Three circular columns confined by low-prestressed steel belts and two normal columns were tested under axial load and cyclic lateral force, and the bearing capacity, hysteretic behavior and ductility were examined. The main parameters were the axial compression ratio and the arrangement of steel belts. Test results indicate that the seismic performance of the RC columns confined by low-prestressed steel belts was greatly improved because the development of oblique cracks was inhibited, and with the greater range of the plastic hinge region, the deformability of confined columns was enhanced.