Comparison · AI and machine learning books
Deep Learning vs An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition): which is better in 2026?
Deep Learning ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#1 against #4, score 94.5 against 90.0).
Choose Deep Learning if you want
Foundations of deep learning, free online.
The canonical free textbook for the foundations of deep learning, with the full text online. It predates transformers, so pair it with a current practical guide for modern architectures.
Choose An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) if you want
Statistical learning for beginners with Python.
The most approachable text here, with Python labs and a free PDF. It stops short of the mathematics in the Murphy and Bishop books, which suits readers starting out.
Side by side
| Deep Learning | An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 94.5 | 90.0 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFull text free online; print copies sold separately | FreeFree PDF download; printed copies sold separately |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Formats | Read online, Print | PDF, Print |
| Author | Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio and Aaron Courville | Gareth James, Daniela Witten, Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani and Jonathan Taylor |
| Level | Advanced | Beginner |
| Free to read online | Yes | Yes |
| Latest edition | 2016, MIT Press | 2023, Python edition |
| Math required | Heavy: linear algebra and probability | Light: basic statistics |
| Best for | Foundations of deep learning, free online | Statistical learning for beginners with Python |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Deep Learning vs An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)
- Is Deep Learning better than An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)?
- Deep Learning ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#1 against #4, score 94.5 against 90.0). Deep Learning is best for: foundations of deep learning, free online. An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) is best for: statistical learning for beginners with Python.
- Which is cheaper, Deep Learning or An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)?
- Deep Learning: Full text free online; print copies sold separately. An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition): Free PDF download; printed copies sold separately.