Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was reported to increase autophagy in rheumatoid arthritis human fibroblast-like synovial cell (RA-HFLS). We investigated different levels of TNF-alpha exposed to RA-HFLS by focusing on the relationship of autophagy and apoptosis. RA-HFLS and normal human fibroblast-like synovial cell (HFLS) were stimulated by TNF-alpha in the presence or the absence of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or chloroquine (CQ). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Autophagy was determined through the expression levels of LC3, Beclin1, and P62 measured by Western Blot analysis as well as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The basal autophagy level was significantly higher in RA-HFLS than in HFLS. Autophagy was enhanced both in RA-HFLS and HFLS when they were treated with TNF-alpha. With the treatment of TNF-alpha, a slightly higher autophagy level was found in RA-HFLS than in HFLS, without a dose dependent effect. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-MA or CQ, apoptosis increased in both groups. With the stimulation of different doses TNF-alpha, apoptosis was much higher in HFLS group than in RAHFLS. Autophagy is a protection mechanism when treated by TNF-alpha in RA-HFLS.