LR44 batteries are sold at drugstores, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers, usually in the watch and hearing aid section or near the checkout
An LR44 is a small alkaline button battery about the size of a dime, used in watches, calculators, laser pointers, toys, and hearing aids. You can find them at almost any store that sells batteries, though the price and availability vary widely depending on where you shop. The most reliable places are drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets like Target and Walmart, and hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
Online shopping gives you more options and often lower per-unit costs if you buy in bulk, but you'll wait for delivery. Local stores let you walk out with batteries the same day, which matters if you need them urgently—for a hearing aid, for example, or a watch that stopped working.
Key Takeaways
- LR44 batteries are stocked at drugstores, supermarkets, and hardware stores, usually near the pharmacy counter or in the electronics aisle.
- Buying a pack of four or eight costs less per battery than buying a single pair, so check the unit price on the shelf label.
- Amazon, eBay, and battery specialty sites often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores, but you pay for shipping or wait for delivery.
- LR44 batteries have a shelf life of several years if stored in a cool, dry place, so buying in bulk and storing extras is practical.
- Some retailers, including Best Buy and Batteries Plus, will install the battery in your device for free or a small fee if you buy from them.
Drugstores and supermarkets: fastest local option
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock LR44 batteries in the pharmacy section near the hearing aid supplies, or in a battery display near the front counter. Supermarkets like Walmart, Target, and Kroger carry them in the electronics or household goods aisle, usually near flashlights and other small batteries. These stores are open early and late, so you can grab batteries on your way to work or after hours.
Prices at drugstores are typically higher than online—expect to pay $4 to $8 for a pack of two or four—but you avoid shipping costs and delays. If you need the battery today, a drugstore is your fastest route. Call ahead if you're unsure whether they have stock; many stores can tell you over the phone or check their inventory system.
Hardware stores and big-box retailers
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware all carry LR44 batteries in their electrical or tools section. Best Buy stocks them near the watch batteries and phone accessories. These stores often have better prices than drugstores—sometimes $3 to $6 for a pack of four—and larger packs available if you want to buy in bulk.
Best Buy and Batteries Plus (a battery specialty chain with locations in most states) will install the battery in your device while you wait, usually for free if you buy the battery from them. This is worth asking about if you're uncomfortable opening a watch case or hearing aid yourself. Call the store first to confirm they offer this service and whether an appointment is needed.
Online retailers and bulk options
Amazon, eBay, and specialty battery sites like Batteries.com and Interstate Battery sell LR44 batteries in bulk packs of 10, 20, or more. Prices per battery drop significantly when you buy larger quantities—a pack of 20 might cost $0.30 to $0.50 per battery, compared to $1 to $2 at a drugstore. Shipping is usually free on orders over a certain amount, or included in Amazon Prime.
The trade-off is time: standard shipping takes 5 to 10 business days, and you need to know you'll use the extras before they expire. LR44 batteries last 3 to 5 years in storage if kept in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short-circuit them, so buying a year's supply is reasonable if you use them regularly.
Understanding LR44 equivalents and substitutes
LR44 is the standard name, but you may see it labeled as AG13, A76, or SR44 depending on the manufacturer and retailer. These are not all identical: LR44 and AG13 are alkaline batteries and work the same way, but SR44 is a silver-oxide battery that lasts longer and costs more. Check your device's manual or the old battery to see which type it originally used.
Using the wrong type can damage some devices or cause them to malfunction. A hearing aid, for example, may not work properly with a silver-oxide battery if it was designed for alkaline. When in doubt, match the code on the battery you're replacing, or ask the store staff which type your device needs.
Comparing prices and checking shelf life
Before you buy, check the unit price on the shelf label—it's usually printed in small type below the total price. A pack of two at $6 costs $3 per battery, while a pack of four at $8 costs $2 per battery. The larger pack is cheaper even though the total price is higher.
Look at the expiration date on the package. Batteries sold at drugstores and supermarkets are usually fresh, but check anyway, especially if you're buying from a clearance bin or a store that doesn't move inventory quickly. A battery with only a year left before expiration is fine if you'll use it soon, but poor value if you're stocking up.
Specialty retailers and mail-order options
If you use LR44 batteries regularly—for a hearing aid, for example—some hearing aid dispensaries and audiologists sell them directly, sometimes at a discount if you're a patient. Costco and Sam's Club carry batteries in bulk packs if you have a membership. Some pharmacies also offer mail-order battery subscriptions where you receive a set quantity every month or quarter.
These options are worth exploring if you use batteries frequently and want to avoid repeated trips to the store. Ask your hearing aid provider or audiologist whether they sell batteries or can recommend a mail-order source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery if I can't find an LR44?
Not safely. LR44, AG13, and A76 are interchangeable, but SR44 (silver-oxide) and other types may not work in your device or could damage it. Always match the code on your old battery or check your device's manual before substituting.
How long do LR44 batteries last once installed?
In a watch, typically 1 to 3 years depending on the watch. In a hearing aid, 3 to 7 days depending on the device and how much you use it. In a laser pointer or toy, anywhere from a few hours to several months depending on power draw.
Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?
Online is cheaper per battery if you buy in bulk and don't pay for shipping. A store is cheaper if you need just one or two batteries today and want to avoid shipping costs. Compare the unit price and add shipping before you decide.
Do LR44 batteries go bad if I store them?
No, they last 3 to 5 years in storage if kept in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Don't store them loose in a drawer where they might touch coins or keys and short-circuit. Keep them in their original packaging or a plastic battery case.
Will a store install the battery for me?
Best Buy and Batteries Plus often will, usually for free if you buy the battery from them. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service. Most drugstores and supermarkets do not install batteries, but some jewelry stores will install watch batteries for a small fee.