Objective To compare the efficacy of the single tube (ST) and double tube (DT) for closed thoracic drainage after lobectomy. Methods The PubMed, Medline, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database and CBMdisc from inception to March 30, 2018 were searched by computer to identify randomized controlled trial (RCT) about ST and DT drainage after lobectomy. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria the literature was screened. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Twelve RCTs were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 1 442 patients. Compared with the patients using DT after lobectomy, the patients using ST had significantly less postoperative pain (MD=–0.64, 95%CI –0.71 to –0.56, P<0.000 01) and shorter duration of drainage (MD=–0.62, 95%CI –0.78 to –0.46, P<0.000 01) and hospital stay (MD=–0.55, 95%CI –0.80 to –0.29, P<0.000 1). Besides, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications (RR=1.11, 95%CI 0.83 to 1.49, P=0.49), air leaks (RD=0.03, 95%CI –0.02 to 0.08, P=0.19) and the redrainage rate (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.51 to 1.54, P=0.67). ConclusionST drainage after lobectomy is effective, which reduces postoperative pain and duration of hospital stay and drainage, and moreover, does not increase the postoperative complications and redrainage rate.