Crystalline porous materials are important in the development of catalytic systems with high scientific and industrial impact. Zeolites, ordered mesoporous silica, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are three types of porous materials that can be used as heterogeneous catalysts. This review focuses on a comparison of the catalytic activities of zeolites, mesoporous silica, and MOFs. In the first part of the review, the distinctive properties of these porous materials relevant to catalysis are discussed, and the corresponding catalytic reactions are highlighted. In the second part, the catalytic behaviors of zeolites, mesoporous silica, and MOFs in four types of general organic reactions (acid, base, oxidation, and hydrogenation) are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of each porous material for catalytic reactions are summarized. Conclusions and prospects for future development of these porous materials in this field are provided in the last section. This review aims to highlight recent research advancements in zeolites, ordered mesoporous silica, and MOFs for heterogeneous catalysis, and inspire further studies in this rapidly developing field.