What is the difference between Machine Learning and Deep Learning?

Oct 21, 2025, 09:00 EDT

Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) are branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI). ML helps computers learn from data and improve over time, while DL uses neural networks to process complex data like images or speech. ML works well with smaller data and simpler tasks, whereas DL needs more data and computing power but gives higher accuracy. Simply put, Deep Learning is a more advanced version of Machine Learning used for complex, human-like decision-making.

Machine learning and Deep learning
Machine learning and Deep learning

In today’s tech-driven world, terms like Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) are everywhere, from social media recommendations to self-driving cars. But what do they actually mean, and how are they different? Both ML and DL are branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is all about creating systems that can think, learn, and make decisions like humans.

Machine learning is a method where computers learn from data and improve over time without being directly programmed. 

Deep Learning, on the other hand, is a more advanced and specialized type of Machine Learning that uses neural networks, a structure inspired by how our brain works, to process complex data like images, videos, or speech. While Machine Learning works well with smaller amounts of data, Deep Learning needs a huge amount of information and computing power to give accurate results.

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Key Differences Between Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Feature

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Definition

A subset of AI that uses algorithms to learn patterns from data.

A subset of ML that uses neural networks with many layers to learn complex data patterns.

Data Requirement

Works well with smaller datasets.

Requires a large amount of data to perform effectively.

Hardware Need

Can run on normal computers.

Needs high-end GPUs and powerful systems.

Feature Extraction

Requires manual feature selection by experts.

Automatically learns features from data.

Speed and Training Time

Faster to train but less accurate for complex tasks.

Slower training but gives more accurate results.

Examples

Spam email detection, weather prediction, and credit scoring.

Face recognition, voice assistants, and self-driving cars.

Conclusion

Machine Learning and Deep Learning aim to make machines smarter, but they do so at different levels. Machine Learning is great for simpler, structured data problems and requires less computing power. Deep Learning, meanwhile, shines when it comes to unstructured data like images, audio, and text, delivering more accurate and human-like outcomes. In short, Deep Learning can be seen as an evolution of Machine Learning,  more powerful but also more resource-intensive. As technology advances, ML and DL will keep shaping the future of automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making across industries.

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Sneha Singh
Sneha Singh

Content Writer

    Sneha Singh is a US News Content Writer at Jagran Josh, covering major developments in international policies and global affairs. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow Campus. With over six months of experience as a Sub Editor at News24 Digital, Sneha brings sharp news judgment, SEO expertise and a passion for impactful storytelling.

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