[1] The song was generally well received by critics, who praised Spears for taking a different musical direction than her sister, and for the maturity expressed in the lyrics and her delivery.

Us Weekly compared the track favorably to the early work of Taylor Swift and commented that the country twang and overall quality surprised them.

[6] Also drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves, Sam Lansky of Idolator called "How Could I Want More" a "lovely and wistful sigh of country-pop longing" that may not be terribly radio-friendly but is nevertheless "pretty great".

[7] Billy Dukes of Taste of Country highlighted the "sharp, vulnerable lyric" and excellent arrangement in his positive review of the song, while also praising Spears for displaying expectation-defying maturity.

[4] Kevin Rutherford of Billboard described Spears' performance as "sweet and innocent" yet powerful, and suggested the song would fit right in at country radio.