Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote that "you should all go to the theatre, for, despite its gab and weaknesses in spots, 'Without Love' is really most amusing." Variety gave a lukewarm review, faulting the film for "the general obviousness of it all, along with a somewhat static plot basis." Harrison's Reports called it "an amusing comedy-drama ... There is more talk than action, but the sparkling dialogue is a compensating factor." Wolcott Gibbs of The New Yorker wrote that the film had been changed significantly from the play but was "a very witty and engaging picture, recommended here without hesitation. Miss Hepburn and Mr. Tracy succeed brilliantly in the leading parts."
