(Zr0.8Sn0.2)TiO4 (ZST) ceramics were prepared by solid-phase method. The effects of MgO/La2O3/Nb2O5 doped on the phase composition, microstructure, sintering behavior, and microwave dielectric properties of ZST ceramics were investigated. XRD analysis showed that the major crystalline phase was ZST. Very small amounts of phases, Nb2O5 and Mg(Ti2O5), were observed when dopants were added, and Nb2O5 inhibited the formation of Mg(Ti2O5). The results showed that upon adding 7 wt% Nb2O5 and small amounts of MgO and La2O3 to the ceramics, the permittivity of the ceramics was greatly reduced compared to that of other oxide-doped (Zr, Sn)TiO4 ceramic materials, and the Q × f value was also increased. The coefficients of thermal expansion of ZST ceramics in this study were within the range reported in the literature. Optimal dielectric properties, εr = 34.78, Q × f = 55,190 GHz (f = 5.8 GHz), τf = − 13.86 ppm/°C, and CTE = 7.0 ppm/°C, were achieved for the sample with 7 wt% Nb2O5 sintered at 1330 °C for 2 h.