Recently, we and others have achieved power densities in polymer electrolyte Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs), which are only three times lower than those achieved with similar reformate/air fuel cells (RAFC). Comparisons of power densities, energy conversion efficiencies and projected costs reveal similar values for the DMFC and the methanol reformer + RAFC stack. We conclude that the DMFC could become the preferable methanol-fueled system due to its relative simplicity. However, important remaining DMFC issues are: improved anode catalyst activity, demonstrated long-term stable performance, and high fuel efficiencies.