(1 − x)CoTiNb2O8-xZn1.01Nb2O6 ceramics were prepared via a conventional solid-state reaction route to obtain near-zero τf. The effects of Zn1.01Nb2O6 content on the phase, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of CoTiNb2O8 ceramics were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a mixture of tetragonal rutile and orthorhombic columbite phases co-existed over the entire range. Both the sintering behavior and quality factor (Q × f) of matrix ceramics were enhanced effectively by the addition of Zn1.01Nb2O6. On the other hand, the relative permittivity (εr) decreased linearly from 41.6 to 24.8. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) could be controlled by adjusting the x value. When $$ x = 0.8 $$ x = 0.8 , the composite ceramic sintered at 1200°C possessed optimum microwave dielectric properties with $$ \varepsilon_{r} \sim 27.8 $$ ε r ∼ 27.8 , $$ Q \times f \sim 94{,}700\;{\hbox{GHz}} $$ Q × f ∼ 94 , 700 GHz , and $$ \tau_{f} \sim 0 $$ τ f ∼ 0 ppm/°C.