Ned Raggett's review: "It's rare to find bands capable of keeping their own best qualities to the fore while trying something new each time out, but Depeche Mode demonstrate that balance in full on the marvelous Exciter." 4 stars.

Billboard review: "Exciter is the best Depeche Mode album in a decade."

Jane Stevenson's review: "Lyrically dark and the perfect blend of warm acoustic sounds and cold electronica..."

Tom Mallon's review: "they've somehow evolved into elder statesmen of sorts, maturing with each new release and always moving towards a more polished, adult sound. Exciter, the band's tenth studio album, seems almost like an amalgamation of all of its '90s incarnations."

dotmusic review: "this shadowy, stark, gothic blend of synths and guitars, urban blues and eerie soundtracks proving compelling if occasionally unsettling listening."

Stephen Dalton's review: "Not many long-running groups could make an album this fresh and confident in their 20th year, never mind one which bridges timeless soulman crooning and underground techno." Rating: 8/10.

Piero Scaruffi's review: "for the first time in a long time, one can actually listen to David Gahan's lyrics. Indeed, on Exciter, he has rarely sounded less moronic." Rating: 5/10.

Iain Moffat's review: "Exciter stakes a hell of a claim on bringing Depeche Mode into the 21st century. And how many of the old New Romantic crowd have actually managed that?"

Tony Peregrin's review: "There are precious few bands that can still record relevant and vital albums in their 20th year."

Barry Walters' review: "Exciter maintains an otherworldly mood and purity of purpose that today's angst-ridden rockers would trade their Jeff Buckley CDs to attain." 3.5 stars.