A series of nanoparticle powders of Ni _x Zn _1-x Fe ₂ O ₄ (x = 0, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.70 and 1.0) ferrites was synthesized by the refluxing method at relatively low temperatures. The average size of nanoparticles is about 20 nm. The magnetic properties and induction heating behavior were investigated. On increasing the Ni content, x, from 0 to 0.50, the saturation magnetization and permeability increased, and then decreased with further increasing Ni content with the bulk Ni – Zn ferrite. The maximum value of magnetization was about 50 emu/g near x = 0.50, where the induction heating rate and induction heating final temperature of the ferrite-water suspension also showed maximum values. The specific absorption rate obtained from the initial induction heating rate curve was found to be linearly proportional to the square of the alternating magnetic field, which is roughly consistent with the theoretical power loss of magnetic materials in the alternating field.