Comparing Three Coin Cell Batteries: CR2032 vs. LIR2032 vs. BR2032 (2024)

Oh, no! It’s just so not your day.

Your watch just became a useless blank screen on your wrist.

Andyour car’s keyfob has stopped working.

AndLittle Jenny’s retro handheld game console just went dark.

Today, we’re going to do a somewhat deep dive into that world, examining the three most commonly used batteries for small devices such as watches, keyfobs, games, and medical equipment.

We’ll begin with a brief overview of coin cell batteries in general, and then go into each type of 2032 battery in some detail. By the time we’re finished, we’ll have made your day easier, I promise.

And you’ll know a whole lot more about those tiny batteries that can cause such huge grief.

Some General Info on Coin Cell Batteries

Coin cell batteries are the “larger” varieties of the button cell batteries. They are still small, usually no bigger than 25mm in diameter. Compared to their smallest button cell battery cousins, at 5mm, they are quite larger.

Coin cells have a long service life, from one to 10 years, depending on the type. They have a low self-discharge rate, and hold charge for long periods of time when not in use.

2032 Coin Cell Batteries

Since we’re talking about three types of 2032 batteries today, let’s look at them specifically for a moment.

Each coin cell battery is labeled first by its diameter. Therefore, 2032 batteries are 20mm in diameter. The 32 comes from their thickness, which is 3.2mm.

No other coin cell battery has these dimensions. When you see 2032 on the label, you know it is this size.

2032 batteries all carry at least a 3V charge. They have a shelf life of at least 10 years. And at least some 2032s are rechargeable, depending on the chemical materials used to create their cathode cell.

Here’s a photo of our Duracell Procell CR2032, with the designation and voltage clearly visible on the product packaging.

Coin Cell Battery Chemistry

A battery’s chemistry can have great effects on its performance. Here are other things that can be affected by what a battery is made of:

• Performance at various temperatures
• Rechargeability vs. disposable
• Gravimetric energy density -- how much energy a battery holds vs. its weight
• Service life - while in use
• Shelf life - when not in use

The three coin cell batteries we’ll be examining each have their own chemical make-ups for their positive cathodes. Let’s look at them now.

CR2032 Battery Chemistry

The “CR” in a CR2032 battery, or any CR designated battery designates that its positive cathode is made of Lithium manganese dioxide. This gives it a high energy density while also allowing it to function in low-temperature environments.

LiR2032 Battery Chemistry

The LiR2032 is arechargeable lithium batterywhose performance greatly depends on the type of lithium used by the manufacturer. They also carry a higher voltage charge, from 3.2 to 3.9V. Common types of lithium used in LiR coin cell batteries include:

• Lithium manganese oxide
• Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide
• Lithium cobalt oxide
• Lithium iron phosphate

BR2032 Battery Chemistry

For example, you can safely replace most CR2032 coin cell batteries with a BR2032 type lithium battery. You can not, however, always substitute an LiR2032 rechargeable battery for either a CR2032 or BR2032 type, without running safety risks, including overheating and fire.

Now that we have the science out of the way, let’s look at each type of 2032 battery in some detail.

2032 Battery Characteristics

We’ll be comparing CR2032 batteries with BR2032 and LiR 2032 batteries across 6 main categories today. They are:

• Typical capacity
• Nominal voltage
• Cutoff voltage
• Operating temperature
• Shelf-life
• Common uses

Let’s get dug in.

CR2032 Characteristics

Typical capacity: approximately 225 mAh

Nominal voltage: 3V

Cutoff voltage: 2V

Operating temperature: between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F)

Shelf life: 10 years

BR2032 Characteristics

Typical capacity: 190mAh

Nominal voltage: 2.8V

Cutoff voltage: 2.25V

Operating temperature: between -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F)

Shelf life:morethan 10 years

Common uses: computer memory backup, games, toys, small medical equipment such as home and portable blood pressure monitors, and wearable medical monitors such as theDexcom systemfor monitoring glucose levels .

LiR2032 Characteristics

Typical capacity: 40mAh

Nominal voltage: 3.6V

Cutoff voltage: 3V

Charging temperature: between 0°C (32°C) and 45°C (113°F)

Operating temperature: between -20°C (-4°F) and 60°C (140°F)
Minimum number of charging/usage cycles: 300 to 500

Frequently Asked Questions

You may still have a few questions concerning 2032 coin cell batteries. Here’s a few that we can answer for you:

Is it safe to buy 2032 batteries online?

Absolutely! It’s what we’re here for. Don’t just take our word for it, though. We’ve got an entire article on buying all types of batteries online for you.

What is the longest lasting CR2032 battery?

The longest lasting CR2032 battery that we sell is the Duracell Procell CR2032. Review after review, comparison after comparison, the Duracell Procell CR2032 comes out on top.

Where can I buy all the 2032 type batteries I need?

Right here. From us. We carry a large line of CR2032 and BR2032 batteries for almost any need. Get yours today.

CR2032 batteries have a voltage of 3 volts.
They either come ascoin/button cellorPLC batteries.

These batteries are usually used for calculators, glucose monitors, and fitness devices. Lithium batteries are the most common battery chemistry for CR2032.