In this review, a particular emphasis is put on the integration of porous silicon in microfuel cells. After a general description of porous silicon morphologies and etching principles, we describe microfuel cell working and requirements. Then, among silicon-based miniaturized fuel cells, we will show how porous silicon has arisen as a promising material to perform simultaneously many functions necessary to the core fuel cell such as bipolar plate, gas diffusion layer, catalyst support, or membrane. The performances of several devices reported in the literature are also discussed. Thereafter, a state of the art of other materials used in fuel cell miniaturization to perform bipolar plates or gas diffusion layers is given in order to make a comparison with porous silicon-based technologies. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.