If you use Anki daily, you already know the drill: 100s of flashcards waiting for you in the morning. However, a dedicated Anki remote changes that entirely. Research shows that by using an Anki remote, students completed 94% more cards in 46% less time compared to keyboard-only reviewers. More importantly, that kind of time savings compounds fast. Over a full year of daily reviews, you could reclaim 100s of hours, allowing for more time spent on practice questions or simply not burning out.
But which Anki remote is actually worth buying? In this guide, we compare every major option so you can make the right call.
What to Look for in an Anki Remote
Before diving into specific products, here are the five factors that separate a great Anki remote from a frustrating one:
Setup complexity: Some devices work the moment you turn them on. Others require third-party software like Karabiner Elements or AutoHotKey, custom key mapping, and sometimes a 30-minute YouTube tutorial just to get started. If you value your time, instant setup matters.
Battery life: You want a remote that never dies, or that's what it should feel like. Anything under 8 hours means you are charging mid-session, which defeats the purpose.
Ergonomics: You will be holding this device for hours every day. Comfortable, one-handed use with a neutral wrist position helps Anki marathons much more bearable.
Privacy and software: Some Anki Remotes require invasive key-remapping software that runs in the background that can also block exam proctoring tools. It's a must t
Customization: The ability to map buttons to specific Anki actions--reveal answer, undo, flag, navigate between decks-- separates a purpose-built Anki clicker from a generic Bluetooth device.
The Top Anki Remotes and Clickers Compared
1. Anki Remote 2 Pro by StudyRemote — Best Overall
The Anki Remote 2 Pro is the only Bluetooth controller designed from the ground up specifically for Anki. It connects over Bluetooth, works as a keyboard input, and requires zero third-party software.
What makes it stand out:
- Instant setup. Turn it on, pair via Bluetooth, and start reviewing. No Karabiner, no AutoHotKey, no configuration guides. It works on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, and Android.
- No third-party software. All remapping software has been removed. Your privacy stays protected, and there are no conflicts with exam proctoring apps like eCOMAT.
- Customizable via Anki add-on. The free Anki Remote add-on lets you remap every button to your preferred Anki actions. Two recommended modes come pre-programmed, and you can customize from there.
- Ergonomic one-handed design. Purpose-built for hours of daily use. The buttons are silent (library-friendly) but tactile, so you develop muscle memory fast.
- Up to 8 hours of battery life. More than enough for even the longest study marathons.
- Dedicated support. Complimentary unlimited technical support via email — something no generic controller offers.
The Anki Remote 2 Pro is available in Pearl White, Sky Blue, and Pastel Pink, with upgraded materials for a softer, more comfortable grip compared to the standard version.
Price: $39.90 (on sale from $49.90)
Best for: Anyone who wants a plug-and-play Anki clicker with zero setup friction. Especially valuable for medical students who cannot have Karabiner installed due to exam software restrictions.
2. 8BitDo Zero 2 — A Budget Option
The 8BitDo Zero 2 is a tiny Bluetooth gaming controller that the Anki community adopted as a DIY remote. It is compact enough to fit on a keychain and costs around $20–27 on Amazon.
What you should know:
- Requires Karabiner Elements (Mac) or AutoHotKey (Windows). Out of the box, the buttons do not map to Anki actions. You need third-party key-remapping software to make it work, and the setup process is not straightforward. Multiple students have reported giving up during setup.
- Privacy concerns. Karabiner Elements runs at the kernel level and monitors all keystrokes. Some exam proctoring software (like eCOMAT) will not allow it on your machine, forcing you to uninstall and reinstall monthly.
- Shorter battery life. The 8BitDo lasts around 6-8 hours per charge, which may not cover a full study session.
- Durability issues. Community reports suggest the 8BitDo can glitch and stop working more frequently than dedicated remotes. One student reported replacing theirs three times in four months.
- No dedicated support. Sold through Amazon with no Anki-specific support channel. If you have a setup issue, you are searching forums on your own.
On the positive side, it is small, affordable, and once configured, it works well for basic review sessions.
Price: $20–27
Best for: Students on a tight budget who are comfortable with technical setup and do not need exam-proctoring compatibility.
3. MedSchoolBro Anki Clicker — Alternative Hardware Option
The MedSchoolBro Anki Clicker is another hardware controller built for Anki, sold through the MedSchoolBro educational platform.
What you should know:
- Instant setup on Mac or PC. Pairs via Bluetooth without additional software.
- Pre-programmed controls. Comes with popular button mappings out of the box, with further customization available through their own Anki add-on.
- USB-C charging. Modern charging standard included.
- Bundled with study resources. MedSchoolBro often bundles the clicker with Anki decks and study guides.
The MedSchoolBro clicker is a solid option, though it comes from a smaller operation primarily known for study content rather than hardware. Availability can be inconsistent (frequently out of stock), and long-term reliability data is more limited.
Price: Check medschoolbro.com for current pricing
Best for: Students already in the MedSchoolBro ecosystem who want a bundle deal.
4. Anki Clicker App — Best Software Alternative
The Anki Clicker App takes a different approach entirely. Instead of a physical device, it turns your smartphone into a wireless remote for Anki.
What you should know:
- No hardware to buy. Download the app on iOS or Android, install a free bridge add-on in Anki Desktop, and your phone becomes the controller.
- Swipe gestures and virtual D-Pad. Review cards with swipe gestures that feel more intuitive than button presses for some users.
- Built-in analytics. Track retention rates and session duration in real time with visual charts.
- No Bluetooth pairing issues. Connects over your local network rather than Bluetooth.
The trade-off is that you are still using a screen, which can be a distraction. You also need your phone charged and nearby, and the app requires the Anki Desktop bridge add-on to function.
Price: Free / Freemium
Best for: Users who want to try remote Anki reviewing before committing to a hardware purchase.
5. Ankimote — Free Phone-Based Option
Ankimote is a free Anki add-on that lets you control Anki from your phone's web browser. No app download required — just install the add-on and navigate to a local URL on your phone.
What you should know:
- Completely free. No cost whatsoever.
- Basic controls. Covers the essentials (show answer, rate card) but lacks advanced features.
- Requires same network. Your phone and computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Less polished. The interface is functional but minimal compared to dedicated apps or hardware.
Price: Free
Best for: Users who want to experiment with remote reviewing at zero cost.
6. Logitech Mouse Setup — DIY Approach
Some users repurpose a Logitech mouse (like the MX Anywhere 3) by remapping extra buttons to Anki shortcuts using Logi Options+ or Karabiner Elements.
What you should know:
- Uses hardware you may already own. No new purchase required if you have a multi-button mouse.
- Requires software configuration. You still need Logi Options+ or Karabiner to remap buttons.
- Not ergonomic for long sessions. A mouse is not designed for one-handed card review. You are still desk-bound.
Price: $50–80 (if purchasing new)
Best for: Users who already own a Logitech mouse and want to try Anki reviewing without buying a separate device.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Anki Remote 2 Pro | 8BitDo Zero 2 | MedSchoolBro | Anki Clicker App | Ankimote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.90 | $20–27 | Varies | Free | Free |
| Type | Dedicated hardware | Gaming controller | Dedicated hardware | Phone app | Phone add-on |
| Setup time | Under 1 minute | 15–30+ minutes | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes |
| 3rd-party software | None | Karabiner / AHK | None | Bridge add-on | Anki add-on |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours | 3–4 hours | Not specified | Phone battery | Phone battery |
| Customizable buttons | Yes (Anki add-on) | Yes (manual remap) | Yes (Anki add-on) | Swipe gestures | Basic only |
| Exam software safe | Yes | No (Karabiner conflicts) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated support | Unlimited email support | Amazon only | Limited | App support | Community only |
| Noise level | Silent | Clicky | Not specified | Silent | Silent |
| One-handed use | Yes (ergonomic design) | Yes (small form) | Yes | Yes (phone) | Yes (phone) |
| Device compatibility | Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android | Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Any device with browser |
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anki Remote 2 Pro if: You want the easiest possible setup, you study for long sessions, you care about privacy and exam software compatibility, or you simply want the best-in-class Anki clicker without compromise. It is the top choice for medical students, dental students, and anyone doing 200+ reviews per day.
Choose the 8BitDo Zero 2 if: You are on a tight budget, you are comfortable with technical setup, and you do not need exam-proctoring compatibility. Just know that you may spend an extra hour or 2 troubleshooting than reviewing.
Choose the Anki Clicker App if: You want to try remote reviewing without buying hardware. It is a great way to experience the productivity benefits before investing in a dedicated device.
Choose Ankimote if: You want a completely free, no-commitment way to test phone-based Anki control. But you will lose out on the tactile feeling.
Why an Anki Remote Is Worth It
The math is simple. If you review 200 cards per day and an Anki remote helps you complete them in 46% less time, that is roughly 30 minutes saved daily. Over a year, that adds up to over 180 hours — time you could spend on practice questions, board prep, clinical skills, or rest.
Beyond speed, there are ergonomic benefits. Keyboard-based Anki reviewing involves repetitive finger movements that can contribute to wrist strain and carpal tunnel symptoms over months of daily use. A purpose-built remote keeps your wrist in a neutral position and lets you study from the couch, a treadmill, or anywhere that is not your desk.
Over 10,000 students at 158+ schools already use the Anki Remote. The question is not really whether a remote helps — the research is clear on that. The question is which one fits your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Anki remote? An Anki remote (also called an Anki clicker or Anki controller) is a small Bluetooth device that connects to your computer or tablet and lets you control Anki flashcard reviews without touching your keyboard. You hold it in one hand and press buttons to show answers, rate cards, undo, and navigate.
Do Anki remotes work with AnkiDroid and AnkiMobile? The Anki Remote 2 Pro works with Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Compatibility varies by product, so check the specific remote you are considering.
Is an Anki remote worth the money? For students reviewing 100+ cards per day, the time savings alone justify the cost within the first few weeks. Students using the Anki Remote report completing 94% more cards in 46% less time. The ergonomic benefits and reduced strain provide additional long-term value.
Can I use an Anki remote on a treadmill? Yes — this is one of the most popular use cases. A Bluetooth Anki clicker lets you review cards hands-free while walking, which many students find improves both focus and retention.
Does the 8BitDo work with exam proctoring software? The 8BitDo requires Karabiner Elements (Mac) or AutoHotKey (Windows), which can conflict with exam proctoring tools like eCOMAT. The Anki Remote 2 Pro does not require any third-party software, making it safe to use alongside proctoring apps.
What is the difference between an Anki remote and an Anki clicker? They are the same thing. "Anki remote," "Anki clicker," and "Anki controller" all refer to a Bluetooth device used to control Anki flashcard reviews wirelessly.
The Verdict
For most Anki users, the Anki Remote 2 Pro is the clear winner. It combines instant setup, long battery life, silent buttons, full customization, exam-software safety, and dedicated support — all in an ergonomic package designed specifically for the way you actually study.
The 8BitDo is a reasonable budget pick if you are comfortable with technical tinkering, and the app-based options are good for testing the waters. But if you want something that just works from day one and keeps working through years of daily reviews, the Anki Remote 2 Pro is the standard.
