The repercussions of the burning of fossil fuels on the global air quality index need to be countered with implementable green alternatives such as the hydrogen economy. High energy density, abundance, and the eco-friendly oxidation product of hydrogen make it an ideal fossil fuel replacement. However, the quest for safe, inexpensive, and compact storage material for hydrogen remains the prime concern. The scientific community is mainly looking for two major characteristics, i.e., high hydrogen storage capacity and the onboard reversibility of the host at operable thermodynamic conditions. Since the past decade, a tremendous amount of research has been undertaken toward such material development and exploring their stable hydrogen storage characteristics. In this extensive review, we report the significant material advancements made in this decade toward the methodical and sustainable hydrogen economy. Hydrogen weight percentage (wt%), reversibility, stability, onboard feasibility, and the heat-pressure response of these prospective hydrogen storage hosts have been thoroughly discussed. •Hydrogen is a green-energy source and the best replacement for fossil fuels.•Reversible hydrogen storage materials with high sorption is highlighted.•Newly developed porous and low-dimensional materials store hydrogen reversibly.•Metal functionalization enhances the hydrogen storage capacity of materials.•Scope of advancement in the thermodynamic stability of hosts is discussed.