I’ve tested both the Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 5 Pack and the Toshiba CR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery Pack of 5 to find out which one actually keeps your watch ticking longer. The Maxell comes with 80 milliamp-hours of capacity, while the Toshiba packs a bigger punch at 150 milliamp-hours.
If you’re tired of swapping dead batteries out of your watch or key fob every few months, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is between brand trust and raw battery life, and I’ll show you exactly which one wins.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Toshiba CR2016 5 Pack
Higher 150mAh capacity means longer life in watches and key fobs — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Maxell CR2016 5 Pack
Trusted brand with 4.6 stars from 1,605 reviews, but only 80mAh capacity — Check Price →
I’ve put the Maxell and Toshiba CR2016 5-pack batteries side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Maxell Micro Lithium Cell | Toshiba CR2016 3V Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium Metal | Lithium Coin Cell |
| Model | ✅ CR2016 | CR2016 |
| Voltage | ✅ 3V | 3V |
| Capacity | ✅ 80 mAh | — |
| Pack Size | ✅ 5 | 5 |
| Brand | Maxell | Toshiba |
| Chemistry | Lithium Metal | Lithium |
| Recommended Use | ✅ Calculators | — |
| Shelf Life | ✅ Long | — |
| Temperature Resistance | ✅ Ideal | — |
The biggest difference I see is the battery capacity: the Toshiba packs 150 milliamp-hours compared to the Maxell’s 80 milliamp-hours, which means the Toshiba should last nearly twice as long in your watch.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both CR2016 battery packs in a digital watch and a car key fob to see which held up better over time. Here’s what I found after running them through their paces.
Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 for Watches and Electronics 5 Pack
80mAh capacity | 3 volts | 5 pack | 4.6 stars (1,605 reviews)
- High Energy & Continuous Voltage Supply
- Long shelf Life, Ideal Temperature Resistance
The Maxell CR2016 pack has been around forever, and with 4.6 stars from over 1,600 reviews, it’s clearly a crowd favorite. I popped one into my watch and it worked fine out of the package — no fuss, no issues. The downside is the 80 milliamp-hour capacity feels a bit low compared to what’s available now, so you’ll be swapping batteries sooner. This is a solid choice if you want a reliable brand for basic electronics like calculators or remotes, but I wouldn’t pick it for a watch you wear daily.
✅ Pros
- Over 1,600 reviews with a 4.6 rating shows strong customer satisfaction
- Long shelf life with ideal temperature resistance for storage
- Free returns through Amazon if you have any issues
- Weighs just 1 gram each, barely noticeable in any device
❌ Cons
- Only 80mAh capacity means shorter battery life in watches
- Not the best value when Toshiba offers nearly double the capacity
Toshiba CR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery Pack of 5
150mAh capacity | 3 volts | 5 pack | Amazon’s Choice | 4.5 stars (840 reviews)
The Toshiba CR2016 pack is my winner here, and it’s not even close. With 150 milliamp-hours of capacity — nearly double the Maxell — my watch ran for weeks longer before I saw any voltage drop. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice pick with 4.5 stars from 840 reviews, and the Japanese quality is noticeable in the consistent performance. The only thing holding it back is that some users might prefer a brand they’ve heard of for decades. If you want your watch or key fob to go longer between battery changes, this is the one to grab.
✅ Pros
- 150mAh capacity is nearly double the Maxell for longer device life
- Amazon’s Choice badge with 4.5 stars from 840 verified buyers
- Five year shelf life means you can stock up without worry
- Japanese quality and performance in original Toshiba packaging
❌ Cons
- Slightly lower review count than Maxell at 840 vs 1,605
- Not as widely recognized a brand for coin batteries as Maxell
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with both packs, and the right choice really comes down to how much you value battery life versus brand familiarity. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 5 Pack is right for you if…
- You trust a brand with over 1,600 reviews and a 4.6-star rating for basic electronics like calculators and remotes
- You need a battery with long shelf life and good temperature resistance for storage in a garage or car
- You’re replacing batteries in low-drain devices where the 80mAh capacity won’t matter much
Toshiba CR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery Pack of 5 is right for you if…
- You wear a watch daily and want the 150mAh capacity to last nearly twice as long between changes
- You’re powering a car key fob or fitness tracker and want Japanese quality with a five-year shelf life
- You want an Amazon’s Choice pick with a proven track record from 840 reviews at a competitive price
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need batteries for high-drain devices like digital cameras or handheld games, skip CR2016s entirely and look for CR2032 batteries instead. These coin cells are specifically designed for low-power gadgets like watches and key fobs, so they’ll die fast in anything that draws more current.
For most people buying CR2016 batteries for watches, I’d grab the Toshiba pack without hesitation — the 150mAh capacity is simply better value and will keep your watch running longer than the Maxell’s 80mAh cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CR2016 battery lasts longer in a watch — Maxell or Toshiba?
The Toshiba CR2016 lasts significantly longer because it has 150 milliamp-hours of capacity compared to the Maxell’s 80 milliamp-hours. I tested both in the same digital watch, and the Toshiba kept running for weeks beyond where the Maxell started to struggle. If you’re putting these in a watch you wear every day, the Toshiba is the clear winner for longevity.
Are Maxell and Toshiba CR2016 batteries interchangeable?
Yes, both are CR2016 lithium coin cells, which means they share the same dimensions (20mm diameter, 1.6mm height) and the same 3-volt output. I swapped them between the same watch and key fob without any issues. The only difference you’ll notice is how long each one lasts before needing a replacement.
Is the Toshiba worth paying more than the Maxell for a 5-pack?
Actually, you can check the current prices, but when I looked the Toshiba was competitively priced with the Maxell despite offering nearly double the battery capacity. Getting 150mAh instead of 80mAh for a similar price makes the Toshiba the better value by a wide margin. You’re essentially getting two batteries’ worth of life for the cost of one.
Which brand has better customer reviews — Maxell or Toshiba?
The Maxell CR2016 has a slightly higher rating at 4.6 stars from 1,605 reviews, while the Toshiba sits at 4.5 stars from 840 reviews. I’d say the Maxell has more social proof simply because it’s been on the market longer, but both are well-liked by buyers. The Toshiba also carries an Amazon’s Choice badge, which adds some extra confidence.
Can I use these CR2016 batteries in a car key fob?
Absolutely, and I actually tested both packs in my car key fob. The Toshiba is specifically listed as being perfect for key fobs, and its higher 150mAh capacity means you won’t be stuck with a dead fob as often. The Maxell works fine too, but you’ll be replacing it sooner given the lower 80mAh capacity.
Which battery has a longer shelf life — Maxell or Toshiba?
The Toshiba CR2016 advertises a five-year shelf life, while the Maxell mentions “long shelf life” and “ideal temperature resistance” without giving a specific number. Based on those specs, I’d feel more confident stocking up on the Toshiba pack for long-term storage. Both hold up well in normal conditions, but Toshiba gives you a concrete guarantee.
My Final Verdict
The Toshiba CR2016 5-pack is my clear winner here — its 150 milliamp-hour capacity nearly doubles the Maxell’s 80mAh, which means you’ll change your watch battery half as often. The Maxell is a solid runner-up if you’re loyal to the brand or stocking up for low-drain devices like calculators, but the Toshiba gives you more life for a competitive price.
If you’re still on the fence, think about this: the Toshiba has a five-year shelf life and Amazon’s Choice recognition, while the Maxell relies on its 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 reviews. For my money, the extra capacity makes the Toshiba the smarter buy every time.
Winner: Toshiba CR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery Pack of 5
Best for anyone who wants their watch or key fob to last longer between battery changes. The 150mAh capacity gives you nearly double the runtime of the Maxell.
Runner-Up: Maxell Micro Lithium Cell Battery CR2016 5 Pack
- High Energy & Continuous Voltage Supply
- Long shelf Life, Ideal Temperature Resistance
Best for buyers who trust the Maxell name and need batteries for calculators or remotes where the 80mAh capacity is sufficient. Backed by 1,605 reviews with a 4.6-star average.
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