Abstract: This study explores the capabilities of solvothermally synthesized bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) hexagonal platelets as a promising anode material for both Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Bi2Te3 anode material exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 837 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 against Li metal whereas, an initial discharge capacity of 678 mA h g−1 is observed at a current density of 20 mA g−1 for the same against the Na metal. The Li- and Na-storage mechanism in Bi2Te3 platelets has been investigated by using both galvanostatic charge–discharge and cyclic voltammetry measurements. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques have been used to examine the structural characteristics, surface morphology, and lattice vibrational modes of Bi2Te3 hexagonal platelets. Further, FTIR spectroscopy was employed to determine the presence of functional groups while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed for the elemental analysis of Bi2Te3 sample. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)