The coin cell lithium batteries come in different sizes, voltages, and currents to serve various purposes.
Often, one size is not compatible with another. Also, all models are not equally good.
In this CR2032 vs CR2025 comparison, I will tell you which one is a better performer and whether you can interchange them. Without further ado, let’s get started.
CR2032 Battery
It is a coin-shaped 3V lithium-ion battery with a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of 3.2mm. Comparing different brands, you may see slight variations in the dimension.
These are commonly known as CMOS batteries in the tech community. It is popular for keeping a computer’s BIOS alive or keep running the real-time clock in a quiescent device.
Some of you wonder, how long does a CR2032 last?
If you have installed it in a motherboard to power up the BIOS, it will probably last for almost 10 years because the constant power drawing is no more than 1 microamp.
Lots of institutes are continuously researching trying to improve the performance and capacity of lithium-ion batteries. So, it is possible to see more capable CR2032 batteries in near future.
CR2025 Battery
I have already covered major facts about these coin cell batteries in the previous part. There are very few variations in the specs of CR2025 batteries compared to the CR2032s.
These are non-rechargeable 3V lithium-ion round cells or commonly known as button cells. Due to very low self-discharge, they stay good for almost 10 years.
So, how long does a cr2025 battery last?
It depends on the application and the amount of power drawn by the device. If it is consistently delivering no more than 1 microamp, you will probably get almost 7 or 8 years of service.
CR2032 vs CR2025 Battery: Which One to Go For?
Low power devices with a less available mounting place are ideal for CR2025 batteries. And the opposite is true for CR2032 cells. Read the full comparison to get a better idea.
| Features | CR2032 | CR2025 |
| Diameter | 20 | 20 |
| Thickness | 3.2 | 2.5 |
| Weight | 3 | 2.6 |
| Capacity | 235 | 170 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 60°C | -30°C to 60°C |
Size and Weight
The first two numbers of both types are 20 which means that they are 20mm in diameter. So, the last two numbers make the difference.
32 means 3.2mm and 25 means 2.5mm in thickness. So, CR2035 batteries are slightly bigger and heavier.
From the specs, the average weight of 2025 coin cells is 2.6 grams where its counterpart weighs 3 grams or 0.10 oz.
Capacity and Discharge Rate
Being bigger, the typical capacity of a CR2032 battery is logically higher than the capacity in 2025. It can provide almost 235mAh where a CR2025 battery maxes out at only 170mAh.
Operating Temperature
From the codes (2032 and 2025), you have seen that their diameters are the same.
Also, their chemical compositions and operating temperatures are not different. You can expect them to perform perfectly in any temperature ranging from -30°C to 60°C.
Finally, which one is more suitable for you?
CR2032 is better than CR2025 in terms of capacity. They have an average capacity difference of 60mAh.
And, 2032 is more expensive which is logical given the larger size and more power backup.
Both have the same operating temperature. So, buy the one that your electronic device supports. Otherwise, the fitting will be a problem.
All major battery manufacturers produce coin cells of both categories. It includes big names such as Maxell, Duracell, Panasonic, Philips, and Energizer.
Among them, Duracell has made a name because of the quality and long shelf-life of their cells. Don’t forget to check out the recommended products below.
Are CR2032 And CR2025 Interchangeable?
From the differences between CR2032 and CR2025 batteries, you have to know that their dimensions are not the same.
If the battery compartment of the electronic device supports it, you can use one instead of the other.
Also, using 2032 instead of 2025 will help run the device longer because of its higher capacity.
Some of you might be forced to use 2025 instead of 2032 which can be a problem because CR2025 is slightly shorter. Here, you can use aluminum foil to cover the 0.7mm gap.
However, I won’t recommend going with this setup unless it is an emergency because the backup time won’t be satisfactory.
Some Best CR2032 Batteries
I have listed this product for several reasons. Among them, cutting-edge cell chemistry, longer storage time, and reliable performance are the most notable ones. You can either choose to buy this package of 6 units at less than 8 bucks or check out other listings offering fewer batteries. Read who makes energizer batteries to know more about the brand.
2. LiCB CR2032
The chemistry inside LiCB CR2032 3V Lithium Batteries is slightly different than the previous one. That is why it has a wide range of applications. You can consider it the perfect solution for almost all sorts of compatible electronic devices. However, the shelf life of this particular model is only 3 years.
You have probably noticed that LiCB CR2032 batteries don’t last as long as these ones in storage. That is why I prefer Amazon Basics batteries more than them. Also, the manufacturer doesn’t use any amount of mercury making it safe for all sorts of small electronic devices.
Getting a pack of 10 units without spending more than $6 is the best deal you can find online. Using these batteries in toys, glucose monitors, or other small electronic devices will save a lot of money. They are high-capacity 2V cells with Lithium Manganese-Dioxide chemistry. However, you can’t keep them in storage for more than 3 years.
Some Best CR2025 Batteries
Because of having an operating temperature range of -30C to 60C, you can use Energizer CR2025 batteries in all sorts of electronic devices. The best use case is in medical devices where reliable performance has the highest priority. You will be glad to know that they can hold the charge for almost 10 years in storage.
2. LiCB CR2025
For the cost of 5 Energizer CR2025 batteries, you can get 10 LiCB CR2025 coin cells which is one of the most lucrative deals. But you should know that these ones from LiCB don’t last as long as the previous brand. After 3 years in storage, you might have to consider them trash.
The 3V lithium coin cells are ideal for use in calculators, games, watches, medical devices, and other compatible devices. I like it because of its ability to operate in extreme temperatures. It comes within a child-safe packaging containing no mercury.
When it comes to the most extreme temperatures, you can’t rely on any brand except Panasonic. These batteries exceed the standards of IEC 60086-4 and UL 1642 compliance. Even after 8 years in storage, you will still get a 3V nominal voltage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
u003cstrongu003eCan You Use A 2032 Battery Instead Of 2025?u003c/strongu003e
As long as the battery fits into the device, you can use a 2032 battery instead of 2025. And, it is a better choice because CR2032 has a higher capacity meaning longer runtime.
u003cstrongu003eWill A CR2025 Work For A CR2032?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, CR2025 can be used instead of CR2032 because they are almost identical. But you have to make sure that it fits the battery compartment. Also, keep in mind that using 2025 instead of 2032 can result in less running time.
u003cstrongu003eWhat Uses A 2032 Battery?u003c/strongu003e
Where traditional batteries fail to fit or do certain things, CR2032 batteries come into play. People use them to power up different devices such as memory backup, watches, car keys, remotes, laser pens, fitness appliances, tensiometers, clinical thermometers, other medical devices, and many more.
u003cstrongu003eWhat Are 2025 Batteries Used For?u003c/strongu003e
CR2025 batteries are slightly less capable than 2032s and people generally use them to power up watches, small calculators, keyless transmitters, hearing aids, and similar smaller electronics.
u003cstrongu003eWhat Does CR Stand For In Battery?u003c/strongu003e
The first two letters in these batteries indicate cell chemistry. In this case, CR means Chromium which is used in almost all sorts of batteries.
Conclusion
Let me summarize the CR2032 vs CR2025 difference. Given the chance, one can use 2032 instead of 2025 as it has a higher current capacity but not the other way around.
CR2025 batteries are only a valid consideration when you are concerned about the price, and the battery compartment doesn’t support larger batteries.
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