Micallef and Marshall specifically describe Copeland's snare drum rhythms as "ricocheting" and "dub-heavy". Welch regards "The Bed's Too Big Without You" as the third great hit from "Reggatta de Blanc", along with "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon", particularly praising the fact that it is "a simple phrase, a neat concept". Welch also praises the alternate version, which appears on the box set "Message in a Box", for having an even "more direct impact". AllMusic critic Greg Prato considers it an "early fave" of the Police. "Mojo" critic John Harris regards the song as "stereotypically Police-esque" to the point of appearing to be a self-parody. "Rolling Stone" critic Debra Rae Cohen described it as "an evocative reggae track", particularly praising Sting's vocals and Summers' guitar. While "NME" critic Tony Stewart considered it to be "a lame expression of remorse", author Martin Charles Strong describes it as a "melodic lament" and an example of the Police "charting new musical territory". Police guitarist Andy Summers regards it as a great song, along with "Message in a Bottle", "Bring on the Night", and "Walking on the Moon" from the "Reggatta de Blanc" album.