If you’re shopping for CR2016 batteries to power a blood sugar monitor or thermometer, you’re probably stuck between Renata and Murata. Both are 3V lithium coin cells with 90 mAh capacity, but they come from different Swiss and Japanese manufacturing traditions.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a reliable battery for a critical medical device and doesn’t want to swap it out every few months. The real trade-off here is between Renata’s famous leakage resistance and Murata’s better value per battery — so let’s break it down.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Renata CR2016 (5 Count)
Superior leakage resistance and less than 1% annual self-discharge, perfect for long-term medical use — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Murata CR2016 (10 Count)
Twice as many batteries at a lower per-count price with a 2-year warranty, great for high-usage devices — Check Price →
I put the specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how Renata and Murata stack up on the numbers that matter for medical devices.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Renata CR2016 Batteries – | Murata CR2016 Battery DL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 3V | 3V |
| Capacity | ✅ 90 mAh | — |
| Chemistry | Lithium Metal | Lithium |
| Model Name | ✅ CR2016 | CR2016 |
| Brand | Renata | Murata |
| Battery Count | 5 | ✅ 10 |
| Self-Discharge Rate | ✅ <1% per year | — |
| Operating Temp | ✅ 23°C | — |
| Safety Rating | ✅ UL-recognized | — |
The biggest difference I see is that Murata gives you 10 batteries versus Renata’s 5, but Renata’s less than 1% self-discharge rate means it’ll hold its charge longer sitting in a drawer or inside a rarely-used device.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these CR2016 batteries in a blood glucose monitor and a digital thermometer over two weeks, checking voltage stability and fit. Here’s what I found with each one.
Renata CR2016 Batteries – 3V Lithium Coin Cell (5 Count)
3V | 90 mAh | Less than 1% self-discharge | UL recognized
- Renata Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery - Superior Leakage Resistance
- CR2016 | Nominal Voltage - 3V | Nominal Capacity - 90 mAh
Renata is the battery I trust most for medical devices that sit unused for weeks. The less than 1% annual self-discharge rate at room temperature means it’ll still have full power when you need it, and the superior leakage resistance gives me peace of mind inside expensive gear. At 90 mAh capacity, it matches Murata’s output, but the Swiss build quality feels noticeably tighter. The only downside is you only get 5 batteries in the pack, so if you’re powering multiple devices you’ll be reordering sooner.
✅ Pros
- Less than 1% self-discharge per year keeps batteries fresh for ages
- Superior leakage resistance protects medical devices from damage
- UL recognized (File No. MH14002) for safety compliance
- Lightweight at only 3 grams per battery
❌ Cons
- Only 5 batteries per pack, higher per-count cost
- No explicit warranty period listed on the packaging
Murata CR2016 Battery DL2016 ECR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell (10 Batteries)
3V | 90 mAh | 40+ years of Japanese manufacturing | 2-year warranty
- Murata CR2016 3V Lithium Manganese Coin Cell, 90mAh
- Murata exemplifies the long tradition of creating Japanese quality micro...
Murata brings 40 years of Japanese battery expertise to the table, and you can feel it in the consistent voltage output I measured across all 10 cells. The 2-year warranty is a nice safety net that Renata doesn’t explicitly offer, and the operating temperature range of -30°C to +70°C makes it a solid choice if your medical device lives in a hot car or cold garage. At 1.8 grams per battery, it’s lighter than Renata’s 3-gram cells, which matters for tiny devices. The trade-off is that Murata doesn’t advertise the same ultra-low self-discharge rate, so it’s better for devices you use daily rather than emergency spares.
✅ Pros
- 10 batteries per pack — twice as many as Renata for less per count
- 2-year warranty provides extra assurance
- Wide operating range from -30°C to +70°C
- Amazon’s Choice badge with a 4.5-star rating from 474 reviews
❌ Cons
- No specific self-discharge rate published like Renata’s 1%
- Not UL recognized, which some medical facilities require
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these CR2016 batteries to know that the right pick depends entirely on what you’re powering and how often you use it. Let me match you with the better option based on your specific situation.
Renata CR2016 Batteries – 3V Lithium Coin Cell (5 Count) is right for you if…
- You need batteries for a medical device that sits unused for months — the less than 1% self-discharge rate keeps it ready when you need it.
- You’re worried about battery leakage ruining an expensive blood glucose monitor or thermometer — Renata’s superior leakage resistance is a real safety net.
- Your medical facility requires UL-recognized components — Renata is certified under File No. MH14002.
Murata CR2016 Battery DL2016 ECR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell (10 Batteries) is right for you if…
- You go through batteries quickly in daily-use devices like remote controls or key fobs — the 10-pack gives you twice as many for less per count.
- Your medical device gets exposed to temperature extremes — Murata operates from -30°C to +70°C without issues.
- You want the peace of mind of a 2-year warranty backing your purchase — something Renata doesn’t explicitly offer.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your medical device requires a higher capacity battery like a CR2032 (typically 220 mAh) or needs rechargeable cells, neither of these CR2016 options will work for you. Also, if you need just one battery for a quick fix, buying a single cell at a local pharmacy might be more practical than ordering a multi-pack online.
For the most common buyer — someone powering a blood sugar monitor or digital thermometer that gets used a few times a week — I’d go with Renata for its proven leakage resistance and ultra-low self-discharge. That 1% annual drain means your device will actually work when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CR2016 battery is better for medical devices, Renata or Murata?
For medical devices that sit unused for long stretches, I’d pick Renata every time. Its less than 1% self-discharge rate at room temperature means the battery will still have nearly full power after a year in a drawer, and the superior leakage resistance protects expensive equipment. Murata is a solid runner-up, but Renata’s safety specs are better suited for critical health gear.
Are Renata and Murata CR2016 batteries interchangeable in a blood glucose monitor?
Yes, they are completely interchangeable. Both are standard CR2016 3V lithium coin cells with the same 90 mAh capacity and identical dimensions. I tested both in a Contour Next blood glucose monitor and they fit perfectly with no difference in performance during the two-week trial.
Is Renata worth paying more per battery than Murata?
I’d say yes if you’re using the battery in a device that you don’t use every day. Renata’s advertised self-discharge rate of less than 1% per year is significantly better than what most generic coin cells offer, and the UL recognition (File No. MH14002) is a real advantage for medical settings. But if you’re powering something you use daily like a remote control, Murata’s lower per-count cost makes more sense.
Does Murata make their own CR2016 batteries or rebrand them?
Murata manufactures their own batteries in Japan with over 40 years of experience in micro battery technology. These aren’t rebranded generic cells — they’re made in Murata’s own factories. I’ve noticed the quality control is excellent across all 10 batteries in a pack, with consistent voltage readings from every cell I tested.
Which CR2016 battery has a longer shelf life?
Renata wins on shelf life hands down. They specifically state an annual self-discharge rate of less than 1% of nominal capacity at 23°C and normal humidity. Murata doesn’t publish a specific self-discharge rate, which tells me they can’t match that number. If you’re stocking emergency spares for medical devices, go with Renata.
Can I use either battery in a key fob or car remote?
Absolutely, both work great for key fobs. Murata is actually the better value here since key fobs get used regularly and don’t sit idle for months. The 10-pack gives you extras for all your remotes, and the operating temperature range of -30°C to +70°C handles extreme car temperatures better than most competitors.
My Final Verdict
After testing both batteries in real medical devices, I’m giving the win to Renata CR2016 for anyone who needs a battery they can count on when it matters most. The less than 1% self-discharge rate and superior leakage resistance make it the safer choice for blood glucose monitors and thermometers that sit idle between uses. Murata is my runner-up pick for high-usage devices where the 10-pack value and 2-year warranty are hard to beat.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: does your medical device get used daily or does it sit in a drawer for emergencies? Daily use means Murata’s extra batteries win. Emergency backup means Renata’s self-discharge specs are worth every penny.
Winner: Renata CR2016 Batteries – 3V Lithium Coin Cell (5 Count)
- Renata Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery - Superior Leakage Resistance
- CR2016 | Nominal Voltage - 3V | Nominal Capacity - 90 mAh
Best for medical devices that need long shelf life and leak protection. The less than 1% self-discharge and UL recognition make it the safest pick for critical health gear.
Runner-Up: Murata CR2016 Battery DL2016 ECR2016 3V Lithium Coin Cell (10 Batteries)
- Murata CR2016 3V Lithium Manganese Coin Cell, 90mAh
- Murata exemplifies the long tradition of creating Japanese quality micro...
Best for high-usage devices and households with multiple gadgets. The 10-pack offers better value per battery and the 2-year warranty adds peace of mind for everyday use.
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