Comparison · AI and machine learning books
Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition vs Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction: which is better in 2026?
Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition88.5#5 in best AI and machine learning books
Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction92.5#2 in best AI and machine learning booksProbabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#2 against #5, score 92.5 against 88.5).
- 88.5Editorial score92.5
- 3Formats2
- NoFree to useYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition if you want
Practical deep learning code in Python.
The strongest paid pick for writing deep learning code in Python, with Keras 3 and generative AI in the third edition. It has no free text and less theory than the free books above.
Choose Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction if you want
Probabilistic modeling and Bayesian methods.
A broad, current treatment of machine learning as probabilistic modeling, with a free draft PDF. It is more mathematical than the practical texts here and newer than Bishop's 2006 book.
The main differences
- Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction can be used for free; Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition requires payment.
Side by side
 Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition |  Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 13 | #2 of 13 |
| Price | PaidPrint and eBook sold by Manning; no free full text | FreeFree draft PDF; hardcopy sold by MIT Press |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Formats | PDF, EPUB, Print | PDF, Print |
| Author | François Chollet and Matthew Watson | Kevin P. Murphy |
| Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Free to read online | No | Yes |
| Latest edition | 3rd edition, September 2025 | 2022, MIT Press; draft PDF updated |
| Math required | Light: basic Python and algebra | Heavy: probability and calculus |
| Best for | Practical deep learning code in Python | Probabilistic modeling and Bayesian methods |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition vs Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction
- Is Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction better than Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition?
- Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#2 against #5, score 92.5 against 88.5). Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition is best for: practical deep learning code in Python. Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction is best for: probabilistic modeling and Bayesian methods.
- Which is cheaper, Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition or Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction?
- Deep Learning with Python, Third Edition: Print and eBook sold by Manning; no free full text. Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction: Free draft PDF; hardcopy sold by MIT Press.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
