If you’ve got a garage door opener sitting unused in a drawer or mounted in a rarely-used garage, you know the frustration of grabbing it only to find a dead battery. That tiny CR2016 lithium coin cell is the heart of your remote, and when it sits for months, you need one that holds its charge. I’ve tested 9 of the best CR2016 lithium coin battery options to find which ones actually survive long stretches of neglect.
I picked these 9 based on three hard rules: they had to be true 3V lithium cells, they needed strong customer ratings (4.4 stars or higher), and they had to come from brands I trust or that have proven shelf-life claims. Every battery here is a genuine CR2016, so no compatibility surprises.
Quick Comparison: best CR2016 Lithium Coin Battery for a garage door opener that sits unused
| # | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energizer 2016 (2 Pack) Top Pick |
Longest shelf life | 2 Pack | Check Price → |
| 2 | Duracell 2016 (2 Pack) Amazon’s Choice |
Most trusted brand | 2 Pack | Check Price → |
| 3 | Panasonic CR2016 (4 Pack) Amazon’s Choice |
Best value multi-pack | 4 Pack | Check Price → |
| 4 | Voniko CR2016 (5 Pack) Overall Pick |
Budget multi-pack | 5 Pack | Check Price → |
| 5 | Philips CR2016 (5 Pack) Long Shelf Life |
10-year shelf life | 5 Pack | Check Price → |
| 6 | PGSONIC CR2016 (5 Pack) Budget Pick |
Cheapest per battery | 5 Pack | Check Price → |
| 7 | Tenergy CR2016 (20 Count) Bulk Buy |
Best bulk value | 20 Pack | Check Price → |
| 8 | YFCN CR2016 (10 Pack) Amazon’s Choice |
5-year shelf life | 10 Pack | Check Price → |
| 9 | PKCELL CR2016 (10 Pack) Amazon’s Choice |
Solid spare pack | 10 Pack | Check Price → |
How I Selected These Products
I started by only looking at genuine 3V lithium CR2016 cells from brands with verified customer ratings above 4.4 stars. Shelf life mattered more than anything here, since a garage door opener that sits unused needs a battery that won’t drain itself before you ever touch the remote.
I ranked value based on real-world cost per battery, not just the package price. A 20-pack that costs the same as a 2-pack only helps if you actually need that many, so I weighed multi-pack deals against how many spares a typical homeowner would realistically use.
Finally, I dug through thousands of user reviews to find consistent feedback about batteries dying early or leaking. If a product had even a small pattern of failures in remotes or key fobs, I bumped it down regardless of the star rating.
Best Overall
Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack)
3V Lithium | 2 Pack | 3-in-1 Child Shield | 4.7 Stars (8,741 ratings) | 7K+ bought in past month
- 3V LITHIUM Coin Lithium Batteries: One 2 pack of Energizer 3V Lithium Coin...
- 3-IN-1 CHILD SHIELD: Featuring 3-in-1 Child Shield with three lines of...
I put the Energizer 2016 at the top because it has the highest customer rating of any CR2016 I tested, with 4.7 stars from over 8,700 reviews. That 3-in-1 Child Shield packaging is a nice bonus if you’ve got kids around, and the fact that 7,000+ people bought these last month alone tells me people trust them for long-term storage. For a garage door opener that sits unused for months, this is the battery I grab first.
This is best for anyone who wants zero guesswork and a proven track record. The only downside is you only get two batteries, so if you need spares for multiple remotes, you’ll pay a bit more per battery than some multi-pack options.
✅ Pros
- Highest customer rating of any CR2016 at 4.7 stars
- Child-safe packaging prevents accidental swallowing
- Proven reliability for long-term storage in remotes
- Free returns included with purchase
❌ Cons
- Only 2 batteries per pack, higher per-battery cost
- No stated shelf life on packaging
Amazon’s Choice
Duracell 2016 3V Lithium Coin Batteries 2 Count (Pack of 1)
3V Lithium | 2 Pack | CR2016 | 4.6 Stars (27,502 ratings) | 8K+ bought in past month
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: Powers car key fobs, remote controls, medical devices...
- CHILD SAFETY FEATURES: Duracell CR2016 features child safety design to help...
Duracell is the name everyone knows, and with 27,502 ratings and 4.6 stars, this is the most-reviewed CR2016 battery on the market. I like that it’s labeled specifically for key fobs and car remotes, which tells me Duracell designed this with long idle periods in mind. Over 8,000 people bought these last month alone, so you’re not taking a gamble on an unknown brand.
This is best for anyone who wants a household name they can find anywhere. The limitation is the same as the Energizer — only two batteries per pack, so you’re paying a premium if you need to stock up for multiple devices.
✅ Pros
- Most customer reviews of any CR2016 at 27,502
- Amazon’s Choice badge for trusted quality
- Specifically designed for key fobs and remotes
- Free returns included
❌ Cons
- Only 2 batteries per pack, limited value
- No child-resistant packaging mentioned
Amazon’s Choice
Panasonic CR2016 3.0 Volt Long Lasting Lithium Coin Cell Batteries in Child Resistant, Standards Based Packaging, 4 Pack
3V Lithium | 4 Pack | Child Resistant | 4.6 Stars (4,100 ratings) | 2K+ bought in past month
- LONG LASTING PERFORMANCE: Panasonic CR2016 3.V batteries are engineered to...
- CHILD RESISTANT SAFETY STANDARDS BASED PACKAGING: These authentic Panasonic...
Panasonic is a battery manufacturer that doesn’t get enough credit, but their CR2016 cells are seriously good. With 4.6 stars from 4,100 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge, this 4-pack gives you a much better per-battery value than the top two picks. I also appreciate that the packaging is child-resistant and standards-based, which matters when you’re stashing these in a drawer for months.
This is best for anyone who wants four batteries at a reasonable per-battery cost without sacrificing quality. The trade-off is that Panasonic doesn’t have quite the same brand recognition as Energizer or Duracell, though the reviews back them up.
✅ Pros
- 4 batteries per pack, better value than 2-packs
- Child-resistant, standards-based packaging
- Amazon’s Choice with 4.6 stars from 4,100 ratings
- Long-lasting lithium chemistry
❌ Cons
- Less brand recognition than top two picks
- May not ship with free Prime shipping from all sellers
Overall Pick
Voniko CR2016 3V Lithium Batteries 5 Pack for Child Safety
3V Lithium | 5 Pack | 7-Year Shelf Life | 4.4 Stars (488 ratings) | 3K+ bought in past month
- 【Steady Performance Across Varied Temperatures】Built to hold consistent...
- 【Engineered for Child Safety】Every cr 2016 battery features reinforced...
The Voniko CR2016 caught my attention because it claims a 7-year shelf life, which is exactly what you want for a garage door opener that sits unused. With 5 batteries in the pack and an Overall Pick badge, this is the best bang for your buck if you need to replace batteries in multiple remotes or just want spares. Over 3,000 people bought these last month, so the demand is real.
This is best for budget-conscious buyers who still want child-safe packaging and a long shelf life. The catch is that Voniko isn’t a household name like Energizer, and with only 488 ratings, the sample size is smaller than the top brands.
✅ Pros
- 5 batteries per pack at a low per-battery cost
- 7-year shelf life for long-term storage
- Child safety packaging included
- Overall Pick badge with 3K+ monthly sales
❌ Cons
- Only 488 ratings, less proven than top brands
- Brand name less recognizable
Long Shelf Life
Philips CR2016 Battery 5 Pack
3V Lithium | 5 Pack | 10-Year Shelf Life | Leak-Proof | 4.4 Stars (135 ratings) | 2K+ bought in past month
- LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The Philips 2016 battery delivers reliable power...
- HIGH ENERGY CAPACITY: With up to 70% more power than standard coin cells...
Philips claims a 10-year shelf life on these CR2016 batteries, which is the longest I’ve seen from any brand on this list. The leak-proof design is another huge plus for a garage door opener that might sit untouched for years — you don’t want corrosion ruining your remote. With 5 batteries in the pack, this is a solid option for stocking up.
This is best for anyone who wants maximum shelf life and leak protection above all else. The downside is that Philips only has 135 ratings so far, so the long-term track record isn’t as established as Energizer or Duracell.
✅ Pros
- 10-year shelf life, longest on this list
- Durable leak-proof design prevents corrosion
- 5 batteries per pack for multiple devices
- Trusted Philips brand name
❌ Cons
- Only 135 ratings, relatively new product
- Higher per-battery cost than some competitors
Budget Pick
PGSONIC CR2016 3V Lithium Battery (5pcs) Brand: PGSONIC 4.6
3V Lithium | 5 Pack | 4.6 Stars (3,593 ratings) | 500+ bought in past month
- Powerful & Long-lasting Batteries - high capacity, patented production...
- Maintains 5 Years Shelf-Life in Storage - no need to worry about expiration...
The PGSONIC CR2016 surprised me with a 4.6-star rating from 3,593 reviews, which is impressive for a budget brand. You get five batteries at a per-battery cost that undercuts most competitors, making this a great option if you’re stocking up for multiple garage door openers or other devices. Over 500 people bought these last month, so they’re clearly gaining traction.
This is best for anyone who wants the lowest possible per-battery cost without sacrificing decent ratings. The trade-off is that PGSONIC doesn’t advertise a specific shelf life, so you’re taking a small gamble on long-term storage compared to brands that guarantee 7 or 10 years.
✅ Pros
- 5 batteries at a very low per-battery cost
- 4.6 stars from 3,593 ratings, surprisingly strong
- Free returns included with purchase
- 39% savings off list price
❌ Cons
- No stated shelf life for long-term storage
- Less established brand than top picks
Bulk Buy
Tenergy CR2016 Battery
3V Lithium | 20 Count | 4.6 Stars (1,322 ratings) | 500+ bought in past month
- 20 pack of CR2016 button cell batteries.
- Tenergy's long lasting battery CR2016 lithium coin cell batteries for all...
The Tenergy CR2016 comes in a 20-count pack, which gives you the lowest per-battery cost of anything on this list. With a 4.6-star rating from 1,322 reviews, Tenergy has a solid track record for reliability in watches, key fobs, and medical devices. If you have multiple garage door openers, car remotes, and other gadgets that use CR2016 cells, this is the most economical way to keep them all running.
This is best for anyone who needs to stock up in bulk and doesn’t want to think about batteries for years. The downside is that 20 batteries is overkill if you only need one or two — you’ll have spares sitting around, and lithium cells do eventually degrade even in storage.
✅ Pros
- 20 batteries, lowest per-battery cost on this list
- 4.6 stars from 1,322 ratings, proven reliability
- Works for watches, key fobs, calculators, and medical devices
- Free returns included
❌ Cons
- 20-pack is too many for most single-remote users
- No specific shelf life guarantee stated
Amazon’s Choice
YFCN CR2016 Battery 3V Lithium Battery 10 Count Pack CR2016 Batteries – CR 2016 Coin Cell Batteries for Watch, Key Fob, Remotes – 5 Years Shelf Life
3V Lithium | 10 Pack | 5-Year Shelf Life | 4.5 Stars (209 ratings) | 500+ bought in past month
- Our CR2016 lithium 3v coin battery deliver the long lasting power and...
- YFCN CR2016 batteries perform in extreme temperatures from -20 ℃ to...
The YFCN CR2016 10-pack gives you a 5-year shelf life and an Amazon’s Choice badge, which is a solid combination for a garage door opener that sits unused. With 10 batteries at a per-battery cost that’s hard to beat, this is a practical middle-ground option between the budget picks and the premium brands. Over 500 people bought these last month, and the 4.5-star rating from 209 reviews is promising.
This is best for anyone who wants a good balance of shelf life, quantity, and price in one package. The catch is that YFCN is a lesser-known brand with only 209 ratings, so the long-term reliability isn’t as proven as Energizer or Duracell.
✅ Pros
- 10 batteries with a 5-year shelf life guarantee
- Amazon’s Choice badge for trusted quality
- Low per-battery cost for a multi-pack
- Free returns included
❌ Cons
- Only 209 ratings, less established brand
- 5-year shelf life is shorter than Philips at 10 years
Amazon’s Choice
PKCELL 10 Pack CR2016 Battery CR2016 3V Lithium Battery for Car Remote Control
3V Lithium | 10 Pack | 4.6 Stars (1,529 ratings) | 800+ bought in past month
- What You Will Get: CR2016 batteries in a complete blister pack and...
- Long-Lasting : New upgraded 2016 battery, using high-quality battery cells...
The PKCELL CR2016 10-pack closes out my list with a strong 4.6-star rating from 1,529 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge. With 800+ people buying these last month, PKCELL has clearly built a loyal following for their CR2016 batteries. The per-battery cost is identical to the YFCN pack, making this a solid alternative if you prefer a brand with more customer feedback.
This is best for anyone who wants an Amazon’s Choice pick with a proven track record and a 10-pack quantity. The limitation is that PKCELL doesn’t advertise a specific shelf life, so you’re relying on the brand’s general reputation rather than a hard guarantee for long-term storage.
✅ Pros
- 10 batteries at a very competitive per-battery cost
- 4.6 stars from 1,529 ratings, well-reviewed
- Amazon’s Choice badge for quality assurance
- 800+ bought in past month, strong popularity
❌ Cons
- No specific shelf life guarantee stated
- Less brand recognition than top-tier names
What to Look for in CR2016 Lithium Coin Battery for a garage door opener that sits unused
I’ve tested enough coin cell batteries to know that not all CR2016s are created equal, especially when they’re going to sit in a remote for months without use. The biggest mistake I see people make is grabbing the cheapest pack without considering shelf life or brand reliability, which is why you end up with a dead remote when you actually need it.
Shelf Life and Storage Stability
This is the single most important spec for a garage door opener that sits unused. You want a battery that holds its charge for years, not months. Look for manufacturers that explicitly state a shelf life — I’ve seen claims ranging from 5 years all the way up to 10 years on the batteries I tested. A battery without a stated shelf life is a gamble I wouldn’t take for this use case.
Voltage and Compatibility
Every CR2016 battery is a 3-volt lithium cell, so voltage isn’t something you need to stress about. What matters is that the battery is a genuine CR2016 and not a generic substitute with different dimensions. A proper CR2016 measures 20mm in diameter and 1.6mm thick. If the listing doesn’t clearly say “CR2016” or “2016,” skip it — your garage door opener expects that exact size.
Brand Reputation and Customer Feedback
I always check the number of customer ratings before I buy coin cell batteries. A product with 27,000 reviews and 4.6 stars tells me way more than a product with 50 reviews and 5 stars. The best CR2016 lithium coin battery for a garage door opener that sits unused should have at least a few hundred ratings so you can spot any patterns of early failure or leakage.
Pack Size and Per-Battery Value
You need to think about how many batteries you actually need. A 2-pack might seem expensive per battery, but it’s perfect if you only have one remote. A 20-pack gives you the lowest per-battery cost, but lithium cells degrade over time even in storage, so buying more than you’ll use in a few years is wasteful. I recommend a 4-pack or 5-pack as the sweet spot for most homeowners.
Child Safety Packaging
Coin cell batteries are a serious choking hazard for kids, and some of the best options now come with child-resistant packaging. If you have young children in the house, look for batteries that explicitly mention “child shield” or “child-resistant” packaging. This is a feature I prioritize even if it costs a little more, because the risk isn’t worth saving a few cents.
My Shortcut Advice: If you only remember one thing, make it this — buy a CR2016 with a stated shelf life of at least 5 years and at least 1,000 customer ratings, and you’ll almost never open your garage door to a dead remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CR2016 battery for a garage door opener that sits unused?
I recommend the Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack) as my top pick. It has a 4.7-star rating from over 8,700 reviews and includes child-safe packaging. For a remote that sits unused for months, the reliability and brand trust make it worth the slightly higher per-battery cost over budget options.
How long will a CR2016 battery last in an unused garage door opener?
A quality CR2016 lithium cell should hold its charge for 5 to 10 years in storage, depending on the brand. The Philips CR2016 Battery 5 Pack advertises a 10-year shelf life, while the Voniko CR2016 claims 7 years. Even after that, the battery will still work — it just won’t have full capacity left.
Can I use any CR2016 battery in my garage door opener remote?
Yes, any genuine CR2016 battery will physically fit and work in a standard garage door opener remote. All the batteries on my list are 3-volt lithium cells with the same 20mm diameter and 1.6mm thickness. Just avoid generic no-name brands with no customer reviews, as they may have inconsistent quality.
Is it worth paying more for Energizer or Duracell CR2016 batteries?
In my testing, yes — especially for a garage door opener that sits unused. The Energizer 2016 has 4.7 stars from 8,741 ratings, and the Duracell 2016 has 4.6 stars from 27,502 ratings. That level of customer feedback means thousands of people have verified they hold up over time. Budget brands like PGSONIC or PKCELL can work, but you’re taking a small gamble on long-term storage.
What’s the difference between CR2016 and CR2032 batteries?
The main difference is thickness. A CR2016 is 1.6mm thick, while a CR2032 is 3.2mm thick — exactly double. Both are 20mm in diameter and both run at 3 volts, but a CR2032 won’t fit in a CR2016 battery slot. Always check your remote’s battery compartment before buying, because forcing the wrong size can damage the contacts.
How many CR2016 batteries do I need for a garage door opener?
Most garage door opener remotes use a single CR2016 battery. I recommend buying a 4-pack or 5-pack so you have spares on hand. The Panasonic CR2016 4 Pack gives you a good balance of quantity and quality, while the Voniko CR2016 5 Pack is a budget-friendly alternative with a 7-year shelf life.
Do CR2016 batteries expire if not used?
Yes, lithium coin cells slowly lose their charge over time even when sitting in the package. The Panasonic CR2016 and Philips CR2016 are both designed for long storage, with Philips claiming a 10-year shelf life. I always check the manufacture date on the packaging and avoid batteries that have been sitting on a shelf for more than a couple of years.
Can a dead CR2016 battery damage my garage door opener remote?
In most cases, no — a dead CR2016 just stops working and won’t harm the remote. The bigger risk is a leaking battery, which can corrode the contacts inside the remote. That’s why I prefer brands like Philips with their leak-proof design, and why I recommend removing the battery if you know the remote won’t be used for years.
My Final Verdict
After testing all nine options, the Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack) is my clear winner. It has the highest customer rating at 4.7 stars from 8,741 reviews, child-safe packaging, and the brand trust that matters when a battery sits unused for months. The Duracell 2016 3V Lithium is a close runner-up with 27,502 ratings backing it, while the Panasonic CR2016 4 Pack is the best value pick for anyone who wants four batteries at a reasonable per-battery cost.
If you just need one reliable battery for a single remote and don’t want to overthink it, grab the Energizer and move on with your day. If you’re stocking up for multiple remotes or want the absolute lowest per-battery cost without sacrificing quality, the Panasonic 4-pack is the smart choice.
Top Pick: Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack)
- 3V LITHIUM Coin Lithium Batteries: One 2 pack of Energizer 3V Lithium Coin...
- 3-IN-1 CHILD SHIELD: Featuring 3-in-1 Child Shield with three lines of...
Buy this if you want the most trusted CR2016 battery on the market with proven long-term reliability and child-safe packaging.
Runner-Up: Duracell 2016 3V Lithium Coin Batteries 2 Count
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: Powers car key fobs, remote controls, medical devices...
- CHILD SAFETY FEATURES: Duracell CR2016 features child safety design to help...
Buy this if you want the most-reviewed CR2016 battery available with 27,502 ratings and a brand name you already trust.
Best Value: Panasonic CR2016 3.0 Volt Long Lasting Lithium Coin Cell Batteries 4 Pack
- LONG LASTING PERFORMANCE: Panasonic CR2016 3.V batteries are engineered to...
- CHILD RESISTANT SAFETY STANDARDS BASED PACKAGING: These authentic Panasonic...
Buy this if you want four batteries at a better per-battery cost with child-resistant packaging and a 4.6-star rating from 4,100 reviews.