The Essential Doc Watson is the title of a recording by Doc Watson, released in 1973.

The first LP of the original release contains studio recordings from Watson's early Vanguard releases.

The second LP tracks were recorded live at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964 and 1965.

Writing for Allmusic, music critic Bruce Eder gave the compilation 5 of 5 stars and wrote of the album "As for the music itself, it's about as wide and varied a body as one could wish for...

Although it's not as thorough an account of his musicianship as the four-CD Vanguard Years compilation, this disc does give any neophyte a good look at what he's about, and the music is excellent on its own terms.