The present invention relates to low acetated cellulose fibers, wherein hydroxyl groups of the cellulose are substituted by partial acetate groups, the substitution degree is 0.01-0.5, the fibrillation index is less than or equal to 2, the fiber breaking strength is more than or equal to 2.0 cN/dtex, the elongation at break is 6-30%, and the size is less than or equal to 3.5 dtex. The present invention further provides a preparation method for the low acetated cellulose fibers. According to the method, the solvent can be recycled during the whole production process, the process has characteristics of safety, environmental protection, concision and efficiency; the prepared low acetated cellulose fibers have characteristics of uniform acylation degree, good strength, low fibrillation index, smooth hand feeling, soft gloss, excellent dyeing property and the like; the application range of the fibers is wide.