major pathways and vectors of introduction, ecology, impacts, and management options of all invasive lineages of the genus Sinanodonta. The two globally invasive lineages of S. woodiana and S. lauta are highlighted. The review also discusses the life cycle, habitat requirements, temperature range, water quality requirements and tolerance to stressors, host fish relationships, symbionts, parasites, and predators, and community ecology of Sinanodonta. The main pathways and main vectors of introduction are also discussed, including natural dispersal and human-driven dispersal. The review concludes that Sinanodonta has significant ecological impacts in the non-native range, including larval parasitism, competition, and ecosystem effects. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the ecology, impacts, and management options of Sinanodonta.