CR2 Battery Equivalents and Replacements - CR2 Battery vs 15270 Battery
CR2 batteries are very popular cylindrical non-rechargeable 3.0V lithium batteries, commonly used in various devices like photo cameras, golf rangefinders, weapon-mounted lights, tactical and EDC flashlights, security devices, etc.
15270 (15266) batteries are rechargeable lithium batteries with nominal voltages between 3.0 and 3.7 volts, depending on the exact chemistry types and built-in Battery Management System (BMS). Since they are very similar in dimensions to CR2 batteries, they are often labeled 'rechargeable CR2' batteries.
Updated: March 30, 2023.
CR2 Battery Features and Specifications
CR2 battery is a non-rechargeable lithium battery with a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts and the cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts.
The physical dimensions of the CR2 battery are 27 mm (~1.063 inches) in height and a diameter of 15.6 mm (~0.59 inches). The typical capacity of the CR2 battery is in the 800 and 850 mAh range, although the actual capacity depends on the cutoff voltage of a particular device and drain conditions (discharge current, temperature, battery age, and similar).
When labeling their batteries, many manufacturers use the 'standard' label of CR2 but also add a letter or two to emphasize the brand, for example.
CR2 battery equivalents are commonly labeled as 1CR2, DL-CR2, DLCR2, 5046LC, CR15H270, EL1CR2, KCR2, etc.
CR2 batteries are typically manganese-dioxide lithium 15.6 x 27 mm non-rechargeable cylindrical batteries, with carbon-monofluoride lithium 15.6 x 27 mm non-rechargeable cylindrical batteries ('BR2 battery') being very rare.
The shelf life of CR2 batteries depends on the model and the brand, but it is typically 3+ years, with some brands having 10+ years shelf life batteries (for example, Duracell DLCR2 battery features an annual self-discharge rate of ≤1%), which are highly recommended for standby devices or emergency devices (panic lights, EDC flashlights, medical equipment, smoke detectors, security devices, etc.).
CR2 batteries are fairly common and are offered by most reputable brands, and getting good ones from online shops and local stores shouldn't be a problem.
CR2 Batteries Cross Reference Chart
The following chart lists and compares the most important features of several very popular CR2 battery models.
All models in the chart feature a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, a nominal cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts, and a very low self-discharge rate.
Also, the 'official' operating temperature is usually between -40°C to +70°C, but one must be aware that the performances of these batteries depend on the temperature, and they perform best at room temperatures (20-25°C) and temperatures outside of -10°C and 50°C should be avoided, if possible.
| Battery Datasheet |
Capacity |
Operating Temperature | Discharge Currents |
| Duracell DLCR2 | 920 mAh, 100Ω down to 2.0V | -20°C to +75°C | 20 mA std. cont. 60 mA max. cont. |
| EEMB CR2 | 850 mAh | -40°C to +85°C | 10 mA std. cont. 800 mA max. cont. 1500 mA max. pulse |
| Energizer CR2 | 800 mAh, 100Ω @21°C down to 2.0V | -40°C to +60°C |
1000 mA max. continuous 1200 mA, 3s/7s, @21°C, 760 cycles, down to 1.8V 1800 mA, 3s/7s, @21°C, 400 cycles, down to 1.8V 2500 mA max. pulse |
| GP CR2 | 800 mAh, @10 mA @23°C down to 1.8V | -40°C to +60°C |
10 mA continuous 900 mA, 3s/27s, @23°C, 900 cycles, down to 1.6V |
| Panasonic CR2 | 850 mAh | -40°C to +70°C |
20 mA continuous 900 mA, 3s/27s, @20°C, 1000 cycles, down to 1.8V |
| Varta CR2 | 850 mAh, @20mA @20°C down to 2.0V | - |
20 mA continuous 900 mA, 3s/27s, @25°C, 900 cycles, down to 1.5V |
As one can see, the CR2 battery can provide continuous currents of 10-20 mA easily.
But they are also excellent high-discharge performers, with the best models providing 900-1000 cycles (3 seconds ON, 27 seconds OFF) down to 1.5-1.8 volts at room temperature when discharged with 900mA current pulses.
Many manufacturers test their batteries using 3s/7s cycles using 1200mA and 1800mA currents, which stresses the batteries even more - even under such load, Energizer CR2 batteries, on average, have an actual capacity of ~760 mAh (down to 1.8V), which is very similar to the nominal capacity of 800 mAh (down to 2.0V).
Because of such performances, CR2 batteries are commonly used in high-drain devices like cameras, range finders, compact EDC flashlights, pet training collars, laser sights, etc.
Some of the most popular models on the market include (Amazon links, the links open in the window):
CR2 vs. 15270 (15266) Battery
Standard CR2 battery (15.6x27mm) is non-rechargeable lithium 3.0 volts battery, and it is slightly larger than 15270 (15x27 mm) or 15266 (15x26.6 mm).
Due to their very similar dimensions, most manufacturers label 15266 batteries as 15270 batteries and vice-versa.
Note: '15270 battery' is a typical label for a rechargeable lithium battery 15 mm in diameter and 27 mm in height.
15270 batteries come in many versions depending on the chemistry, nominal voltage, BMS, etc.
Typical 15270 chemistries include:
- IMR 15270 batteries feature LiMn204 (Lithium Manganese Oxide) chemistry. Their nominal voltage is in the 3.6 - 3.7 V per cell range, with a maximum recommended charging voltage of 4.2 V. IMR batteries commonly have lower capacity but are capable of delivering larger currents and are commonly used for high-drain devices (10-20C or more).
- INR 15270 batteries feature LiNiMnCoO2 (Lithium Manganese Nickel) chemistry. These batteries are very similar to IMR batteries since they can provide plenty of currents with slightly lower capacity.
- IFR 15270 batteries feature LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry. Their nominal voltage is 'only' 3.2 - 3.3 V per cell, with the maximum recommended charging voltage of 3.5 - 3.6 V. LiFePO4 chemistry is one of the safest lithium rechargeable chemistries.
- ICR 15270 batteries feature LiCoO2 (Lithium Cobalt Oxide) chemistry. Their nominal voltage is in the 3.6 - 3.7 V per cell range, with the maximum recommended charging voltage of 4.2 V. They commonly have higher capacities, but maximum allowed currents are often limited to just a few C.
Note: there are other chemistries on the market too, including hybrid technologies like Lithium Nickel Cobalt Oxide (LiNiCoO2), Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2), etc. The most common 15270 batteries use LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or LiMn204 (Lithium Manganese Oxide) chemistry.
Obviously, typical 15270 voltages depend on the chemistry type, and they vary from 3.2 to 3.7 volts. This 0.2 to 0.7 volts difference doesn't appear significant, but certain electronic devices might not operate properly because of such voltage differences.
Since rechargeable lithium batteries are not nearly as safe as non-rechargeable lithium batteries, they often feature Battery Management System (BMS) that protects the battery from events like overcharging, over-discharging, overheating, and similar.
Also, to make 15270 batteries fully compatible with non-rechargeable CR2 batteries, some Battery Management Systems lower the output voltage to 3.0 volts.
On the other hand, having a built-in Battery Management System means that the battery's capacity is lower, and instead of having 600-800 mAh, a 'protected' 15270 battery typically features 400-600 mAh capacity.
CR2 Battery vs. CR123A Battery
CR2 battery and CR123A batteries are very similar non-rechargeable Lithium Manganese Dioxide batteries, which differ in size:
- CR2 Battery: 15.6 x 27 mm,
- CR123A Battery: 17 x 34.5 mm.
Since the CR123A battery is larger, it features a larger capacity and is able to provide stronger currents. Thus, CR2 battery is used in devices and gadgets where the power source must be smaller and more compact.
CR2 Battery vs. 4LR44 (4SR44) Battery
CR2 battery and 4LR44 (4SR44) battery feature very similar dimensions, but they differ in nominal voltage:
- CR2 Battery: 15.6 x 27 mm, 3.0V,
- 4LR44 Battery: 13 x 25.2 mm, 6.0V.
They also differ in chemistry, with the CR2 battery being a non-rechargeable Lithium Manganese Dioxide battery and:
- 4LR44 battery: Alkaline 6.0V battery,
- 4SR44 battery: Silver-Oxide 6.2V battery,
- PX28L (2CR1/3N) battery: Lithium Manganese Dioxide 6.0V battery.
Obviously, CR2 and 4LR44, 4SR44, and PX28L batteries are NOT interchangeable!
CR2 Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CR2 and similar batteries:
What is a CR2 battery?
A CR2 battery is a non-rechargeable Lithium Manganese Dioxide 3.0V cylindrical battery with physical dimensions of (D x H) 15.6 x 27 mm.
What are CR2 batteries used for?
CR2 batteries feature low-self discharge rates and are able to provide very strong current pulses, so they are used in a variety of devices, including video/photo equipment, smoke detectors, security devices, LED flashlights, remote controls, pet collars, laser sights, etc.
What battery can replace a CR2 battery?
Any 3.0V lithium battery with physical dimensions of 15.6 x 27 mm. Typical labels of these batteries include CR2, 1CR2, DL-CR2, DLCR2, 5046LC, CR15H270, EL1CR2, KCR2, etc.
Is a CR2 battery the same as a CR123?
No, CR2 batteries and CR123A batteries are not the same. CR123A battery is larger and features a larger capacity, although they share the same battery chemistry.
How long should a CR2 battery last?
If used in low-current applications, CR2 battery may last up to 5-10 years. When used in high-discharge devices, operating life depends on the discharge current, pulse/pause duration, battery age, cut-off voltage, etc.
Long Story Short: CR2 batteries are popular non-rechargeable batteries offered by many reputable brands. With good capacity and excellent shelf life, CR2 batteries are commonly used in medical and military devices, but also in flashlights, photo cameras, and similar.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Lithium CR2 Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).
15270 batteries are often considered as 'rechargeable CR2' batteries and can save plenty of money, just be sure to charge them using chargers designed for such batteries.