Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is a promising reaction as a sustainable, carbon-neutral hydrogen production process. Because of their high activity and low cost, Co-based and Ni-based catalysts are suitable for industrial ESR processes. Nevertheless, these catalysts present several issues, such as deactivation by coke formation and methane formation as a by-product. This review summarizes the most recent three years works related to ESR for hydrogen production over non-noble transition metal catalysts, exploring their catalytic performance, coke formation, and reaction mechanisms, to provide direction for the development of high-performance catalysts. Findings suggest the particle size and oxidation state of the active metal, acid–base and redox properties of the support, and appropriate promoter selection as important factors to minimize coke and by-product formation. Display omitted •Ethanol steam reforming (ESR) is a promising candidate for renewable H2 production.•Supported Ni or Co catalyst with small metal particle is suitable for efficient ESR.•Basic support or promoter contributes to suppress coke formation during ESR.•Redox active support with oxygen storage capacity contributes to removal of coke.