The Au-loaded SnO2 composites with different Au concentrations have been successfully prepared by hydrothermal method. The measured results show that the introduction of loading Au element is helpful for decrease the operating temperature. The as-prepared Au-loaded SnO2 exhibit the enhanced gas sensing performances in comparison to pristine SnO2. The 4.0 at% Au-loaded SnO2 exhibits higher response, fast response/recovery time and low detection limit for H2 detection.