Corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) columns, particularly in marine environments, threatens structural integrity by reducing load-bearing capacity and heightening the risk of sudden failure. Chloride ions and carbonation expedite degradation, leading to cracking, spalling, and fragile rust layers that compromise both the concrete cover and the steel reinforcement. Traditional retrofitting methods often prove inadequate, underscoring the need for innovative solutions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) systems, particularly Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) jacketing systems (including Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) and Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)) in strengthening corroded RC columns. A comprehensive experimental database was compiled from eighteen peer-reviewed studies, encompassing approximately 300 specimens subjected to up to 35% steel mass loss. Analysis across various corrosion scenarios reveals that FRP confinement can restore or exceed original compressive capacities in columns with moderate corrosion (i.e. 10–20% steel loss), often achieving confined-to-unconfined strength ratios higher than 2. Even with severe corrosion (i.e. 30–50% steel loss), FRP jacketing can significantly enhance strength, sometimes increasing load capacity by over four times, depending on the FRP jacket stiffness. Similarly, FRCM systems, particularly those incorporating UHPC, ECC, or advanced mortars, provide comparable or greater improvements to FRP in load capacity and strain, especially in circular sections. Despite strong evidence for EBR systems, some of the studies use simplified corrosion protocols that may not capture real-world variability. Future research should focus on novel composites to enhance practical applications and extend the service lives of corroded RC columns.