"The Essential Pansy Division" received unanimously positive acclaim from the music press.Allmusic, rating it with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, wrote that the compilation "[showcases] exactly what they're good at -- playing tight, catchy pop-punk songs with clever lyrics that ooze with upfront and hilarious sexual references", summarizing it as a perfect "starter kit for those just discovering these witty and energetic punks".