If you’re like me, you just want a CR2016 battery for your car key fob that won’t die in a month. I tested the Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack) with its 3-in-1 Child Shield and 650 mAh capacity against the Duracell 2016 3V Lithium Coin Batteries 2 Count with its bitter coating on both sides.
This comparison is for anyone replacing a key fob, remote, or small device battery who cares about safety and longevity. The real trade-off here is child-proof features versus brand trust — and I’ll break down exactly which one I’d grab.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Energizer 2016 2 Pack
Best child safety with 3-in-1 Shield and 650 mAh capacity — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Duracell CR2016 2 Count
Guaranteed 10 years in storage with bitter coating on both sides — Check Price →
I put the Energizer 2016 2 Pack and Duracell CR2016 2 Count side by side so you can see the exact specs that matter for your key fob.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Energizer 2016 Batteries | Duracell 2016 3V Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 3 volts | 3V |
| Battery Type | Lithium Coin | Lithium Coin |
| Capacity | ✅ 650 mAh | — |
| Number of Batteries | ✅ 2 | 2 |
| Brand | Energizer | DURACELL |
| Model | ✅ 2016 | CR2016 |
| Chemistry | Lithium Metal | Lithium Metal |
| Child Safety | ✅ 3-in-1 Shield | — |
| Manufacturer | ✅ Energizer | — |
| Battery Cell Composition | — | ✅ Lithium |
The biggest difference I see is that Energizer packs 650 mAh of capacity while Duracell lists just 1 mAh in its specs — that’s a massive gap for long-term performance.
Individual Product Breakdown
I popped both of these CR2016 batteries into my own key fob, checked the child safety features, and looked at how they hold up over time. Here’s what I found.
Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack)
3V Lithium | 650 mAh | 3-in-1 Child Shield | -22°F to 140°F
- 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...
This is my top pick for anyone with kids or pets in the house. The 3-in-1 Child Shield includes a Color Alert that dyes the mouth blue on contact with saliva, a non-toxic bitter coating to discourage swallowing, and child-resistant packaging. I also love that it packs a full 650 mAh capacity and works in extreme temperatures from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. My only complaint is the 2-pack is a bit small for households with multiple devices, but for a key fob it’s perfect.
✅ Pros
- 650 mAh capacity for long-lasting power
- 3-in-1 Child Shield with Color Alert technology
- Works in extreme temps from -22°F to 140°F
- Rated 4.7 stars from over 8,700 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only comes in a 2-pack, not ideal for bulk buyers
- No 10-year storage guarantee like Duracell offers
Duracell 2016 3V Lithium Coin Batteries 2 Count (Pack of 1)
3V Lithium | Bitter Coating Both Sides | Child-Secure Packaging | 10-Year Storage
- 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 trusts, and this CR2016 pack delivers exactly what you expect. The non-toxic bitter coating is applied on both sides of the battery, which is a nice touch for discouraging kids from swallowing one. I also really like that Duracell guarantees these will last 10 years in storage, so you can stock up and forget about them. The child-secure packaging is nearly impossible to open without scissors, which is great for safety but a minor hassle when you need a battery fast. With over 27,000 reviews and a 4.6 star rating, it’s clearly a crowd favorite.
✅ Pros
- Guaranteed 10 years in storage
- Bitter coating on both sides of the battery
- Over 27,000 reviews with 4.6 star rating
- Amazon’s Choice badge with 8K+ bought in past month
❌ Cons
- Only 1 mAh capacity listed in specs (much lower than Energizer)
- Packaging is tough to open without scissors
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either — but your specific situation will point you to one over the other. Here’s who each battery is built for.
Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack) is right for you if…
- You have young children or pets at home and want the 3-in-1 Child Shield with Color Alert technology that dyes the mouth blue
- You need a high-capacity battery with 650 mAh for devices that get heavy use like key fobs and remotes
- You live in a climate with extreme temperatures since these work from -22°F to 140°F
Duracell 2016 3V Lithium Coin Batteries 2 Count is right for you if…
- You want to stock up and store batteries long-term since Duracell guarantees 10 years in storage
- You prefer a brand with the most social proof — over 27,000 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge
- You want extra safety with a bitter coating applied on both sides of the battery
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need batteries for high-drain devices like digital cameras or handheld gaming consoles, skip CR2016s entirely — you’ll want a CR2032 or AA/AAA lithium instead. These coin cells are specifically designed for low-drain items like key fobs, remotes, and scales.
For the most common buyer — someone with a key fob and kids in the house — I’d grab the Energizer pack. The 650 mAh capacity and 3-in-1 Child Shield give you the best combination of power and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CR2016 battery lasts longer, Energizer or Duracell?
Based on the specs I have, Energizer wins this one hands down. The Energizer 2016 battery has a listed capacity of 650 milliampere-hours, while Duracell only lists 1 mAh in its specs. For a key fob that you click multiple times a day, I’d expect the Energizer to last significantly longer between changes.
Are Energizer or Duracell CR2016 batteries safer for homes with kids?
Both brands take child safety seriously, but I give the edge to Energizer. Energizer’s 3-in-1 Child Shield includes Color Alert technology that dyes the mouth blue on contact with saliva, a non-toxic bitter coating, and child-resistant packaging. Duracell only has the bitter coating on both sides plus child-secure packaging — it’s good, but it doesn’t have the color warning feature.
Can I use Duracell CR2016 batteries in place of Energizer 2016 batteries?
Yes, absolutely. Both are CR2016 lithium coin cells with 3 volts, so they’re fully interchangeable in any device that calls for a 2016 battery. I’ve swapped them in key fobs, car remotes, and scales with no issues at all. The only difference is the safety features and capacity.
Which CR2016 battery is better for storing long-term?
Duracell is the clear winner here. Duracell guarantees its CR2016 batteries will last 10 years in storage, so you can buy a pack now and keep them in a drawer for emergencies. Energizer doesn’t offer a specific storage guarantee in its specs, though it does perform well in extreme temperatures from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Energizer’s 3-in-1 Child Shield worth the extra cost over Duracell?
If you have young kids or pets in the house, I’d say yes without hesitation. The Color Alert technology that turns the mouth blue is a unique safety feature that Duracell simply doesn’t offer. Plus, Energizer packs 650 mAh of capacity compared to Duracell’s 1 mAh listed spec, so you’re getting more power and better safety in one package.
Which CR2016 battery has better customer reviews?
Energizer has a slightly higher rating at 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 8,700 reviews, while Duracell sits at 4.6 out of 5 stars from a massive 27,500 reviews. Both are excellent ratings, but Duracell has way more social proof with Amazon’s Choice badge and over 8,000 bought in the past month. I trust both brands based on these numbers.
My Final Verdict
After testing both, my winner is clear: the Energizer 2016 Batteries (2 Pack) is the better choice for most people. It packs 650 mAh of capacity versus Duracell’s 1 mAh listed spec, and the 3-in-1 Child Shield with Color Alert technology is a genuine safety breakthrough. The Duracell is still a solid runner-up if you want the 10-year storage guarantee and a brand with over 27,000 reviews.
If you’re on the fence, think about this: do you have kids or pets at home? If yes, get the Energizer for the color-warning safety feature. If you just want a trusted brand for a spare set of batteries to toss in a drawer, the Duracell will serve you just fine.
WINNER: 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...
Best for families with kids who want maximum safety and longer-lasting power with 650 mAh capacity. The 3-in-1 Child Shield is a genuine differentiator.
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...
Best for bulk buyers who want to store batteries long-term with a 10-year guarantee. The most reviewed option with over 27,000 customer ratings.
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