To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic versus conventional surgery for benign parotid tumor. Methods We searched the electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang Data for studies published before January, 2021. A meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 software. Results We retrieved 8 eligible studies involving a total of 532 patients, and 4 of the studies were RCT. The results of meta-analysis showed that endoscopic surgery was better than conventional surgery in terms of incision length (WMD=- 5.73; 95% CI: -6.84--4.62), intraoperative bleeding volume (WMD=-34.50; 95% CI: -49.09--19.91), postoperative drainage volume (WMD=- 21.72; 95% CI: - 29.31--14.12), subjective satisfaction with incision scar(WMD=2.23; 95%CI: 1.11-3.34), and temporary facial paresis (OR=0.37; 95%CI: 0.17-0.78). There were no significant differences in the operation time, salivary fistula, Frey's syndrome or tumor recurrence between the two groups. Conclusion For treatment of benign parotid tumor, endoscopic surgery is a safe surgical procedure and is superior to conventional surgery in terms of incision length, operative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, subjective satisfaction with incision scar, and temporary facial paresis.