Consensus is lacking regarding whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) effectively improves VO2max (VO2peak) in elite athletes (Athlete must be involved in regular competition at the national level). This meta-analysis compared the effects of HIIT and conventional training methods (continuous training, repeated-sprint training, high volume low-intensity training, high-intensity continuous running, sprint-interval training, moderate-intensity continuous training)on VO2max in elite athletes. Nine studies were included, comprising 176 elite athletes (80 female). Compared to that with conventional training, VO2max was significantly increased after HIIT (overall: 0.58 [0.30, 0.87], I2= 0.49, P = 0.03; males: 0.41 [0.06, 0.76], I2= 0%, P = 0.89). VO2max had positive training effects when the HIIT recovery period had an interval time ≥2 min (0.44 [0.03, 0.84], I2= 0%, P = 0.99) and recovery phase intensity ≤40% (0.38 [0.05, 0.71], I2= 0%, P = 0.96). Thus, HIIT shows superiority over conventional training methods in improving VO2max, promoting aerobic capacity, in elite athletes.