Comparison · Productivity and note-taking books
Building a Second Brain vs How to Take Smart Notes: which is better in 2026?
How to Take Smart Notes ranks higher in our list of productivity and note-taking books (#2 against #3, score 90.5 against 86.5).
Choose Building a Second Brain if you want
Digital notes and reuse for knowledge work.
A digital note system built around four steps, with examples in common apps. It is tied to digital tools and sells courses alongside the book, so it is more tool-driven than Ahrens.
Choose How to Take Smart Notes if you want
Zettelkasten notes and research writing.
The most detailed note-taking method here, a Zettelkasten system for linking notes and writing from them. It takes practice and is not a task manager, so it suits writers and researchers.
Side by side
| Building a Second Brain | How to Take Smart Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 90.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 6 | #2 of 6 |
| Price | PaidPrint, ebook and audio editions; the site also sells courses | PaidPrint edition; free first chapter and appendix PDFs on the author's site |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Formats | Print, Audiobook | |
| Author | Tiago Forte | Sönke Ahrens |
| Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Free to read online | No | No |
| Main focus | Capturing and reusing digital notes | Linked notes and writing from research |
| Best for | Digital notes and reuse for knowledge work | Zettelkasten notes and research writing |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Building a Second Brain vs How to Take Smart Notes
- Is How to Take Smart Notes better than Building a Second Brain?
- How to Take Smart Notes ranks higher in our list of productivity and note-taking books (#2 against #3, score 90.5 against 86.5). Building a Second Brain is best for: digital notes and reuse for knowledge work. How to Take Smart Notes is best for: zettelkasten notes and research writing.
- Which is cheaper, Building a Second Brain or How to Take Smart Notes?
- Building a Second Brain: Print, ebook and audio editions; the site also sells courses. How to Take Smart Notes: Print edition; free first chapter and appendix PDFs on the author's site.