MR head technology from the perspective of read sensor evolution was reviewed. AMR sensors have been developed for last two decades and successfully employed into information storage devices such as disk drives. Development of manufacturable GMR sensors is of emerging technological interest because GMR sensors can further meet the need of ultrahigh recording density. In this review, the mechanisms, materials systems, operating principles of both AMR an GMR sensors, and the head structures were discuseed. Constructing GMR heads with ultrathin sensor materials and complex topographical structures demands unique fabrication and design challenges. The commercialization of GMR heads can only be realized by the succesful implementations of high performance materials, advanced thin film processes, and stable head design.