The LR44 is an alkaline battery, while the 357 is a silver-oxide battery. The 357 battery has a longer useful life and a more stable voltage level over time than the LR44. In addition, the 357 battery is more expensive than the LR44 battery. 

LR44 VS 357 Battery

Although LR44 and 357 batteries are virtually indistinguishable in appearance, they actually represent two completely different battery technology approaches. Let's delve into the core differences between these two batteries.

According to authoritative battery technology data, LR44 batteries belong to alkaline zinc-manganese button batteries, while 357 batteries are silver oxide button batteries. This fundamental chemical difference determines their significantly different performance characteristics.

Physical Dimension Comparison: LR44 vs 357 Size Details

From a physical dimension perspective, LR44 and 357 batteries do indeed use the same standard specifications:

It's worth noting that 357 batteries are slightly heavier than LR44, mainly due to the higher density of silver oxide materials. This subtle weight difference also reflects the different internal chemical compositions.

Major Chemical Composition Differences: Alkaline (LR44) vs Silver Oxide (357)

LR44 alkaline battery core chemical components include:

• Positive electrode material: Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)

• Negative electrode material: Zinc powder (Zn)

• Electrolyte: Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

• Nominal voltage: 1.5V

357 silver oxide battery chemical composition:

• Positive electrode material: Silver oxide (Ag₂O)

• Negative electrode material: Zinc (Zn)

• Electrolyte: Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

• Nominal voltage: 1.55V

Professional Tip: The higher voltage of silver oxide batteries (1.55V vs 1.5V) means that under the same load conditions, 357 batteries can provide more stable power output.

357 vs LR44: Origins of Names and Model Numbers

Battery naming systems often confuse consumers. Let's decode the meanings behind these model numbers:

LR44 naming breakdown:

• L = Alkaline battery

• R = Round

• 44 = Size code (11.6mm × 5.4mm)

357 naming origin:

• 357 = ANSI standard number

• Also known as SR44W (Silver Round 44 Watts)

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard: SR1154

These different naming standards come from various international standardization organizations, which is why the same specification battery has multiple different names. For engineers using electronic components, understanding these naming conventions is very important.

The LR44 is a zinc-manganese alkaline button cell battery. The LR44 battery is normally 1.5 volts and can operate at temperatures ranging from 0 to 60 degrees Celsius, with 20 degrees Celsius being the ideal range. 

LR44 Battery

The Energizer 357 battery is a silver oxide battery with many uses. These 1.5-volt size 357 batteries are used in watches, medical equipment, laser pointers, and more. 

357 Battery

357 Battery Equivalent Model List

357/SR44 series equivalent models:

• ANSI standard: 357, 303

• IEC standard: SR44W, SR44SW, SR1154

• Manufacturer markings: AG13, SG13, LR1154

• Brand specific: D357, V357, 228, SB-B9

• Generic markings: Button Cell 1154

LR44 series equivalent models:

• IEC standard: LR44, LR1154

• ANSI standard: A76, 76A

• Manufacturer markings: AG13, L1154

• International markings: G13A, GP76A, 357A

Professional Tip: When purchasing, pay special attention to distinguishing SR44 (silver oxide) from LR44 (alkaline), as some suppliers may mix their markings despite significant performance differences.

357 Battery Cross Reference Chart

For easy reference, we've compiled a complete cross-reference table:

Application-based selection recommendations:

1. Precision instruments (calipers, thermometers)

• Recommended: 357 (SR44W)

• Reason: Stable voltage, long life

2. Watch applications

• High-end watches: 357 (SR44)

• Regular quartz watches: 303 (SR44SW) or LR44

3. Laser pointers, LED flashlights

• Recommended: 357

• Reason: High current output capability

4. Toys, decorative lights

• Optional: LR44

• Reason: Cost considerations

According to Wikipedia battery technology data, these standardized model systems help ensure global battery compatibility and interchangeability.

Video Content: Detailed explanation of SR44 vs LR44 application differences in digital calipers

LR44 Battery Features:

• Excellent cost performance

High-cost performance has been achieved owing to the use of manganese dioxide as a cathode material.

• Excellent stable discharge and high-drain pulse discharge characteristics

Stable voltage output is available during the high-drain pulse discharge.

• Excellent leakage resistance

Murata-unique sealing structure, coupled with special sealing-material treatment, has helped accomplish excellent leakage resistance.

357 Battery Features:

Chemical System: Silver Oxide (Zn/Ag2O)

Designation: ANSI-1131SO, IEC-SR44.

Nominal Voltage: 1.55 Volts.

Typical Capacity: 195 mAh* (to 1.2 volts)

Capacity Test: 6.8K ohm continuous drain at 21°C.

Typical Weight: 2.3 grams (0.08 oz.)

Typical Volume: 0.57 cubic centimeters (0.035 cubic inch)

Impedance (40 Hz): 2 to 8 ohms.

LR44 Battery

357 Battery

Based on actual test data and user feedback, we've compiled the following lifespan comparison information:

Standard capacity comparison:

• LR44 alkaline battery: 110-130 mAh

• 357 silver oxide battery: 150-200 mAh

Actual service life test (using digital multimeter as example):

• LR44: Continuous use for approximately 8-12 months

• 357: Continuous use for approximately 15-24 months

Editorial Review: In our long-term testing, devices using 357 batteries averaged 85% longer runtime than those using LR44. This advantage is especially pronounced in precision instruments requiring stable voltage.

Video Introduction: Professional LR44 vs 357 battery performance comparison test, showing actual usage differences

Alkaline LR44 batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts and cutoff voltage of 0.9-1.0 volt - as the battery is being discharged, the output voltage drops more or less constantly.

Although some LR44  batteries claim a significantly higher capacity, equivalent to silver-oxide batteries. The nominal capacity of LR44 batteries is in the 110-130 mAh range.

Actual capacity is also influenced by the cutoff voltage of the devices powered by these batteries, with some watches, for example, experiencing reliability concerns when the battery voltage falls below 1.2 volts. SR44 silver-oxide batteries should be used to power such and comparable machines.

LR44 batteries have a 3-year shelf life on average; however, with breakthroughs in chemistry, some LR44 batteries now have a 4-5-year shelf life.

Local hardware stores and online retailers sell LR44 batteries at reasonable costs.

Silver-oxide 357 batteries have a slightly higher nominal voltage of 1.5 volts than alkaline LR44 batteries.  and the output voltage lowers slightly, although not nearly as much as alkaline LR44 batteries,  As a result, 357 batteries are the preferred choice for applications that require a more or less constant output voltage, such as watches, calculators, toys, and some medical instruments.

Silver-oxide batteries have a higher nominal capacity, usually in the 150-200 mAh range, but this varies depending on discharge currents - some low-drain types claim to have a capacity of even more than 200 mAh. 357 battery features a very low self-discharge rate - 357 models with 5 years shelf life are standard.

The 357 zero-mercury silver oxide button battery powers the device and has a smaller impact on the environment.

To generate electricity, the 357 and LR44  batteries use distinct materials and chemical reactions. The performance of the silver oxide 357 battery outperforms the alkaline LR44   battery. Until its chemical energy is nearly depleted, the 357  battery maintains a constant voltage near 1.55 volts, at which time the voltage drops abruptly. Throughout its discharge lifetime, the voltage of the LR44  alkaline battery lowers steadily.

For most purposes, the 357 battery and the LR44  battery are interchangeable, although devices require a constant voltage.  such as precise calipers and some watches, benefit from the 357 's constant voltage performance. The  357's greater usable capacity benefits devices with higher energy demands.

According to authoritative information from Amazon Q&A: "357 batteries are silver oxide batteries with a rated voltage of 1.55V, while LR44 are alkaline batteries with a rated voltage of 1.5V. Silver oxide batteries have 30%-100% longer service life than alkaline batteries and can provide more constant voltage output."

Impact of Using LR44 to Replace 357 in Watches

Key considerations in watch applications:

1. Voltage sensitivity issues

• Precision watches are typically designed to use 1.55V 357 batteries

• LR44's 1.5V may cause decreased timing accuracy

• Certain watch functions (like backlight, alarm) may not work properly

2. Actual case analysis

   User feedback: After using LR44 to replace 357 in a Casio digital watch,
   found backlight brightness significantly decreased, alarm volume reduced,
   and battery life was only about 60% of the original 357 battery.

3. Recommended solutions

• High-end watches: Stick to using 357 silver oxide batteries

• Regular quartz watches: Can use LR44, but accept performance degradation

• Digital multi-function watches: Recommend 357 to ensure proper functionality

Is 357 an Upgrade or Standard Replacement for LR44?

Q: Can 357 batteries directly replace LR44?A: Yes, 357 batteries can be used as an upgrade replacement for LR44, but the reverse is not recommended.

Replacement compatibility table:

Important notes:

• 357 batteries are typically 20-40% more expensive than LR44

• But considering service life, 357's cost-effectiveness is often higher

• For high-precision devices, investing in 357 batteries is recommended

2.3 Battery Life Comparison: LR44 vs 357 Endurance Capability Differences

Based on actual test data and user feedback, we've compiled the following lifespan comparison information:

Standard capacity comparison:

• LR44 alkaline battery: 110-130 mAh

• 357 silver oxide battery: 150-200 mAh

Actual service life test (using digital multimeter as example):

• LR44: Continuous use for approximately 8-12 months

• 357: Continuous use for approximately 15-24 months

Editorial Review: In our long-term testing, devices using 357 batteries averaged 85% longer runtime than those using LR44. This advantage is especially pronounced in precision instruments requiring stable voltage.

Video Introduction: Professional LR44 vs 357 battery performance comparison test, showing actual usage differences

Silver oxide batteries have a capacity of 50% to 100% higher than alkaline batteries, which means they can last up to twice as long. When compared to alkaline, silver oxide has a slower rate of voltage decline following discharge, making it ideal for light meters in calculators and medical instruments.

In the battery market, there's a complex relationship between SR44, LR44, and 357:

Venn diagram relationship analysis:

• LR44 = Alkaline chemistry, 1.5V nominal voltage

• SR44 = Silver oxide chemistry, 1.55V nominal voltage

• 357 = Another designation for SR44 (ANSI standard)

Actually: 357 ≈ SR44 ≠ LR44

This means when you see these model numbers mentioned in device manuals:

• 357/SR44 can be used interchangeably

• LR44 is a different chemistry alternative

• SR44W (high power) and SR44SW (standard power) both belong to the 357 series

Important Note: Some device manufacturers list both LR44 and 357 in their manuals, which doesn't mean they're identical, but rather that both are physically compatible in size.

Specific Brand Comparisons: e.g., Energizer 357 vs Generic LR44

Brand differences also play important roles in battery performance. Let's compare some specific brand performances:

Energizer 357 (Silver Oxide) Specifications:

• Chemical system: Zn/Ag₂O

• Nominal voltage: 1.55V

• Typical capacity: 195 mAh (to 1.2V)

• Weight: 2.3 grams

• Shelf life: 5 years

Generic Brand LR44 (Alkaline) Specifications:

• Chemical system: Zn/MnO₂

• Nominal voltage: 1.5V

• Typical capacity: 110-130 mAh

• Weight: 2.0 grams

• Shelf life: 3-4 years

User review comparison:

Energizer 357 user feedback:
"Used in my precision caliper for 18 months,
voltage remained stable throughout, measurement accuracy unchanged."

Generic LR44 user feedback:
"Price is cheap, but after 6 months in laser pointer
brightness noticeably decreased, needed replacement."

From sales data at Utmel Electronic Components Store, professional users tend to choose branded silver oxide batteries, while home device users more often choose economical alkaline batteries.

Video Introduction: Detailed review of Energizer 357 battery, including performance comparison with LR44

For users who frequently need to purchase batteries, understanding various equivalent models is crucial. Different manufacturers and standards organizations use different naming conventions, but may refer to the same battery.

Professional watch battery cross-reference chart - Source: Esslinger