The Nb⁵⁺ doped (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃ (BNT) ceramics were manufactured by a conventional solid state reaction method. The influence of Nb⁵⁺ doping on the sintering, microstructure and various electrical properties of BNT ceramics was investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction show that the solubility limit of Nb⁵⁺ in the BNT lattice is less than 3%. Additionally, Nb⁵⁺ doping produces significant effects on the densification and grain growth of BNT ceramics. Various electrical properties of BNT ceramics are obviously changed with doping a small amount of Nb⁵⁺. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties display enhanced values at a low doping level. The formation of A-site vacancies is considered as the reason for the changed ferroelectric and electromechanical behavior.