AG13, LR44, and 357 are actually the same battery. They're just different names for an identical product made by different manufacturers and sold in different regions. AG13 is the IEC standard name, LR44 is what Energizer calls it, and 357 is another designation you'll see on older products. If you need button cell batteries for watches, hearing aids, calculators, or small electronics, any of these three names will work perfectly in your device. The real decision isn't about which name to buy, but rather which premium alkaline button cell batteries offer the best value and reliability for your needs.
Why Three Names for One Battery?
The confusion starts with battery naming standards. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created the AG13 designation, which stands for "alkaline" and the battery's physical dimensions. Energizer and Duracell use the LR44 name, where the L means alkaline, R means round, and 44 refers to the size. The 357 name comes from another older standard and is still used on some packaging you'll find in stores. These names describe the exact same 1.5-volt, button-shaped battery with identical dimensions and chemistry.
Device manufacturers don't care which name appears on the battery box. Your watch, hearing aid, or calculator simply needs a 1.5-volt alkaline button cell that fits the compartment. When you see "compatible with AG13, LR44, 357, and SR44" in product descriptions, it's confirming that this one physical battery works everywhere those names appear.
So Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Since the battery itself is identical, your choice should come down to price, quantity, and brand reputation. If you only need one or two batteries, grab whichever name you find at your local pharmacy or hardware store. But if you're buying for a household or small business with multiple devices that use these batteries, buying in bulk makes far more sense. A 15-pack of premium alkaline button cell batteries costs significantly less per unit than purchasing single batteries or tiny two-packs repeatedly.
Look for brands with strong shelf life claims and good reviews. We covered this in more detail in our guide on Which LR44 Battery Pack on Amazon Has the Best Reviews in 2025? Quality matters more than the name on the package because a premium alkaline formulation holds its voltage longer, which means your devices stay running reliably without unexpected power loss.
One Important Difference: SR44
There is one name that's genuinely different, and that's SR44. The S means "silver oxide," not alkaline. Silver oxide batteries are more expensive but last longer and provide more consistent voltage throughout their lifespan. They're worth buying if you have a watch that runs slow as the battery drains, since a silver oxide battery maintains voltage better. For most household devices like calculators, toy remotes, and hearing aids, the standard alkaline AG13/LR44/357 works perfectly fine and costs less.
Check your device manual or the battery compartment label if you're unsure. Most devices specify which type they need, and mixing them up won't damage anything, but you might get different performance. An alkaline battery is the standard choice for the vast majority of small electronics.
What to Look for When Buying
First, confirm your device actually uses a 1.5-volt button cell by checking the battery compartment or device manual. Next, look for brands with published shelf life guarantees of 7 to 10 years. The best way to save money is buying a bulk pack rather than individual batteries, since you'll eventually need replacements anyway. Make sure the batteries are sealed in protective packaging and haven't been sitting on a shelf for years, as alkaline batteries gradually lose charge over time even when unused.
Read customer reviews specifically mentioning how long the batteries last in devices you own. Someone's experience with these batteries in a hearing aid might differ from their experience in a toy remote, and seeing real-world feedback helps set accurate expectations.
The Bottom Line
AG13, LR44, and 357 are three names for one identical battery. There's no quality difference between them, no compatibility issue, and no reason to hunt for a specific name. What matters is finding a reliable brand at a good price, ideally in a bulk pack so you have extras on hand when your watch, hearing aid, or other small device needs a fresh battery. Pick whichever name appears on the package you find with strong reviews and good value, and you'll be completely satisfied with your purchase. Stock up today and you won't have to worry about replacing batteries in your small electronics for years to come.