357 Battery Equivalent Chart

The direct equivalent of a 357 battery is the SR44 battery, but it can also be replaced with AG13, LR44, A76, or 303 batteries depending on your device needs.

Ever struggled to find the right replacement for a tiny button cell battery? You’re not alone. The 357 battery is widely used in watches, calculators, medical devices, and small electronics—but here’s the catch: battery naming conventions vary by brand and chemistry, making it confusing to find the right substitute.

Fortunately, this guide will walk you through a clear and complete 357 battery equivalent chart, helping you understand which alternatives are compatible and why. We’ll also cover voltage, shelf life, chemistry types, and performance so you can make an informed choice without risking damage to your devices.

Top 3 357 Battery Equivalent Replacements You Can Trust

When replacing your 357 battery, it’s smart to go with trusted brands that offer consistent voltage, long shelf life, and reliable performance. Here are three excellent equivalent options:

Maxell SR44W Silver Oxide Battery

The Maxell SR44W is a dependable, cost-effective silver oxide battery. It offers stable voltage with minimal voltage drop, making it perfect for precision electronics like hearing aids, cameras, and high-performance watches. This battery ensures that your device operates at its best, with long-lasting power and consistent output.

Energizer A76 Alkaline Battery

The Energizer A76 is an alkaline battery that delivers adequate power for light-duty applications such as toys, clocks, and calculators. While it doesn’t offer the extended life of a silver oxide battery, it is a budget-friendly alternative for low-drain devices. The A76 is widely available and a great option for devices with less demanding power requirements.

Sony SR44W Silver Oxide Battery

The Sony SR44W is another excellent silver oxide choice, providing reliable power for devices requiring consistent voltage over extended periods, such as watches and medical devices.

Battery Equivalents Explained

The 357 battery is a small button cell known for its 1.55-volt silver oxide chemistry. While it’s reliable and widely used, several other batteries can serve as functional replacements—each with slight differences in chemistry, longevity, and use-case.

Direct Equivalents to the 357 Battery

These replacements match closely in voltage, size, and performance:

  • SR44 – Same chemistry and voltage. It’s the most accurate replacement.
  • 303 – Identical in size and chemistry, often used in medical equipment.
  • AG13 – Cheaper alkaline version. Works in low-drain devices.
  • LR44 – Alkaline version with slightly lower capacity.
  • A76 – Another name for LR44 used by Duracell.
  • SR44SW / SR44W – Silver oxide versions; “SW” for low-drain, “W” for high-drain applications.

Important Differences Between Silver Oxide and Alkaline Equivalents:

  • Silver Oxide (357, SR44, SR44W):
    • More stable voltage
    • Longer shelf life (up to 5 years)
    • Better for precision electronics
  • Alkaline (AG13, LR44, A76):
    • Cheaper but shorter lifespan
    • Voltage drops faster over time
    • Suitable for toys, remotes, etc.

Physical Dimensions (All Are Compatible):

  • Diameter: 11.6 mm
  • Height: 5.4 mm
  • These batteries are all physically interchangeable despite having different labels.

357 Battery Equivalent Chart [Quick Reference Guide]

To make it easy for you to find the right replacement, here’s a complete chart showing the most common equivalents for the 357 battery, along with their specifications and best-use scenarios.

Battery NameChemistryVoltageCommon UsesRemarks
357Silver Oxide1.55VWatches, thermometers, toysOriginal specification
SR44Silver Oxide1.55VCalculators, cameras, metersExact equivalent
SR44W / SR44SWSilver Oxide1.55VHigh/low-drain electronicsW = high drain, SW = low drain
303Silver Oxide1.55VMedical instruments, clocksEquivalent with stable performance
AG13Alkaline1.5VToys, remotes, LED lightsBudget-friendly, shorter lifespan
LR44Alkaline1.5VToys, laser pointers, remotesLower cost, less voltage stability
A76Alkaline1.5VThermometers, calculatorsDuracell branding of LR44

Key Takeaways

  • If long battery life and performance matter, go for silver oxide options like SR44 or 303.
  • For cost-saving and low-drain devices, LR44 or AG13 work just fine.
  • All these batteries share the same size, making them physically interchangeable.

Visual Tip

Imagine silver oxide batteries as the premium fuel for your electronics—more expensive, but they run longer and cleaner. Alkaline? Still gets the job done, just not as smoothly or for as long.

Silver Oxide vs. Alkaline: Which Is Better for Replacing a 357 Battery?

When replacing a 357 battery, the choice often comes down to two chemistries: silver oxide and alkaline. Understanding the difference helps you choose what’s best for your specific device.

Silver Oxide: Premium Performance

Silver oxide batteries like the SR44, SR44W, and 303 are generally recommended when performance and reliability matter.

Advantages:

  • Stable Voltage Output: Maintains consistent power until nearly depleted.
  • Long Shelf Life: Can last 3–5 years in storage.
  • Ideal for Precision Devices: Perfect for digital watches, medical tools, and hearing aids.
  • Less Leakage Risk: Chemically more stable under different temperatures.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than alkaline equivalents.

Alkaline: Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Alkaline batteries such as AG13, LR44, and A76 offer a cheaper option and work well for low-drain applications.

Advantages:

  • Low Cost: Readily available and affordable.
  • Good for Occasional Use: Works well in toys, remotes, and basic gadgets.

Disadvantages:

  • Shorter Life: Voltage drops off faster than silver oxide.
  • Inconsistent Performance: Not suitable for devices needing steady voltage.
  • Higher Leakage Risk: Especially when fully drained or left in devices.

Which Should You Choose?

  • For watches, medical devices, and camerasSilver oxide (SR44/303)
  • For toys, remotes, or lightsAlkaline (AG13/LR44)

How to Identify the Right 357 Battery Equivalent for Your Device

Choosing the right equivalent isn’t just about matching the size—it’s about understanding your device’s power needs and how often you use it. Here’s how to get it right every time.

Check the Device Manual or Old Battery Label

  • Look for designations like 357, SR44, AG13, or LR44.
  • Manufacturers often list multiple equivalents.
  • Check for chemistry preferences—some devices specify “silver oxide only.”

Understand the Device’s Power Needs

  • High-drain devices (e.g., medical devices, digital thermometers, cameras) require stable voltage → Use silver oxide.
  • Low-drain devices (e.g., toys, clocks, remote controls) can use alkaline without noticeable performance drops.

Match the Voltage

  • 357/SR44/303: 1.55V
  • AG13/LR44/A76: 1.5V
    That 0.05V may seem small but can impact precision instruments.

Consider Usage Frequency

  • Daily-use devices need better battery life → Pick silver oxide.
  • Occasionally used items can get by with alkaline batteries.

Avoid Mixing Battery Types

  • Never mix alkaline with silver oxide in the same device. It can cause leakage or inconsistent performance.

Where to Buy 357 Battery Equivalents (And What to Watch Out For)

Finding the right 357 battery equivalent is easy—but buying the right one from a trusted source is key to avoiding counterfeits and short-lived cells.

Best Places to Buy

Local Electronics Stores

  • Stores like Best Buy, Walmart, or Target often carry 357 and SR44 equivalents.
  • Bonus: You can check expiry dates and packaging in person.

Pharmacies

  • Trusted for medical-grade batteries like the 303 or SR44SW, commonly used in thermometers and hearing aids.
  • Often stocked by brands like Duracell, Energizer, and Sony.

Online Retailers

  • Amazon, eBay, and BatteryJunction offer bulk deals and rare equivalents like the SR44W.
  • Look for high-rated sellers and verify the brand authenticity.

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Unbranded batteries with vague packaging or no listed expiration date.
  • Too-good-to-be-true prices—often indicate knockoffs.
  • No return policy or poor reviews from past buyers.

Recommended Brands

  • Energizer 357/SR44
  • Duracell 76A/303/357
  • Maxell SR44W
  • Sony SR44

Conclusion

Finding a 357 battery equivalent is easier than it seems—especially when you know what to look for. Whether you choose a silver oxide variant like SR44 or 303 for high-performance use, or an alkaline option like AG13 or LR44 for light-duty needs, the key is matching the battery chemistry to your device’s requirements.

Use the quick-reference chart to guide your selection, and always consider trusted brands for better performance and safety. A few cents more for a high-quality battery can make a big difference in your device’s reliability and lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions About 357 Battery Equivalents

Are LR44 and 357 batteries the same?

Not exactly. LR44 is an alkaline battery, while 357 is a silver oxide battery. Both share the same physical size (11.6 mm × 5.4 mm), but silver oxide batteries like the 357 last longer and provide more stable voltage than their alkaline counterparts.

Can I replace a 357 battery with an AG13?

Yes, you can. AG13 is an alkaline equivalent of the 357 battery. However, keep in mind that it won’t last as long and might not be suitable for high-drain devices. Use AG13 only in basic gadgets like toys or remotes.

Which battery lasts longer—357 or LR44?

The 357 (silver oxide) battery typically lasts 2 to 3 times longer than the LR44 (alkaline) battery. It’s a better choice for devices that need consistent power output over time, like watches, calculators, or medical devices.

Can I mix battery types in one device?

No. Mixing silver oxide and alkaline batteries (e.g., 357 with AG13) is not recommended. It can cause uneven discharge, increase leakage risk, and reduce the lifespan of your device.

Is the SR44 battery the same as the 357?

Yes, they are considered direct equivalents. Both are silver oxide batteries with 1.55V output and similar capacity. The difference lies mainly in branding—SR44 is a generic IEC code, while 357 is a common U.S. designation.

Where can I find 357 equivalents near me?

You can check your local pharmacies, electronics stores, or supermarkets. For online shopping, Amazon and BatteryJunction are popular options—just make sure you’re buying from reputable sellers.