A method for making a carbon nanotube composite includes: (a) providing at least one carbon nanotube film and at least one polymer film; (b) forming a carbon nanotube film structure with the carbon nanotube film on a surface of the polymer film to obtain a carbon nanotube composite preform; (c) pre-combining the carbon nanotube composite preform to obtain a treated carbon nanotube composite preform; and (d) heating and pressing at least one treated carbon nanotube composite preform to achieve a carbon nanotube composite.