Duracell 2032 Lithium Battery Review: Safe & Reliable Power
A surprising takeaway from user feedback is how Duracell 2032 Lithium Battery (2 Count) consistently delivers dependable, long-lasting power across a wide range of devices, while its child safety features are praised as genuinely effective rather than marketing gimmicks. Across platforms, this coin cell earns an impressive 9.4/10, with recurring praise for performance in key fobs, Apple AirTags, and medical devices, but occasional complaints about packaging difficulty and perceived higher retail prices.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Reliable, safe, and widely compatible, though not the cheapest option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long battery life in diverse devices | Packaging can be hard to open |
| Effective child safety features (bitter coating, secure blister) | Price higher than some competitors |
| Fits perfectly in Apple AirTag, key fobs, and remotes | Some users find coating impacts terminal contact |
| 10-year storage guarantee | Limited pack sizes in certain stores |
| Widely available online and in retail | Occasional stock shortages reported |
| Trusted brand reputation | Few reports of mismatched pricing in ads |
Claims vs Reality
Duracell markets the CR2032 as "long-lasting" with "up to 10 years of power in storage" and "compatible with Apple AirTag." While these claims might sound typical for a premium coin cell, feedback suggests they hold up in real-world use. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I put one in my glucose meter and it’s still going strong months later.” Similarly, Best Buy customers repeatedly mention key fobs regaining range and responsiveness after installation.
The bitter coating is promoted as a child safety measure that “discourages swallowing.” Reddit discussions confirm this is not just a gimmick — users describe it as a genuine deterrent. One Reddit user explained: “The bitter ring is noticeable — you’d spit it out instantly if you tried to taste it.” This aligns with Duracell’s description of the coating triggering an instinctive reaction when in contact with saliva.
However, while marketing emphasizes “child secure packaging nearly impossible to open without scissors,” some buyers find this frustrating. Best Buy user mikes928 remarked: “Good item, good price, good fit. A bit hard to get out of the packaging.” This difficulty is the trade-off for improved safety.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, and Reddit, longevity is the most consistent compliment. Best Buy user dragon buddha wrote: “Long lasting power for all my devices :-) you can always trust Duracell.” This endurance benefits users from all walks — car owners restoring remote range, Apple AirTag users avoiding frequent replacements, and medical device owners who rely on uninterrupted function.
Compatibility is another high point. Amazon buyers emphasize perfect fit in Apple AirTag, with one noting: “Apple includes a Duracell CR2032 in new AirTag devices… the recommended battery.” Best Buy’s oscar shared: “Great fit size battery for my Apple TV third generation control.” This reliability matters for tech users who need exact sizing without trial-and-error purchases.
Safety features resonate strongly with parents and pet owners. Several Reddit and Twitter posts reference relief knowing there’s a deterrent coating and secure packaging, especially for households with toddlers. The embossed safety warnings on the battery itself are mentioned positively in Quora discussions as a visible reminder.
Common Complaints
While the packaging’s child resistance is praised for safety, it’s also a point of contention. Staples customer alex f. commented: “Didn’t expect to find it… exactly what I was looking for,” but others like mikes928 found it “a bit hard to get out.” Users with limited dexterity or those in a hurry may find the double blister inconvenient.
Pricing is another recurring complaint. A Staples reviewer ray s. noted paying “$8.xx not $6.34 in ad,” highlighting inconsistent retail pricing. On eBay, while some units are available for as low as $1.45 per battery, shipping costs can negate the savings.
A smaller but notable issue involves the coating potentially affecting terminal contact in certain devices. Fakespot analysis mentions: “the coating isn’t always friendly to battery terminals in the devices,” though this is far from a widespread problem.
Divisive Features
The bitter coating and secure packaging spark debate — some parents call them “essential peace of mind,” while tech hobbyists impatiently cutting open packs see them as overkill. Duracell’s 10-year storage guarantee is celebrated by occasional users, but for high-drain applications, some feel real-world battery life is naturally shorter than marketing implies.
Trust & Reliability
Patterns from Trustpilot-sourced Best Buy reviews suggest strong long-term reliability. Multiple buyers report months of continuous use without power loss, and no significant cases of premature failure emerged. Best Buy user best buyer noted: “Bought these batteries for key fob and have had zero issues… I have an extra one in case this one goes.”
On Reddit, discussions about “+70% extra life” compared to IEC standard tests are met with cautious optimism — users acknowledge results vary by device and usage but generally agree Duracell performs above average. Staples feedback reinforces this trust, with robert t. stating simply: “It works… exactly what I needed and as described.”
No scam concerns surfaced in legitimate channels, though buyers are advised to avoid suspiciously cheap bulk listings from unknown eBay sellers to ensure genuine product quality.
Alternatives
The most common competitors mentioned are Panasonic CR2032 and Energizer CR2032. eBay listings show Panasonic units priced comparably, with some claiming “longest expiry” dates. However, user sentiment leans toward Duracell for safety features — Panasonic and Energizer lack the bitter coating technology, which is decisive for households with children.
Some buyers opt for generic brands like Eunicell for lower upfront cost, but feedback warns about inconsistent capacity and shorter lifespan. Duracell’s higher price is justified for those prioritizing reliability and brand trust.
Price & Value
On Amazon, the two-pack typically retails around $6.30, while eBay shows per-unit prices as low as $1.45 before shipping. Best Buy clearance pricing at $3.99 for a two-pack was praised as “1/3 of the cost anywhere else” by user old auto.
For bulk buyers, eBay offers multi-pack deals, but international shipping adds significant cost. Community tips include buying during holiday sales or clearance events, and keeping spare batteries on hand given the 10-year shelf life.
FAQ
Q: Does the bitter coating affect device performance?
A: In rare cases, users report minor interference with terminal contact, but most devices work without issue. Ensure the battery is seated properly to avoid connectivity problems.
Q: Is this battery officially compatible with Apple AirTag?
A: Yes. Duracell CR2032 is recommended by Apple and fits perfectly, with the bitter coating not impacting AirTag operation.
Q: How long will it last in a typical key fob?
A: Many users report over a year of use in automotive remotes, depending on frequency of operation and device power draw.
Q: Why is the packaging so hard to open?
A: The double blister design is a child safety measure to prevent accidental access. Scissors are required for safe opening.
Q: Is it worth paying more for Duracell over generic brands?
A: Users prioritize Duracell for consistent performance, safety features, and long shelf life, especially in critical devices like medical monitors.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a reliable, child-safe coin cell for devices like key fobs, Apple AirTags, or medical equipment. Avoid if you prefer ultra-low-cost generics and have no safety concerns at home. Pro tip from community: Stock up during sales — the 10-year shelf life means you can buy in bulk without worrying about expiration.
