CR2032 batteries reviewed

[Peter Klein]

Another thing to consider is that battery cost can vary wildly depending on where we buy them. A few weeks ago, I needed some CR2032s. I was in a hurry and had a prescription to pick up at Walgreens, a US pharmacy chain. I bought a 4-pack of Energizers there for $21. When I got home, I found a 10-pack of Panasonics on Amazon for just under $10. I quickly returned the Energizers.

I’ve learned to avoid Chinese brand names, regardless of the cost savings. Chinese manufacturers are perfectly capable of making quality items, particularly for companies based elsewhere. But left to their own (pardon the pun) devices, often their business strategy is to make things as cheaply as possible and undersell everyone else. Known USA, EU and Japanese brand items are usually better, and consistent over time.

There’s a joke among photographers. If you buy five Chinese aftermarket batteries for your camera, two will work, but have lower capacity than the originals. One will barely work, and two won’t hold a charge at all. I can confirm that joke from experience.