CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 are all lithium coin-cell batteries widely used in small electronic devices such as watches, remote controls, calculators, and medical devices.
Despite similarities in diameter and voltage, their differences in thickness, capacity, and longevity make them suited for different applications. Here’s a detailed comparison.
Table of Contents
Overview
All three batteries share the following characteristics:
- CR: Lithium manganese dioxide (chemical composition).
- 20: Diameter in millimeters (20 mm).
- Voltage: 3 volts.
The differences arise in their thickness, capacity, and resulting battery life.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CR2016 | CR2025 | CR2032 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm | 2.5 mm | 3.2 mm |
| Capacity | ~90 mAh | ~160-170 mAh | ~220-240 mAh |
| Voltage | 3 volts | 3 volts | 3 volts |
| Weight | ~1.8 g | ~2.5 g | ~3.1 g |
| Applications | Low-power devices | Medium-power devices | Higher-power devices |
| Battery Life | Shortest | Medium | Longest |
| Price | Lowest | Moderate | Slightly higher |
Key Differences
Thickness
- CR2016: Thinnest at 1.6 mm, best for compact devices.
- CR2025: 2.5 mm, thicker than CR2016, offering more capacity.
- CR2032: Thickest at 3.2 mm, providing the highest capacity and longest life.
Capacity
- CR2016: ~90 mAh, suitable for very low-power devices.
- CR2025: ~160-170 mAh, nearly double the capacity of CR2016, ideal for moderate-power devices.
- CR2032: ~220-240 mAh, the highest capacity, providing the longest battery life.
Longevity
- The CR2032 lasts the longest due to its higher capacity, followed by the CR2025 and then the CR2016.
Compatibility
- All three batteries share the same diameter and voltage, making them interchangeable in some devices.
- If your device can fit thicker batteries, the CR2032 offers the best longevity.
- If the device requires a slim profile, the CR2016 or CR2025 may be better suited.
Applications
- CR2016: Best for devices like watches, calculators, and other low-power electronics.
- CR2025: Suitable for car key fobs, toys, and medical devices that need moderate power.
- CR2032: Ideal for devices requiring higher power or longer life, such as computer motherboards (CMOS), fitness trackers, and advanced remote controls.
Pros and Cons
CR2016
Pros:
- Thinnest, suitable for very compact devices.
- Least expensive.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Lowest capacity and shortest battery life.
- May not fit securely in compartments designed for thicker batteries.
CR2025
Pros:
- Balanced thickness and capacity for most applications.
- Longer battery life than CR2016.
- Moderate price.
Cons:
- Limited compared to CR2032 for high-power or long-term use.
CR2032
Pros:
- Highest capacity and longest life.
- Suitable for high-power and long-duration applications.
- Versatile for various devices.
Cons:
- Thickest, may not fit in slim devices.
- Slightly more expensive.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the CR2016 if:
- Your device has a slim battery compartment.
- The device has minimal power needs, like a watch or basic remote control.
Choose the CR2025 if:
- Your device needs moderate power and can accommodate a slightly thicker battery.
- You want a balance between size and battery life.
Choose the CR2032 if:
- Your device supports thicker batteries and requires higher power or longer battery life.
- Applications include motherboards, advanced remotes, or medical equipment.
Summary
While all three batteries share the same voltage and diameter, their differences in thickness and capacity determine their ideal applications.
Always check your device’s battery compartment and power requirements before choosing the best option.
For longer life and more demanding tasks, the CR2032 is the best choice, but for slim devices, the CR2016 or CR2025 may be better suited.
