Comparison · AI and machine learning books
An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) vs Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction: which is better in 2026?
An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)90.0#4 in best AI and machine learning booksProbabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction92.5#2 in best AI and machine learning books
Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 90.0Editorial score92.5
- 2Formats2
- YesFree to useYes
Which should you choose?
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.
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.
Side by side
| An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) | Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.0 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree PDF download; printed copies sold separately | FreeFree draft PDF; hardcopy sold by MIT Press |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Formats | PDF, Print | PDF, Print |
| Author | Gareth James, Daniela Witten, Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani and Jonathan Taylor | Kevin P. Murphy |
| Level | Beginner | Advanced |
| Free to read online | Yes | Yes |
| Latest edition | 2023, Python edition | 2022, MIT Press; draft PDF updated |
| Math required | Light: basic statistics | Heavy: probability and calculus |
| Best for | Statistical learning for beginners with Python | Probabilistic modeling and Bayesian methods |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) vs Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction
- Is Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction better than An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition)?
- Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction ranks higher in our list of AI and machine learning books (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) is best for: statistical learning for beginners with Python. Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction is best for: probabilistic modeling and Bayesian methods.
- Which is cheaper, An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition) or Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction?
- An Introduction to Statistical Learning (Python edition): Free PDF download; printed copies sold separately. Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction: Free draft PDF; hardcopy sold by MIT Press.