Abstract: Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is widely regarded as an important hydrogen production route for distributed energy systems owing to its high hydrogen yield, convenient storage and transportation of feedstock, and low cost. This paper reviews recent research progress in MSR from the perspectives of catalysts, reactors, and intelligent technologies. In terms of catalysts, the regulation mechanisms of copper-based and palladium-based catalysts are systematically summarized, with emphasis on support effects, bimetallic synergistic interactions, and the influence of preparation methods on MSR performance. Regarding reactor design, the limitations of conventional tubular reactors are analyzed, while the current status of microchannel reactors for enhanced heat and mass transfer and membrane reactors for in-situ product separation is discussed. At the intelligence level, artificial intelligence is shown to reshape traditional research paradigms through data-driven approaches, enabling catalyst screening and the coordinated optimization of reactor structures and operating parameters. Finally, future development directions of MSR are outlined.