This category covers button cells for watches, car key fobs, scales and hearing aids, as well as photo batteries for cameras and flashguns. Most products come from VARTA, GP Batteries, Energizer, ANSMANN and Duracell.
With over 600 models in the range, you can search by exact code rather than by approximate size.
How to choose a button cell or photo battery
Battery code. Start with the code printed on the old battery or given in the device manual, such as CR2032, LR44, SR626SW or CR123A. The same cell can carry several names (an LR44 is also sold as A76 or AG13), so check the equivalents as well.
Chemistry and voltage. Lithium cells (CR) usually give 3 V, while alkaline (LR) and silver oxide (SR) cells give about 1.5 V. A cell with the wrong voltage can stop the device working or damage it. Silver oxide is a common choice for watches and measuring tools because its voltage stays steady, while alkaline is enough for toys and calculators. Zinc-air cells (the PR series) for hearing aids start working once you peel off the protective sticker.
Dimensions. Diameter matters, but so does thickness. A CR2032 is 20 mm across and 3.2 mm thick, while a CR2025 has the same diameter but is 2.5 mm thick. A thicker cell may not fit, and a thinner one can lose contact and make the device work intermittently.
Photo batteries. Cells made for cameras, flashguns and sensors, such as CR123A or CR2, are lithium and 3 V. Lithium cells cope better with cold and keep well in storage, which makes them handy as a spare in a camera bag.
Pack size and expiry date. If you replace batteries in several devices, a larger pack is more convenient. Check the expiry date on the packaging: lithium button cells can last many years on the shelf, but old stock may already be partly discharged.
Brands in our range
- VARTA: a German manufacturer with the largest number of button cells in our range, including cells for hearing aids.
- Renata: a Swiss manufacturer known for silver oxide and lithium cells for watches.
- Energizer: known for alkaline and lithium batteries, including CR-series button cells and photo batteries.
- Duracell: uses a bitter-tasting coating on some lithium button cells to make them harder for children to swallow.
- Panasonic: a Japanese manufacturer whose CR-series lithium cells are used in many electronic devices.
- GP Batteries: a Hong Kong company making alkaline, lithium and silver oxide button cells.
- ANSMANN: a German manufacturer best known for chargers and rechargeable batteries, with disposable cells alongside.
- VOLTCRAFT: the own brand of the electronics retailer Conrad, known for measuring instruments and electronic accessories.
- AgfaPhoto: a historic photography name, now also used for batteries.
Also in our range: MediaRange, Everactive, Lenovo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CR2032 and CR2025?
Both are 3 V lithium cells with a 20 mm diameter, but the CR2032 is thicker (3.2 mm against 2.5 mm) and usually has a higher capacity. If your device specifies one, it is best to use that exact type. A thinner cell can sometimes be fitted in place of a thicker one, but it will run for a shorter time and the contact may be poorer.
Can I use an LR44 instead of an SR44?
Physically, yes, because the two have the same size. An LR44 is alkaline, while an SR44 is silver oxide and keeps a steadier voltage until it is nearly exhausted. For sensitive devices such as watches, callipers or meters, silver oxide is usually the better match.
Which battery does a car key need?
Most car key fobs use a CR2032 or a CR2025, but it depends on the model. The exact code is printed on the old battery or given in the key manual. Note the code and the polarity before you remove the old cell.
How should I handle button cells safely?
Keep them out of reach of children and pets, because a swallowed lithium button cell can seriously injure internal organs and needs immediate medical attention. Do not put used cells in household waste; take them to a battery collection point. It is also sensible to cover the contacts of lithium cells with insulating tape before disposal.
