{
    "products": [
        {
            "slug": "deep-work",
            "name": "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World",
            "kind": "book",
            "website": "https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/cal-newport/deep-work/9781455586691/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/books/deep-work",
            "tagline": "Cal Newport's case for focused, distraction-free work",
            "summary": "Deep Work is a 2016 book by Cal Newport, published by Grand Central Publishing with 304 pages. It argues that focused work without distraction is rare and valuable, and it gives rules for building the habit. The publisher lists hardcover, trade paperback, ebook and audiobook editions.",
            "author": "Cal Newport",
            "formats": [
                "print",
                "audiobook"
            ],
            "pricing": "paid",
            "price_note": "Hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook from the publisher",
            "free_to_use": false,
            "open_source": false,
            "strengths": [
                "Clear rules for scheduling focused work",
                "Frames focus as a skill to practice",
                "Available in several formats"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Advice is strongest for knowledge work",
                "No free edition listed by the publisher"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "cover": "https://listme.name/assets/covers/deep-work.webp",
            "overview": "The book argues that the ability to focus on hard cognitive work is becoming both rarer and more valuable. Newport describes rituals and schedules for deep work, and he argues for limiting shallow work such as constant email and messaging. The book frames focus as a skill that can be trained, not a fixed trait.\n\nThe publisher lists the book at 304 pages in several formats, including hardcover, trade paperback, ebook and audiobook. Newport's author page describes him as an academic. The advice is strongest for knowledge workers who control part of their schedule, and readers in roles with little control over their time may find less to apply."
        },
        {
            "slug": "getting-things-done",
            "name": "Getting Things Done",
            "kind": "book",
            "website": "https://gettingthingsdone.com/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/books/getting-things-done",
            "tagline": "David Allen's method for capturing and organizing commitments",
            "summary": "Getting Things Done is a book by David Allen, first published in 2001. It describes a method for capturing open commitments outside the head, deciding the next action for each and reviewing the system regularly. Penguin publishes the print editions, and the author's company sells courses and coaching.",
            "developer": "Penguin",
            "author": "David Allen",
            "formats": [
                "print"
            ],
            "pricing": "paid",
            "price_note": "Print editions from Penguin; price varies by seller",
            "free_to_use": false,
            "open_source": false,
            "strengths": [
                "Concrete capture and review workflow",
                "Focus on next actions for tasks",
                "Author offers courses and coaching"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Says little about goals or deep focus",
                "Setup takes effort before the system helps"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "cover": "https://listme.name/assets/covers/getting-things-done.webp",
            "overview": "Allen's method asks readers to collect every open commitment in trusted places, decide the next physical action for each one and review the whole system on a regular schedule. The book's premise is that a clear mind and organized commitments produce better results with less stress. It presents the method as a complete workflow rather than a set of tips.\n\nThe method is practical and procedural, so it works as a system and suits people who manage many tasks. It says less about deep focus or goals than the other productivity books here, and it does not cover linked note-taking. Readers who want a method for linked notes will need How to Take Smart Notes. The author's company offers courses, coaching and a newsletter."
        }
    ],
    "differences": [],
    "shared_rankings": [
        {
            "list": "productivity-and-note-taking-books",
            "name": "Productivity and note-taking books",
            "page": "https://listme.name/best/productivity-and-note-taking-books",
            "of": 10,
            "results": [
                {
                    "product": "deep-work",
                    "rank": 1,
                    "score": 91.5,
                    "verdict": "The clearest argument for protected focus time, with rules readers can apply at work. It is aimed at knowledge workers and has no free edition.",
                    "best_for": "Protecting focus time at work",
                    "spec": {
                        "level": "Intermediate",
                        "free_online": false,
                        "focus": "Focused work without distraction"
                    }
                },
                {
                    "product": "getting-things-done",
                    "rank": 3,
                    "score": 88.5,
                    "verdict": "A complete capture and review workflow for tasks and commitments, with concrete steps for each part. It is about task systems rather than attention or notes, so it complements Deep Work and Smart Notes here.",
                    "best_for": "Capturing and organizing tasks",
                    "spec": {
                        "level": "Beginner to intermediate",
                        "free_online": false,
                        "focus": "Capturing and organizing commitments into next actions"
                    }
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "ranks_higher_in_closest_shared_list": "deep-work",
    "page": "https://listme.name/compare/deep-work-vs-getting-things-done",
    "json": "https://listme.name/api/v1/compare/deep-work-vs-getting-things-done.json",
    "notes": [
        "Scores are editorial and only comparable inside one list. Products with connected_to_publisher true receive a disclosed ranking lift: https://listme.name/methodology"
    ],
    "source": "https://listme.name",
    "license": "Free to read and cite with attribution to listme.name.",
    "docs": "https://listme.name/developers"
}