Hands-On Machine Learning
Practical machine learning with scikit-learn, Keras and TensorFlow
Ranked 6 of 13 in best AI and machine learning books
Practical code for classical models and neural networks, built on scikit-learn, Keras and TensorFlow. It is paid with no free text, and it goes less deep into theory than the books above it.
Best for Building models with scikit-learn and TensorFlow
About Hands-On Machine Learning
The book teaches machine learning in Python with three libraries. Scikit-learn covers classical models, and Keras and TensorFlow cover neural networks, so readers see both kinds of method in code. The subtitle frames it as concepts, tools and techniques for building intelligent systems, and the hands-on method is central to how it teaches.
O'Reilly publishes it in print, and the 2022 editions in the Open Library record run to about 850 pages. It is not free to read online. The book gives less mathematical depth than the theory texts in this list, but it is more practical than most of them, which makes it a useful companion to Deep Learning and Probabilistic Machine Learning.
Key features
- scikit-learn models
- Keras and TensorFlow
- Neural networks in code
- Print edition, about 850 pages
Strengths
- Teaches methods through code
- Covers scikit-learn, Keras and TensorFlow
- Recent 2022 edition
Limits
- Less mathematical depth than the theory texts
- No free full text online
Where Hands-On Machine Learning ranks
How Hands-On Machine Learning compares
| Product | Score | Price | Formats | Level | Free to read online | Latest edition | Math required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) | 90.0 | Free | PDF, Print | Beginner | Yes | 2023, Python edition | Light: basic statistics |
#5 Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition | 88.5 | Paid | PDF, EPUB, Print | Intermediate | No | 3rd edition, September 2025 | Light: basic Python and algebra |
#6 Hands-On Machine Learning | 87.0 | Paid | Intermediate | No | 2022, O'Reilly | Light: basic Python and algebra | |
#7 Mathematics for Machine Learning | 85.5 | Free | PDF, Print | Advanced | Yes | 2020, Cambridge University Press | Heavy: university mathematics |
#8 Build a Large Language Model (From Scratch) | 85.0 | Paid | Intermediate | No | 2024, Manning | Moderate: linear algebra |
The full comparison table for best AI and machine learning books has all 13 products.
Alternatives to Hands-On Machine Learning
All 12 alternatives
Deep LearningHas a free option.
Probabilistic Machine Learning: An IntroductionHas a free option.
Dive into Deep LearningHas a free option.- An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)Has a free option.
- Deep Learning with Python, Third EditionHands-on Python deep learning guide covering Keras 3, PyTorch and JAX
- Mathematics for Machine LearningHas a free option.
Compare Hands-On Machine Learning
- Hands-On Machine LearningversusDeep Learning
- Hands-On Machine LearningversusProbabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction
- Hands-On Machine LearningversusDive into Deep Learning
- Hands-On Machine LearningversusAn Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)
- Hands-On Machine LearningversusDeep Learning with Python, Third Edition
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Questions about Hands-On Machine Learning
- Is Hands-On Machine Learning free?
- Hands-On Machine Learning is a paid product (paid). Print editions from O'Reilly; price varies by seller.
- Which formats is Hands-On Machine Learning available in?
- Hands-On Machine Learning is offered as Print.
- What is Hands-On Machine Learning best for?
- Building models with scikit-learn and TensorFlow. In our ranking of AI and machine learning books it is number 6 of 13 with a score of 87.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Hands-On Machine Learning?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Deep Learning, Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction, Dive into Deep Learning, An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition).
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