Carbon-free Al2O3-MgO dense bricks were produced by the pressing method, using tabular alumina, white fused alumina, alumina micro-powder as main raw materials, and inorganic powder as the binder. The comprehensive properties and performance in steel ladle side wall were made a comparison between Al2O3-MgO dense bricks and precast blocks. The results show that Al2O3-MgO dense bricks exhibit high dense structure and strength, as well as superior thermal shock resistance and better penetration and corrosion resistance to slag than precast blocks. While replacing precast blocks with dense bricks in 250 t steel ladle side wall in some domestic steel mills, the thickness of the metamorphic layer from slag penetration and the corrosion rate decrease evidently. The damage of dense bricks during service is mainly caused by the corrosion from molten steel and slag, and the structure spalling of the metamorphic layer also plays an important role.