10 Best Batteries for Door Locks for 2026

Your door lock battery dies at the worst moment, often when you’re already late. Picking the wrong replacement means another midnight scramble in six months. This list breaks down which coin cells, lithium AAs, and specialty batteries actually keep smart locks, deadbolts, and keyless entries running through a full year of daily use.

More On The Choices That Made The List

This Duracell MN21/A23 is a niche player in the door lock world, built around a 12-volt alkaline chemistry in a tiny cylindrical package. Most homeowners never touch one, but anyone with an older garage-door opener or a specialty keypad that calls for an A23 size knows how hard these are to source locally.

The four-pack covers you for a couple of replacement cycles on a single device, or lets you keep spares in the garage without a repeat trip to the store. Real-world fit depends entirely on your lock’s manual, so double-check the battery chart before ordering. If your smart lock runs on coin cells, skip ahead to the next picks on this list.

Useful Touches

• ✓Wide availability from the retailer for hard-to-source A23 form factor
• ✓Duracell branding means consistent quality control batch to batch
• ✓Four-pack format keeps a working spare on hand without bulk storage
• ✓Alkaline chemistry provides stable output across moderate temperature ranges

Things To Consider

• •Very limited compatibility with modern smart locks, which favor coin cells or AA lithiums
• •Capacity at 33 mAh means shorter service life than lithium alternatives in high-drain devices
• •Not interchangeable with common CR2032 or AA formats you likely already own

Right Fit For

Owners of legacy garage openers, vintage keypads, or specialty 12V locking hardware who already know their device takes an A23.

Look Elsewhere When

Your smart deadbolt needs a CR2032, since the Murata 364 Silver Oxide 5-Pack handles coin-cell applications more cleanly.

Smaller and thinner than the popular CR2032, the Duracell CR1620 slides into key fobs, slim remotes, and a handful of compact door locks. At 3 volts with lithium chemistry (a cell type that holds its charge far longer than alkaline when sitting idle), it’s a dependable single-unit replacement when you just need one cell and want the brand-name reliability.

This is a one-count package, so it suits people replacing a single dying fob rather than stocking up. Compare that to the multi-packs on this list, which trade single-cell convenience for volume savings. The trade-off shows up in cost per cell, since buying singles always runs higher per unit.

Points In Its Favor

• ✓Duracell’s quality control shows up in consistent voltage output across the cell’s life
• ✓Long storage life means a spare stays usable for years in a drawer
• ✓Single-count format avoids waste when you only need one battery
• ✓Wide device compatibility beyond locks, including watches and fitness bands

Points To Keep In Mind

• •Single-pack pricing works out higher per cell than bulk options from this same list
• •Less common form factor than CR2032, so verify your lock manual before ordering
• •No multi-pack backup means a second failure means another store run

Quick Facts

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Chemistry	Lithium coin cell	Longer shelf life and stable voltage vs alkaline coin cells
Voltage	3V	Standard for slim key fobs and compact electronics
Count	1 battery	Right-sized for single-cell replacements without waste

Whose Shelf It Belongs On

Anyone with a slim key fob or compact remote-entry lock whose manual specifies a CR1620 cell.

Reach For A Different Pick When

Your lock uses a CR2032, because the Duracell 2032 Lithium Battery covers that form factor with child-safe packaging.

CR123A cells power a specific class of high-drain security hardware: certain smart deadbolts, motion sensors, and many tactical flashlights that pair with home security setups. The Duracell 6-pack lands in this niche with lithium chemistry rated for high output across extreme temperatures, and a claimed 10-year storage guarantee.

This isn’t a general-purpose door lock battery, and that’s the point. For homeowners running a layered security system where the door lock shares battery types with cameras and motion detectors, one 6-pack covers multiple devices. The trade-off vs coin-cell options is bulk, since CR123A cells are physically larger and heavier than CR2032s.

The Good Stuff

• ✓High-drain lithium chemistry handles demanding security hardware without voltage sag
• ✓10-year storage guarantee means backup cells stay viable for a decade in a closet
• ✓Six-cell count covers multiple devices in a single purchase
• ✓Performs across wide temperature ranges, useful for exterior locks or unheated garages

Honest Caveats

• •Not interchangeable with the CR2032 coin cells most keypad locks actually use
• •Physically larger than typical lock batteries, so storage takes more drawer space
• •Higher per-pack cost than coin-cell alternatives for everyday lock swaps

Who Should Grab It

Homeowners whose smart deadbolt or paired security devices explicitly call for CR123A cells.

Where Another Pick Suits Better

Coin-cell keypad locks are better served by the Energizer 123 Lithium 6-Pack, which matches the same form factor.

The CR2032 is the workhorse of the smart lock world, and this Duracell version wraps the popular 3V lithium coin cell in child-resistant packaging. That’s a meaningful detail for households with curious kids, since coin cells pose a serious ingestion hazard if swallowed.

Compatibility runs wide: Apple AirTags, key fobs, flameless candles, thermometers, and a long list of touchscreen smart locks all call for the CR2032. The single-count format trades volume savings for safety packaging, so stocking up means multiple separate purchases. For most homeowners, the per-cell cost premium is a fair exchange for peace of mind.

Useful Strengths

• ✓Child-resistant packaging addresses a real ingestion safety concern in family homes
• ✓Industry-standard CR2032 form factor fits the majority of smart locks on the market
• ✓Lithium chemistry holds charge for years in storage, ideal for backup drawers
• ✓Duracell brand consistency reduces the risk of a dud cell killing a lock’s reliability

Things To Weigh

• •Single-count format costs more per cell than the multi-pack options on this list
• •You may find child-resistant packaging harder to open without scissors, which slows emergency swaps
• •Limited quantity means frequent reordering for households with multiple CR2032 devices

Feature Snapshot

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Chemistry	Lithium coin cell	Stable voltage and long shelf life vs alkaline alternatives
Voltage	3V	Standard for most smart locks, key fobs, and small electronics
Packaging	Child safety features	Reduces accidental ingestion risk in family households

Who It Suits Best

Families with touchscreen smart locks and young children, where coin-cell safety packaging matters as much as power delivery.

A Better Fit Elsewhere

Bulk shoppers stocking multiple locks should consider the Amazon Basics CR1616 6-Pack, which trades brand cachet for per-cell savings.

Energizer’s 123 lithium cells occupy the same CR123A slot as the Duracell option above, but the brand recognition runs deep in the photo battery world. If you’ve been running a camera or flashlight on Energizer 123s for years, sticking with the same brand for your door lock is a low-friction move.

The 6-pack format covers several replacement cycles or multiple devices sharing the CR123A standard. Like the Duracell CR123A option, this assumes your lock actually takes the larger cylindrical format rather than a coin cell. Cross-references the equivalent codes: CR123, CR123A, CR17345, and EL123 all describe the same physical cell.

What It Does Well

• ✓Compatible with multiple cross-reference codes (CR123, CR123A, EL123) for broader device match
• ✓Lithium chemistry rated for storage up to 10 years, useful for emergency backup
• ✓Six-cell count spans several replacement cycles or paired devices
• ✓Energizer’s track record on photo batteries translates well to high-drain lock use

Worth Noting

• •Wrong form factor for the majority of keypad locks, which use CR2032 coin cells
• •Cylindrical cells take more storage space than flat coin batteries
• •Spec’d for photo applications first, lock compatibility is secondary on the packaging

Built With In Mind

Anyone committed to the Energizer ecosystem or running security hardware that calls for CR123A cells.

Swap It Out When

Your smart lock uses AA lithiums, since the Enegitech AA Lithium 3000mAh 16-Pack covers that form factor in volume.

The CR1616 is a slimmer cousin of the CR2032, fitting certain key fobs, watches, calculators, and a handful of compact locks. This Amazon Basics 6-pack covers that niche at a per-cell cost that typically beats name brands, while still delivering 3 volts of lithium power and mercury-free construction.

Performance across extreme temperatures makes these cells usable in exterior key fobs that spend summers on a car visor. The 6-pack format works well for households running multiple slim devices, though the form factor won’t match most keypad smart locks. Verify your device before ordering.

The Value In It

• ✓Lower per-cell cost than name-brand equivalents for the CR1616 form factor
• ✓Mercury-free construction aligns with household safety preferences
• ✓Long-lasting lithium chemistry handles temperature swings in exterior locks or car fobs
• ✓Six-cell count covers several devices or future replacements in one purchase

Trade-Offs To Consider

• •Less common CR1616 form factor won’t match most touchscreen smart locks
• •Off-brand labeling means some owners prefer sticking with established battery names
• •Performance and longevity may not match premium coin cells under constant high drain

Technical Sheet

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Chemistry	Lithium coin cell	Long shelf life and stable voltage output
Voltage	3V	Standard for slim watches, fobs, and compact locks
Construction	Mercury-free	Safer disposal and environmentally friendlier profile
Count	6 batteries	Stockpile-friendly pack for multi-device households

Made For

Cost-conscious households running multiple slim watches, fobs, or compact locks that call for the CR1616 form factor.

Skip It When

Your main lock takes CR2032 cells, since the Duracell CR2032 Lithium Coin Battery fits that standard with branded reliability.

Murata brings Japanese watch-battery heritage to a category most door lock guides ignore. The 364/SR621SW is a silver oxide button cell (a chemistry known for steady voltage output over the cell’s life) at 1.55V with 18mAh of capacity. That’s a precise fit for certain vintage-style locks, specialty key fobs, and watch-form-factor devices, not your standard keypad deadbolt.

The 5-cell pack suits collectors or anyone maintaining several SR621SW devices. Compared to the lithium coin cells on this list, silver oxide trades higher capacity for more consistent voltage discharge, which matters in timekeeping applications but barely registers in simple electronic locks.

Useful Highlights

• ✓Silver oxide chemistry delivers flat voltage discharge, ideal for precision devices
• ✓Murata’s Japanese manufacturing heritage translates to tight quality control
• ✓1.55V output is the standard for watch-style cells, ensuring proper device function
• ✓5-cell pack offers good value for collectors or multi-device households

A Few Limitations

• •Niche SR621SW form factor won’t fit any mainstream smart lock on the market
• •Lower 18mAh capacity than lithium alternatives in the same physical size
• •Specialty positioning may push cost higher than general-purpose coin cells

Perfect Match For

Vintage watch-style locks, specialty key fobs, or households maintaining multiple SR621SW devices that need reliable Japanese-made cells.

Not Your Match When

Your deadbolt needs CR2032 power, since the Amazon Basics CR1616 6-Pack handles modern coin-cell replacements at a friendlier price.

Many smart locks and deadbolts run on AA cells, and this Enegitech 16-pack covers the whole-home angle with lithium iron chemistry at 1.5V and 3000mAh capacity. Lithium AAs outperform alkaline cells in cold weather and high-drain devices, which matters for exterior locks in winter climates.

These are non-rechargeable, so they slot into locks as direct replacements for alkaline AAs but should never go into a charger. The 16-cell count suits homeowners running multiple smart locks plus paired cameras and motion sensors that share the AA form factor.

Where It Excels

• ✓3000mAh capacity delivers longer service life than alkaline cells in high-drain locks
• ✓Lithium chemistry performs in cold weather, useful for exterior deadbolts
• ✓16-cell count covers multiple locks plus paired smart home devices in one purchase
• ✓Leak-resistant construction helps protect expensive lock electronics from corrosion

Points To Note

• •Non-rechargeable design means no reuse, just replacement when depleted
• •Higher upfront cost than alkaline AAs, though total service life offsets that gap
• •Larger pack size requires more storage space than 4- or 8-cell options

Core Details

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Chemistry	Lithium iron (Li-FeS2)	Outperforms alkaline in cold temps and high-drain devices
Voltage	1.5V	Direct replacement for alkaline AAs in standard locks
Capacity	3000mAh	Longer runtime between swaps in power-hungry smart locks
Count	16 batteries	Whole-home coverage across multiple devices and locks

Best Suited To

Homeowners running AA-powered smart locks alongside cameras and sensors who want one lithium stockpile to cover everything.

Consider Something Else When

You only need cells for a single lock, since the Enegitech AA Lithium 1.5V 8-Pack is a more manageable starter quantity.

The 24-pack version of Enegitech’s lithium AA line targets households that burn through batteries fast. Think multiple Blink cameras, trail cameras, smart locks, and remotes all sharing the same form factor. At 3000mAh and 1.5V, the cells share identical specs with the 16-pack above; you’re paying for volume and convenience.

Across real-world ownership, lithium AAs tend to outlast alkaline cells by a wide margin in high-drain devices, so 24 lithium cells can replace 50 or more alkaline swaps. For households committed to lithium chemistry, this is the bulk option that stops frequent reorder cycles.

Everyday Advantages

• ✓24-cell count minimizes reorder frequency for high-traffic households
• ✓Same 3000mAh lithium specs as smaller Enegitech packs for consistency
• ✓Bulk format drives down per-cell cost vs 8- or 16-pack versions
• ✓Wide compatibility across smart locks, security cameras, and trail cameras

Some Limits To Know

• •Larger pack adds storage clutter, especially for apartment dwellers with limited space
• •Non-rechargeable design means eventual replacement when the stockpile runs dry
• •Higher upfront spend than smaller packs, though per-cell economics favor volume

Who Will Love This

Homeowners with multiple Blink cameras, smart locks, and outdoor sensors who rotate batteries frequently and want one big stockpile.

Another Choice May Suit

Apartments with a single smart lock are better served by the Enegitech AA Lithium 1.5V 8-Pack for its compact size.

The 8-pack is the right-sized entry point for someone replacing the cells in a single AA-powered smart lock for the first time. Same 3000mAh lithium specs as the larger Enegitech packs, just a smaller quantity that fits a kitchen drawer without dominating it.

For most locks that run on four AAs, an 8-pack covers one full swap plus a backup set, which is exactly what you want during a cold-weather failure. The trade-off vs the 16- or 24-pack versions is per-cell cost, since bulk always saves more per unit.

Where It Delivers

• ✓8-cell count suits single-lock first replacements without bulk storage commitment
• ✓Same lithium chemistry and capacity as larger Enegitech packs
• ✓Leak-resistant construction protects lock compartments from corrosion damage
• ✓Wide compatibility with smart locks, Blink cameras, and trail cameras

Potential Drawbacks

• •Higher per-cell cost than the 16- or 24-pack options from the same brand
• •Only covers one or two replacement cycles for multi-lock households
• •Non-rechargeable chemistry means no reuse option for sustainability-focused owners

The Right Fit

First-time smart lock owners replacing one lock’s AA cells who want a manageable quantity with a backup set included.

Wrong Turns To Avoid

Bulk lithium shoppers should jump to the Enegitech AA Lithium 3000mAh 16-Pack for better per-cell economics.

What Matters Most Before Choosing Batteries For Door Locks

Match The Chemistry To The Lock

Most modern smart locks and deadbolts run on either lithium coin cells (CR2032, CR1620, CR1616) or lithium AAs. Lithium chemistry (cells that use lithium metal or lithium iron compounds rather than alkaline zinc-manganese) holds voltage more steadily across the cell’s life and survives wider temperature ranges than alkaline, which matters for exterior locks or unheated entryways. Alkaline cells work as a budget alternative for low-drain applications, but you’ll swap them more often.

Check The Form Factor Before Anything Else

The single biggest mistake is ordering the wrong physical size. CR2032, CR2032, CR1616, A23, AA, and CR123A all look similar in product photos but won’t interchange in a lock’s battery compartment. Pull the old cell and confirm the printed code before placing any order. Many locks print the required cell type inside the battery cover itself.

Capacity And Storage Life Differ Wildly

Coin cells typically store well for 5 to 10 years when sealed, while lithium AAs may advertise a 10-year shelf life too. Capacity in mAh (milliamp hours, a measure of how long a cell can deliver current) varies more than most labels suggest, especially between budget and name-brand chemistries. For locks you access daily, higher capacity means fewer mid-year battery emergencies.

Buying In Volume Versus Single Packs

Single-cell packages cost more per unit but reduce waste when you only need one. Multi-packs save money over time and ensure you have backups when a cell dies without warning. Homeowners running multiple smart locks almost always come out ahead buying the largest pack they can realistically store, while apartment dwellers with one lock often prefer smaller quantities.

Key Considerations Across These Picks

Common Buying Mistakes To Sidestep

The most frequent slip-up is buying the cheapest coin cell and assuming it’ll work like a name brand. In practice, voltage consistency under load varies noticeably between off-brand and established manufacturers, and a weak cell can cause false low-battery warnings weeks before actual depletion. Verify the printed code on your old cell, confirm it’s the right chemistry for your lock, and avoid buying alkaline cells for outdoor locks in cold climates.

Where The Extra Money Goes

Premium lithium cells cost more because they use tighter chemistry tolerances, better sealing against leaks, and stricter quality control during manufacturing. For a lock you depend on daily, that consistency translates to fewer lockouts, longer service intervals, and less corrosion damage to battery compartments. The upgrade is worth it most for primary entry doors and exterior hardware where replacement is inconvenient.