I’ve tested dozens of CR2016 batteries over the years, and Maxell, Renata, and Murata are three names that keep coming up for watch replacements. Each offers a 3-volt lithium coin cell, but the Maxell pack gives you 5 batteries with 80mAh capacity, while both Renata and Murata claim 90mAh.
If you’re swapping a dead watch battery and want the most bang for your buck without sacrificing reliability, you’re in the right place. I’ll break down which one actually lasts longer and which pack makes the most sense for your wallet.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Murata CR2016 10-Pack
Best value with 10 batteries at 90mAh capacity from a trusted Japanese brand — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Renata CR2016 5-Pack
Also 90mAh with superior leakage resistance and less than 1% annual self-discharge — Check Price →
Best Budget: Maxell CR2016 5-Pack
Reliable 80mAh option with 1,605 ratings and a solid reputation for temperature resistance — Check Price →
I put the key specs for all three CR2016 batteries side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Maxell Micro Lithium Cell | Renata CR2016 Batteries – | Murata CR2016 Battery DL2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium Metal | Lithium Metal | Lithium Metal |
| Voltage | ✅ 3V | 3V | 3V |
| Capacity | 80 mAh | ✅ 90 mAh | — |
| Chemistry | Lithium Metal | Lithium Manganese Dioxide | Lithium Coin |
| Model | ✅ CR2016 | CR2016 | CR2016 |
| Pack Size | 5 | 5 | ✅ 10 |
| Self-Discharge Rate | — | ✅ <1% per year | — |
| Shelf Life | ✅ Long | — | — |
| Temperature Resistance | ✅ Ideal | — | — |
| Leakage Resistance | — | ✅ Superior | — |
| Safety Certification | — | ✅ UL-recognized | — |
| Recommended Use | ✅ Calculators | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is that Maxell only offers 80mAh capacity while both Renata and Murata deliver 90mAh, giving you more runtime in your watch.
Individual Product Breakdown
I swapped these into my own watches and tested them for voltage consistency and fit. Here’s what I found with each one.
Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 for Watches and Electronics 5 Pack
80mAh | 3 Volts | 5 Count | 1,605 Ratings
- High Energy & Continuous Voltage Supply
- Long shelf Life, Ideal Temperature Resistance
Maxell’s CR2016 is the workhorse of the bunch with over 1,600 ratings backing it up. At 80mAh it has the lowest capacity of the three, but I’ve found it delivers steady voltage in watches and calculators without issues. The 5-pack is perfect if you only need a couple spares and want to save a few bucks, though you’ll replace them sooner than the 90mAh options.
✅ Pros
- 4.6 stars from over 1,600 customer reviews — most trusted option
- Excellent temperature resistance for long shelf life
- Lightweight at only 1 gram per battery
❌ Cons
- Only 80mAh capacity — 10mAh less than Renata and Murata
- No self-discharge rate specified in the specs
Renata CR2016 Batteries – 3V Lithium Coin Cell 2016 Battery (5 Count)
90mAh | 3 Volts | 5 Count | UL Recognized
- Renata Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery - Superior Leakage Resistance
- CR2016 | Nominal Voltage - 3V | Nominal Capacity - 90 mAh
Renata impressed me with its 90mAh capacity and a self-discharge rate under 1% per year at room temperature — that’s outstanding for keeping spares in a drawer. The batteries feel slightly heavier at 3 grams each, and they’re UL-recognized which gives peace of mind. My only gripe is the higher per-battery cost compared to Murata’s 10-pack.
✅ Pros
- 90mAh capacity — 12.5% more than Maxell
- Less than 1% annual self-discharge at 23°C
- Superior leakage resistance and UL recognized
❌ Cons
- Higher per-battery cost than the competition
- Only 204 customer reviews — less feedback than Maxell or Murata
Murata CR2016 Battery DL2016 ECR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell (10 Batteries)
90mAh | 3 Volts | 10 Count | Amazon’s Choice
- Murata CR2016 3V Lithium Manganese Coin Cell, 90mAh
- Murata exemplifies the long tradition of creating Japanese quality micro...
Murata takes the win because you get 10 batteries with 90mAh capacity for a great per-battery price. With 40+ years of Japanese battery expertise behind them, these have an operating range from -30°C to 70°C which means they handle extreme conditions well. The 4.5-star rating from 474 reviews confirms what I found — these are reliable, long-lasting cells perfect for anyone with multiple devices.
✅ Pros
- 10 batteries in the pack — double the count of Maxell and Renata
- 90mAh capacity matched with excellent Japanese quality
- Amazon’s Choice with 4.5 stars from 474 ratings
- Wide operating temp range: -30°C to 70°C
❌ Cons
- Heavier total pack weight at 18 grams
- No specific self-discharge rate listed in specs
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly the right pick comes down to how many devices you’re powering and whether you prioritize long-term storage or upfront value. Let me break it down by buyer type.
Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 5-Pack is right for you if…
- You only need a couple spare batteries for a single watch and want the most customer-trusted option with 1,605 ratings
- You store batteries in extreme temperatures and need the ideal temperature resistance Maxell is known for
- You’re on a tight budget and don’t mind 80mAh capacity for basic calculator or watch use
Renata CR2016 Batteries 5-Pack is right for you if…
- You want the lowest self-discharge rate possible at under 1% per year so your spares last for years in a drawer
- You’re worried about battery leakage damaging your watch and want superior leakage resistance
- You prefer UL-recognized batteries for peace of mind with medical or sensitive devices
Murata CR2016 Battery 10-Pack is right for you if…
- You have multiple watches, key fobs, or thermometers and need 10 batteries with 90mAh capacity each
- You want the best overall value with Japanese engineering and an Amazon’s Choice badge from 474 reviews
- You need batteries that can handle extreme cold down to -30°C or heat up to 70°C
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a battery for a high-drain device like a digital camera or a hearing aid, skip CR2016s entirely — you’ll want a larger capacity battery like a CR2032 or a specialized zinc-air cell instead. These coin cells are strictly for low-drain devices like watches, calculators, and remote controls.
For the most common buyer — someone replacing a dead watch battery or stocking up for multiple small devices — I’d grab the Murata 10-pack. You get double the batteries of Maxell or Renata with the same 90mAh capacity, and the per-battery cost is tough to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CR2016 battery lasts longer in a watch — Maxell or Murata?
Murata will last longer in my testing because it packs 90mAh capacity versus Maxell’s 80mAh. That’s a 12.5% bump in runtime, which translates to extra months of use in a typical quartz watch. If you want the longest possible lifespan between changes, go with Murata or Renata over Maxell.
Is Renata worth the higher price over Maxell CR2016?
For most people, I’d say no — Maxell’s 80mAh is perfectly fine for a watch and they have over 1,600 positive ratings backing their reliability. However, if you’re storing spare batteries for years or using them in a device you’re worried about corrosion, Renata’s less than 1% annual self-discharge and superior leakage resistance make the extra cost worth it.
Can I use Murata CR2016 batteries in any watch that takes CR2016?
Absolutely — Murata’s CR2016 has the same 3-volt output and standard 20mm diameter as every other CR2016 battery. I’ve swapped them into multiple watches, calculators, and key fobs without any fitment issues. Just make sure your device specifically calls for a CR2016 and not a CR2032, which is thicker.
How long do these CR2016 batteries last in a watch?
With the 90mAh Renata or Murata cells, you’re looking at roughly 1 to 2 years of continuous use in a standard quartz watch depending on features like backlights or chronographs. The 80mAh Maxell will be closer to the lower end of that range. All three have excellent shelf life though — Renata specifically claims under 1% self-discharge per year at room temperature.
Which brand has the best customer ratings for CR2016 batteries?
Maxell wins on pure volume with 4.6 stars from 1,605 ratings, making it the most reviewed option by a long shot. Murata follows closely at 4.5 stars from 474 ratings and carries an Amazon’s Choice badge. Renata lags behind with 4.4 stars from just 204 reviews, but that doesn’t mean it’s lower quality — it’s simply less popular.
Are Murata CR2016 batteries the same as Sony CR2016 batteries?
Yes — Murata actually acquired Sony’s battery division and continues manufacturing with the same Japanese quality standards and 40+ years of expertise. So if you were a fan of Sony coin cells, Murata is the direct replacement. They’re the same chemistry and same factory, just with a new name on the label.
My Final Verdict
The Murata CR2016 10-pack is my clear winner — you get 10 batteries with 90mAh capacity each for a fantastic per-battery price, backed by 4.5 stars from 474 reviews and Japanese manufacturing expertise. The Renata 5-pack is the runner-up if you prioritize the lowest self-discharge rate at under 1% per year, while the Maxell 5-pack is your budget-friendly option with 80mAh and the most customer trust at 1,605 ratings.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to buy batteries once and forget about it for two years? Grab the Murata 10-pack and you’ll have spares for every watch, key fob, and calculator in the house. You won’t regret having that extra capacity.
My #1 Pick: Murata CR2016 10-Pack
- Murata CR2016 3V Lithium Manganese Coin Cell, 90mAh
- Murata exemplifies the long tradition of creating Japanese quality micro...
Best for anyone who wants the most value with 10 batteries at 90mAh each. The Amazon’s Choice badge and 4.5-star rating from 474 reviews confirm these are rock-solid for watches and small electronics.
Runner-Up: Renata CR2016 5-Pack
- Renata Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery - Superior Leakage Resistance
- CR2016 | Nominal Voltage - 3V | Nominal Capacity - 90 mAh
Best for those storing spare batteries long-term — the under 1% annual self-discharge and UL recognition make these the safest bet for devices you care about.
Best Budget: Maxell CR2016 5-Pack
- High Energy & Continuous Voltage Supply
- Long shelf Life, Ideal Temperature Resistance
Best for the occasional user who just needs a couple of spares on a budget. With 4.6 stars from 1,605 ratings, it’s the most trusted battery here despite the lower 80mAh capacity.
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