We all love the magical twinkle of fairy lights, but picking the right battery can make or break your display. Whether you're decorating a mason jar, creating a cozy bedroom vibe, or putting together wedding centerpieces, the battery you choose affects how long your lights stay bright and how often you'll be swapping them out. Let's break down everything you need to know about coin cell batteries for fairy lights so you can make the best choice for your project.
Coin Cell Batteries for LED Lights
Coin cell batteries are small, round batteries shaped like—you guessed it—coins or buttons. They're perfect for tiny devices that don't need a ton of power, and they're the go-to choice for most battery-operated fairy lights. These little powerhouses come in different types and sizes, each with its own voltage, chemistry, and runtime. The most common ones you'll see in fairy lights are CR2032 and LR44 batteries, though you might also run into CR2025 or AG13 batteries depending on your light set.
Coin cells can be alkaline or lithium. Alkaline versions (like the LR44) run at 1.5 volts, while lithium batteries (like the CR2032) pump out 3 volts. That difference matters when you're trying to power LEDs that need a specific voltage to shine bright. Most fairy light sets are designed around one specific battery type, so it's super helpful to know what's inside your battery pack before you go shopping for replacements.
Best Batteries for Fairy Lights: CR2032 vs LR44
When it comes to powering fairy lights, the two heavyweight champions are the CR2032 and the LR44. Both are widely available and work great, but they're built differently and perform differently too.
The CR2032 is a lithium coin cell that measures 20mm across and 3.2mm thick. It delivers 3 volts and typically has a capacity around 225mAh. This battery is the star of the show for most fairy lights because of its stable voltage output and long shelf life—we're talking up to 10 years if you store it right. Fairy lights powered by 2 CR2032 batteries (which gives you 6 volts total) can run for over 72 hours of continuous use. That's three full days of glow! This makes the CR2032 perfect for events like weddings, parties, or holiday decorations where you want reliability without constant battery changes.
On the flip side, the LR44 is an alkaline button cell with a 1.5-volt output. It's smaller than the CR2032—about 11.6mm in diameter and 5.4mm tall—and has a capacity around 150mAh. While it's cheaper upfront, it doesn't last as long and its voltage can drop faster under continuous use. LR44 batteries work well for cork bottle lights or smaller LED strings that only need brief bursts of power. If your lights are going to be on all night, though, you'll probably find yourself swapping out LR44s more often than CR2032s.
In short: For most fairy light applications, CR2032 batteries win the long-game. They're more reliable, last longer, and maintain consistent brightness. LR44 batteries are great for budget-conscious projects or lights you'll only use for a few hours at a time.
How Long Do Coin Cell Batteries Last in Fairy Lights?
Battery life is one of the biggest questions we get. Nobody wants their lights dimming out halfway through a party or event. The runtime depends on a few things: the type of battery, how many LEDs you're powering, and whether your lights have any special features like flashing modes or timers.
Let's talk numbers. A single CR2032 battery has about 225mAh of capacity. If you're running a typical 20-LED fairy light string that draws around 20mA, you can expect roughly 10-12 hours of continuous light from one battery. But most fairy light packs use two CR2032 batteries, which can push your runtime up to 30 hours or more, especially if the lights are set to a flashing or intermittent mode instead of constant-on. We've seen some setups last over 72 hours with quality lithium batteries.
LR44 batteries have less capacity (about 150mAh), so they'll give you shorter runtimes—usually around 6-8 hours per battery for similar LED loads. If you're powering multiple LEDs or using lights with higher brightness, that time drops even more. The good news? You can usually find LR44s in bulk packs for pretty cheap, so keeping spares on hand isn't a big deal.
Pro tip: If you want your fairy lights to last as long as possible, look for ones with a timer function. These automatically turn off after a set period (usually 6 hours on, 18 hours off), which can stretch your battery life over days or even weeks.
CR2032 Battery for Fairy Lights: Why It's the Top Pick
We recommend CR2032 batteries as the best all-around choice for fairy lights, and here's why. First off, the CR2032 offers consistent 3-volt power from start to finish. Unlike alkaline batteries that gradually lose voltage as they drain, lithium CR2032s maintain a steady output until they're nearly dead. This means your lights stay bright and don't gradually dim over time.
Second, CR2032 batteries have a crazy long shelf life. You can buy a pack, toss it in a drawer, and still have fresh batteries ready to go years later. That's perfect for seasonal decorations like Christmas lights or Halloween displays that only come out once a year. Alkaline batteries, by comparison, tend to lose charge over time even when not in use.
Third, CR2032s work great in all weather conditions. They can handle temperatures from -20°C all the way up to 60°C, which makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor fairy light setups. Planning to hang lights on your patio in winter? CR2032s won't let you down. LR44 alkaline batteries, on the other hand, don't perform as well in extreme cold.
And let's not forget the wide availability. You can find CR2032 batteries at pretty much any grocery store, pharmacy, or online retailer. They're used in everything from car key fobs to fitness trackers, so manufacturers produce them in massive quantities, which keeps prices reasonable.
If you're looking for high-quality lithium coin cell batteries that deliver long-lasting performance, check out Voniko's lithium coin cell collection. They offer reliable power for all your fairy light projects.
LR44 Coin Cell Batteries for LED Cork Lights
While CR2032 batteries dominate the fairy light scene, LR44 batteries have their own niche—especially when it comes to cork bottle lights and other ultra-compact LED setups. These tiny lights are super popular for DIY crafts, wine bottle decorations, and table centerpieces.
LR44 batteries (also called AG13 or A76) are smaller and thinner than CR2032s, which makes them perfect for those slim battery packs that fit inside cork stoppers. A typical cork light string has 10-15 tiny LEDs on a thin copper wire, and it usually runs on 3 LR44 batteries stacked together (giving you 4.5 volts total).
The downside? LR44s don't pack as much punch. With only 150mAh capacity per battery, you're looking at maybe 12-15 hours of runtime for a small cork light setup. That's still plenty for a dinner party or special event, but not ideal if you want lights that glow all week long.
One big advantage of LR44 batteries is cost. You can often find them in 30-packs for just a few bucks, making them one of the most budget-friendly options out there. If you're decorating for a one-time event like a wedding reception or birthday party, LR44s offer great value without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: LR44 batteries are your best bet for cork lights and other small, short-term fairy light projects where size matters more than marathon runtime.
Tips for Extending Battery Life in Fairy Lights
Want to squeeze every last hour out of your coin cell batteries? Here are some tried-and-true tips we've learned over countless decorating projects:
Use quality batteries. Not all batteries are created equal. Stick with reputable brands that offer consistent performance and leak resistance. Cheap knock-off batteries might save you a dollar upfront, but they'll die faster and could even damage your lights if they leak. For reliable options, visit Voniko Batteries for premium coin cells that deliver dependable power.
Turn off your lights when you're not around. This seems obvious, but it's easy to forget. Leaving fairy lights on 24/7 will drain batteries way faster than if you turn them off during the day or when you're asleep. Many fairy light sets come with an on/off switch right on the battery pack—use it!
Choose lights with timer functions. Lights with built-in timers automatically switch on and off at preset intervals (typically 6 hours on, 18 hours off). This feature alone can triple your battery life without you having to lift a finger.
Store batteries properly. Keep spare batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Extreme temperatures can drain batteries even when they're not in use. Also, never mix old and new batteries in the same device—mismatched batteries can leak or cause uneven power drain.
Consider rechargeable options for frequent use. If you use fairy lights daily (like for bedroom mood lighting), switching to a rechargeable battery setup might save you money and hassle in the long run. Just make sure your lights are compatible with rechargeable voltages.
How to Choose Between Lithium and Alkaline Coin Batteries
Let's settle the lithium vs. alkaline debate once and for all. Both battery types have their place, but they work best in different situations.
Lithium coin cells (like CR2032) deliver 3 volts, have higher energy density, and last way longer—especially under continuous use. They maintain stable voltage until nearly depleted, which means your lights stay bright right up until the battery dies. Lithium batteries also handle temperature extremes better and have shelf lives measured in years. The trade-off? They cost more per battery upfront.
Alkaline coin cells (like LR44) deliver 1.5 volts, are cheaper, and are perfectly fine for devices with lower power needs or intermittent use. They're widely available and come in bulk packs at bargain prices. However, their voltage drops more noticeably as they discharge, which can cause lights to dim over time. They also don't perform as well in cold weather.
Our take: If you want hassle-free, long-lasting performance and don't mind spending a bit more, go lithium. If you're on a tight budget or only need lights for a short event, alkaline batteries will do the job just fine.
For more details on coin cell battery sizes and types, check out Voniko's complete guide to coin cell battery sizes, which breaks down dimensions, applications, and compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace CR2032 batteries with rechargeable alternatives for fairy lights?
Yes, but be careful. Rechargeable coin cells typically output lower voltages (around 3.6V for lithium-ion rechargeables), which might not match the voltage requirements of your fairy lights. Some lights are designed specifically for non-rechargeable CR2032s and may not work properly with rechargeables. Always check your light's specifications before making the switch.
Why do my fairy lights dim after a few hours even with fresh batteries?
This usually happens with alkaline batteries like LR44s, which experience voltage drop as they discharge. Lithium batteries (CR2032) maintain more consistent voltage and brightness throughout their lifespan. If dimming is a problem, switch to lithium coin cells for better performance.
How many LEDs can one CR2032 battery power?
A single CR2032 can typically power 4-6 small LEDs for around 10-12 hours. Most fairy light setups use two CR2032 batteries to power 20-30 LEDs, which gives you longer runtime and more consistent brightness.
Are coin cell batteries waterproof for outdoor fairy lights?
The batteries themselves aren't waterproof, but many fairy light sets have waterproof LED strings (rated IP44 or IP65) while the battery pack is not waterproof. Always keep the battery compartment dry and protected from rain, even if the light string itself can get wet.
What's the difference between AG13 and LR44 batteries?
AG13 and LR44 are the same battery with different names. They're both 1.5V alkaline button cells with the same dimensions (11.6mm diameter, 5.4mm height). You can use them interchangeably in any device that calls for either one.
