Essential is a 1998 compilation album by Pet Shop Boys, released as a limited edition in the United States by EMI/Capitol and in Japan by Toshiba/EMI.Produced for only six months, early promotional versions of the album had the title Early, as the tracks featured were part of Pet Shop Boys' early catalog.The album contained remixes as well as album tracks and B-sides. Several of the songs had not been available on compact disc prior to this release.

The Essential CD booklet contained an essay written by music journalist Chris Heath.