This short review discusses the classification, pressure concentration isotherm (PCI) characterisation and applications of metal hydrides. Special attention is paid to describe the design criterion and fabrication of Sievert's apparatus and PCI characterisation methods of metal hydrides. Different classes of metal hydrides and their properties are broadly discussed. Also, some of the important applications of metal hydrides are presented. The absorption and desorption PCIs of four Lanthanum based alloys namely La0.9Ce0.1Ni5, La0.8Ce0.2Ni5, LaNi4.7Al0.3 and LaNi4.6Al0.4 are measured using volumetric method in the temperature range of 20 to 80 degrees C. Later, different PCI simulation models are compared, and Zhou's model is used to simulate the experimentally measured PCIs at different temperatures. It is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimentally measured results. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.