Furnace Filters
Best 12x12x1 Furnace Filters (2026): 4 Picks Compared
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For the best 12x12x1 furnace filters, the Filtrete leads this list: it is a MERV 5 pleated filter in a 6-pack with an actual size of 11.81 by 11.81 by 0.81 inches. The Simply and Aerostar step up to MERV 8, while the Maycold lists MERV 13 in a 6-pack with individually wrapped filters.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallFiltrete 12x12x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpSimply 12x12x1 Air Filter9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 12x12x1 MERV 8 AC9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatMaycold MERV 13 12x12x1 Air Filter9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on pack size from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | MERV rating | Pack size | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Filtrete 12x12x1 Air Filter | MERV 5 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Simply 12x12x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Aerostar Air Filter 12x12x1 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | 4-pack | — | — |
| 4. Maycold MERV 13 12x12x1 Air Filter | MERV 13 | 6-pack | — | — |
Filtrete 12x12x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 5 rating, MPR 300 and 6-pack cover basic 12x12x1 replacement.
- MERV rating: MERV 5
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 5 filter
- Buyers who want app change reminders
Skip it if
- You want a MERV 8 filter
- You want a pack with more than 6 filters
It is a MERV 5 pleated filter with MPR 300, sized 12 by 12 by 1 inches nominal and 11.81 by 11.81 by 0.81 inches actual. The 3-in-1 technology pulls in and traps particles, and the pack holds 6 filters for furnace and air conditioner units. Change it at least once every 90 days, and the Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders. It slides into standard HVAC systems for residential use.
Simply 12x12x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 8 rating, 6-pack and electrostatically charged media cover pleated 12x12x1 replacement.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 8 filter
- Buyers who want a 6-pack
Skip it if
- You want a MERV 13 filter
- You want a 4-pack
It is a MERV 8 pleated filter with an actual size of 11.75 by 11.75 by 0.75 inches, matching the 12x12x1 nominal size. The pack holds 6 filters made in the USA, with airflow arrows for the filter slot.
Aerostar Air Filter 12x12x1 MERV 8 AC
Its MERV 8 rating, MPR 600 and 4-pack cover pleated 12x12x1 replacement.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 4-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 8 filter
- Buyers who want a 4-pack
Skip it if
- You want a 6-pack
- You want a MERV 13 filter
It is a MERV 8 pleated filter with MPR 600 and an actual size of 11.75 by 11.75 by 0.75 inches. The heavy-duty beverage board frame has a moisture-resistant backing, and the pack holds 4 filters made in the USA.
Maycold MERV 13 12x12x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 13 rating and 6-pack cover high-efficiency pleated 12x12x1 replacement.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 13 filter
- Buyers who want individually wrapped filters
Skip it if
- You want a 4-pack
- You want a MERV 8 filter
It is a MERV 13 pleated filter with an actual size of 11.70 by 11.70 by 0.75 inches, matching the 12x12x1 nominal size. The pleated design captures up to 90 percent of airborne particles, and each filter is individually wrapped in plastic. The paper construction fits air cleaner, air conditioner, air purifier, furnace and heat pump units. The pack holds 6 filters.
How to choose
Nominal size versus actual size
Nominal size is the rounded size on the box, while actual size is the measured size of the filter itself. The Filtrete measures 11.81 by 11.81 by 0.81 inches actual, the Simply and Aerostar 11.75 by 11.75 by 0.75 inches, and the Maycold 11.70 by 11.70 by 0.75 inches. All four carry the 12x12x1 nominal size and slide into standard 1-inch filter slots. Measure your existing filter and compare the actual size before buying.
MERV 5, 8 and 13
MERV ratings describe how a filter captures particles, with higher numbers capturing smaller particles. The Filtrete is rated MERV 5 with MPR 300, the Simply and Aerostar are rated MERV 8 with MPR 600, and the Maycold is rated MERV 13. The Simply lists capture at 3.0 to 10.0 microns, and the Aerostar and Maycold list capture up to 90 percent of airborne particles. Pick the rating that matches your system and the particles you want captured.
Pack size and change timing
Pack size decides how many changes one order covers. The Filtrete, Simply and Maycold come in 6-packs, while the Aerostar comes in a 4-pack. For timing, the Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Simply lasts up to 3 months, and the Aerostar replaces every 2 to 3 months. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders for its changes. Set a reminder that matches the interval for the filter you buy.
FAQ
What is the actual size of these filters?
The Filtrete measures 11.81 by 11.81 by 0.81 inches, the Simply and Aerostar 11.75 by 11.75 by 0.75 inches, and the Maycold 11.70 by 11.70 by 0.75 inches.
Which filters are rated MERV 8?
The Simply and the Aerostar are rated MERV 8, while the Filtrete is rated MERV 5 and the Maycold MERV 13.
How many filters come in each pack?
The Filtrete, Simply and Maycold come in 6-packs, and the Aerostar comes in a 4-pack.
What change intervals do these filters list?
The Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Simply lasts up to 3 months, and the Aerostar replaces every 2 to 3 months.
