Are you looking for a way to speed up your Anki review sessions and reduce hand fatigue? An Anki clicker might be exactly what you need.
In this article, we'll break down the benefits of using an Anki clicker, what to look for when choosing one, and how the two most popular options compare.
Table of Contents:
- Benefits of Using an Anki Clicker
- Choosing the Right Anki Clicker
- StudyRemote
- 8bitdo
- StudyRemote vs 8bitdo
- Bottom Line
Benefits of Using an Anki Clicker
1. Increased Review Speed Flip through flashcards significantly faster than using a keyboard or mouse.
2. Reduced Hand Strain An Anki clicker minimizes repetitive stress on your hands and wrists during long study sessions.
3. Improved Focus Eliminating the need to reach for your keyboard keeps your attention on the material, not the mechanics.
4. More Enjoyable Learning A dedicated clicker makes review sessions feel smoother and less tedious — which means you'll actually do them more.
Choosing the Right Anki Clicker
The best Anki clicker depends on your needs. Consider these factors before deciding:
- Budget — Do you want a dedicated device with built-in features, or are you comfortable with a more affordable, customizable option?
- Features — How important are dedicated buttons for "Good," "Easy," "Hard," "Again," and "Show Answer"?
- Portability — Will you study on the go, or mostly at a desk?
- Multi-functionality — Do you want a device built purely for Anki, or one that can serve other purposes?
- Technical Comfort — Do you prefer plug-and-play, or are you happy configuring button mappings yourself?
- Customer Reviews — Real user feedback can surface issues that spec sheets won't.
Two options consistently rise to the top based on student feedback: StudyRemote and the 8bitdo Anki Controller.
StudyRemote (formerly Anki Remote)
1. Dedicated Anki Buttons StudyRemote comes with buttons specifically mapped to Anki functions — "Good," "Easy," "Hard," "Again," and "Show Answer" — right out of the box. No configuration needed.
2. Ergonomic Design Compact and designed for single-hand use, StudyRemote reduces fatigue during extended review sessions.
3. Faster Reviews Dedicated buttons let you move through cards quickly and efficiently, covering more material in less time.
4. Fewer Distractions With controls at your fingertips, there's no need to reach for a keyboard or mouse — keeping your focus where it belongs.
5. Better Motivation The ease and novelty of a purpose-built remote makes studying feel less like a chore and encourages longer, more consistent review sessions.
6. Strong Customer Feedback Users consistently report faster review speeds, reduced hand strain, and an overall more enjoyable Anki experience.
8bitdo Anki Controller
1. Customizable Button Mapping The 8bitdo controller lets you map buttons to Anki functions, offering flexibility — though it requires upfront configuration.
2. Multi-functional Can be used beyond Anki, making it a more versatile option if you want a single device for multiple purposes.
3. Lower Price Point Generally available for $20–27 on Amazon, making it the more budget-friendly entry point.
StudyRemote vs 8bitdo
Here's a side-by-side breakdown based on features and real student feedback:
Price
- StudyRemote is priced at $44.99; 8bitdo ranges from $20–27 on Amazon.
"I used to replace my 8bitdo remote every 2 months. My friend with the Anki Remote ended up buying me one, and it has been so so so much better. I should have just gotten it in the first place." — Jharna, med student
Setup
- StudyRemote works instantly on any device with zero setup.
- 8bitdo setup is reportedly more complex and may require troubleshooting.
"I wanted a new Anki remote but don't like the 8bit one — it always keeps disconnecting and is confusing to set up." — Angeline, med student
Privacy
- StudyRemote eliminates the need for third-party software like Karabiner Elements or AutoHotkey.
- 8bitdo relies on these programs for Anki functionality, which introduces potential privacy concerns.
"I have the 8bitdo remote and have had problems — was looking for a different one. Have had issues with Karabiner too, so I'm excited by the 2.0 option." — Kate, dental student
Customization
- StudyRemote offers an intuitive visual interface via its add-on for easy customization.
- 8bitdo customization requires software configuration that some users find challenging.
"I love my Anki Remote. I didn't really think it would save me time but it definitely does, even compared to other remotes since they don't have as much functionality with the keys." — Bridget, dental student
Technical Support
- StudyRemote offers direct, unlimited technical support via email during business hours.
- 8bitdo is sold through Amazon and provides no direct technical support.
"Any time there is an issue with the remote, I have a direct contact to a customer service base to get the problem addressed quickly." — Claudia, dental student
Longevity
- Multiple students report replacing their 8bitdo every few months due to durability issues.
- StudyRemote users consistently report no problems after switching.
"8bitdo kept breaking and I replaced it 3 times in 4 months before switching. Never had a problem after switching." — Shreya, dental student
Battery Life
- 8bitdo lasts a few hours per charge.
- StudyRemote provides up to 6 hours of active use.
"Compared to the other ones my classmates use, the battery life is far superior." — Jacob, dental student
Design
- 8bitdo is a repurposed video game controller.
- StudyRemote is purpose-built for Anki: one-handed use, ergonomic grip, and discreet matte black finish designed for use in libraries, clinics, and study halls.
Bottom Line
If budget is your primary concern, the 8bitdo is a workable starting point. But for students who want a purpose-built tool with zero setup, better battery life, dedicated support, and long-term durability, StudyRemote is the clear upgrade.
"I am really enjoying my Anki Remote so much more than the 8bitdo I was using before. It is so much more seamless and easy to use. As soon as you turn it on it automatically connects with the correct mapping controls. It has made my studying much more efficient and has saved me so much time — and carpal tunnel!" — Colin, med student
Happy Studying!
