<p>Hydrogen produced from biomass and waste via plasma technologies offers a sustainable pathway for clean energy generation while addressing waste management challenges. This review examines recent advancements in plasma pyrolysis and gasification for hydrogen production, comparing thermal (microwave, gliding arc, plasma torches) and non-thermal (dielectric barrier discharge, glow discharge) plasmas. Beyond, summarizing recent developments, this review provides an integrated comparison of thermal and non-thermal plasma technologies for hydrogen-rich syngas production from biomass and waste, linking plasma type, reactor characteristics, reaction pathways, and product quality. It also identifies the main scientific and engineering bottlenecks for industrial deployment, including energy efficiency, reactor scaling, cost structure, and environmental performance. Key findings demonstrate that plasma technologies enhance hydrogen yields (up to 80 wt%) and reduce tar formation compared to conventional methods, owing to their high-energy densities (up to 10,000&#xa0;°C) and rapid reaction kinetics. The analysis reveals that while microwave and gliding arc plasmas show promise for industrial scalability, challenges remain in energy efficiency (typically 40–60%) and economic viability (hydrogen production cost of $2.5–8/kg). Innovative approaches to overcome these barriers are highlighted, including byproduct valorization. Techno-economic assessments suggest that integrating renewable energy and optimizing reactor designs could improve competitiveness with conventional hydrogen production methods. With their ability to process diverse feedstocks while minimizing environmental impact, plasma technologies represent a transformative solution for sustainable hydrogen production, though further research is needed to advance commercialization. This work provides critical insights for researchers and policymakers working toward carbon–neutral energy systems.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>