Energizer 377 Battery Review: Reliable but Pricey Verdict
Few watch batteries inspire the level of loyalty seen with the Energizer Watch/Electronic Batteries (377)—scoring a solid 9/10 in aggregate user ratings across platforms. While marketed for reliability, long shelf life, and superior leakage resistance, everyday users add context: these tiny silver oxide cells routinely power watches for over two years, survive in devices from car key fobs to glucose monitors, and rarely fail before their expected service window.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long lifespan reported (up to 2+ years in watches) | Occasional reports of dead-on-arrival units |
| Strong brand trust and consistent quality control | Slightly higher price than lesser-known brands |
| Good fit compatibility across watch models | Rare instances of incorrect size shipped |
| Leak resistance praised by users | No expiration dates on some industrial packs |
| Versatile use beyond watches (key fobs, calculators) | Availability complaints in certain stores |
Claims vs Reality
Energizer's marketing leans heavily on "excellent stable discharge characteristics" and "over 90% service maintenance after 5 years of storage." Digging into community feedback, that claim is often validated in practice. A verified buyer on Best Buy wrote: "These Energizer batteries last for at least two years or more. I used them for my watches and have not had to replace them ever since I installed them."
For leakage resistance, energizer points to a "unique sealing structure." This feature holds merit—users contrast these cells favorably with alkalines. A Best Buy reviewer remarked: "Doesn't leak like some other batteries. I use Energizer lithium batteries for everything I have that needs batteries." While that feedback referred to lithium cells, similar praise extended to the silver oxide lineup for watches, highlighting confidence in their build.
On lifespan, despite official ratings, some outliers exist. Trustpilot data includes a blunt note: "I do not know why the battery died after a week." While rare, cases like this show that even brand leaders aren’t wholly immune to early failures, often prompting exchanges when defective stock slips through.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Longevity is a recurring theme. Several Best Buy customers describe multi-year life: "Still working after months, only had to use one so far," and "Great value on a name brand battery… last for at least two years or more." For watch enthusiasts, this means fewer trips to jewelers and confidence for heirlooms or vintage pieces—one reviewer mentioned perfect fit for a vintage Swatch.
Versatility also earns applause. Amazon buyers replaced batteries in watches, car fobs, and even small medical devices. A Quora summary pointed out their suitability for "calculators, key fobs, heart rate monitors, and more." This multipurpose use benefits those managing multiple small electronics—one Best Buy user confirmed: "Used these to replace my car fob battery and my watches and haven't had to replace them ever since."
Fit and ease of installation are another MVP-level feature. Best Buy reviews highlight "easy to insert" and "works just like it's supposed to," often replacing batteries without professional help. One Amazon buyer offered a DIY tip to note battery polarity when swapping cells, underscoring their accessibility for non-technical users.
Common Complaints
Availability issues crop up across channels. Some Best Buy shoppers note difficulty finding stock locally. Industrial packs sometimes lack expiration dates, making shelf life tracking harder—a Quora report flagged this as a drawback, especially for bulk buyers.
Manufacturing slips, while rare, are irksome. A few reviews cite getting dead-on-arrival units: "I bought one… it had no charge. They changed it for another and it didn't work either." Another user received mismatched battery sizes, affecting fit.
Pricing is another soft spot. The 377 commands a premium over generic brands—some customers accept this as the cost of reliability, others balk at paying more for a tiny cell when alternatives exist, especially when powering lower-priority devices.
Divisive Features
Industrial packaging draws mixed reactions. Some appreciate large economy packs for savings, while others dislike the lack of clear shelf life labeling. Pack sizes also vary, with some expecting more based on images—“Product image shows 5 batteries, but only 4 are provided,” reported one Quora review.
Thickness tolerance variance is another niche debate. While most devices accept them perfectly, a handful note the 377 may feel “slightly too thick” for certain watch compartments. This affects a small slice of users but is worth noting for precise-fit cases.
Trust & Reliability
Energizer’s reputation, bolstered by decades of consistent product quality, is reinforced here. Best Buy’s 4.8/5 rating with over 270 reviews on the 377 speaks to reliable performance. A Trustpilot entry captures the tone: "I'm amazed how long these little things last."
Durability stories abound. Many watch owners report installing a 377 and not thinking about it again for years. Even bulk purchases are trusted for long-term storage, with Quora noting up to 8-year shelf life for certain sets. While defects exist, their low frequency and Energizer’s brand response keep overall trust high.
Alternatives
Duracell’s 376/377 silver oxide button cells appear in community conversations as a cheaper alternative. Quora notes Duracell’s 4-year storage guarantee, making them a cost-effective choice for budget-minded buyers. However, instances of “one battery dead on arrival” temper enthusiasm. Lesser-known brands like Maxell and Renata also compete on price, but user reports often circle back to Energizer when reliability is paramount—especially for expensive or sentimental watches.
Price & Value
On eBay, fresh Energizer 377/376 cells list around $2.65–$4.44 for small packs, with bulk deals dropping per-unit cost. Retail stores like Best Buy price singles near $4.99, with occasional specials. Community buying tips emphasize sourcing from trusted vendors to avoid fakes—Best Buy reviewers explicitly warn against dubious Amazon marketplace listings.
Bulk purchases yield savings for multi-device owners and reduce trips to buy replacements. The premium is seen as justified for mission-critical devices: “Best batteries for important devices! Worth the insane price,” as one power user stated.
FAQ
Q: How long does the Energizer 377 battery typically last in a watch?
A: Most users report 1.5–2+ years in standard watches, with some stretching beyond two years depending on usage patterns.
Q: Can I use the 377 in other devices beyond watches?
A: Yes, many buyers power calculators, car key fobs, medical devices, and even small toys with these cells.
Q: Is the Energizer 377 leak-proof?
A: While marketing claims strong leak resistance, user feedback largely supports it—few leakage incidents are reported compared to alkaline cells.
Q: Are there issues with counterfeit batteries?
A: Yes, some buyers have received fake products from less reliable marketplaces. Stick to authorized retailers.
Q: Does packaging always match the product image?
A: Not always. Some report fewer batteries than pictured, so verify pack count before purchase.
Final Verdict: Buy if you value long-term reliability for watches or critical devices and don't mind paying a slight premium. Avoid if fitting cost-sensitive gadgets where generic cells suffice. Pro tip from community: stick to reputable sellers and confirm polarity during installation to maximize lifespan.
