This review reports the progress on the recent development of micro direct methanol fuel cell. Various functional components including micro flow field plate, membrane electrode assembly, proton exchange membrane, catalytic layer, diffusion layer, and collector are narrated and discussed. The supplies management and packaging technology are also illustrated and discussed. A variety of portable devices whose power is supplied by micro direct methanol fuel cell are analyzed and discussed. This paper will provide an expedient and valuable reference to those who intend to research micro direct methanol fuel cell. (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.