Furnace Filters
Best 16x20 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Picks Compared
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Specs below come from each product's Amazon listing; we do not test products in person.
For a 16x20 furnace filter, the Amazon Basics MERV 5 leads this list as Best Overall: it is a 6-pack with a beverage board frame and wire mesh support, and it fits standard furnaces, ACs and HVAC return grilles. If you want a higher MERV rating, the Filtrete MERV 14 MPR 2500 carries a 77% small particle capture rate.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallAmazon Basics MERV 5 AC Furnace Air9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpSimply 16x20x1 Air Filter9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 13 AC9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatFilter King 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatFiltrete 16x20x1 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. Amazon Basics MERV 5 AC Furnace Air | MERV 5 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 13 AC | MERV 13 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. Filter King 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV | MERV 11 | 4-pack | — | — |
| 5. Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 14 | — | — | — |
Amazon Basics MERV 5 AC Furnace Air
It holds Best Overall with a MERV 5 rating in a 6-pack, a beverage board frame and wire mesh support.
- MERV rating: MERV 5
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 6-pack of MERV 5 filters
- Owners of standard furnaces and HVAC return grilles
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 5
- You need more than 6 filters in one pack
The nominal size is 16x20x1, with an actual size of 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches. Insert it with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or blower, away from the return grille. Replace it every 60 - 90 days. The frame is beverage board with wire mesh support.
Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 11 rating with a 6-pack and up to 3 months of filtration.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 11 filter in a 6-pack
- Buyers who want filters made in the USA
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 11
- You need filtration past 3 months
The actual size is 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches, and it fits central units and return grilles. It uses pleated construction, and each filter lasts up to 3 months.
Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 13 AC
It carries a MERV 13 rating with electrostatically charged pleated fibers and a 6-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 13 filter in a 6-pack
- Owners of systems with a standard 1-inch filter slot
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 13
- You need filtration past 3 months
The actual size is 15.50 x 19.50 x 0.75 inches. The heavy-duty beverage board frame has moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats. The synthetic pleated fibers attract and trap particles without restricting airflow, capturing up to 98% of airborne particles.
Filter King 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV
It offers a MERV 11 rating in a 4-pack with a pleated design.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 4-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 11 filter in a 4-pack
- Owners who replace 1-inch filters every 30 - 90 days
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 11
- You need a 6-pack instead of a 4-pack
The actual size is 15.5 x 19.5 x .75 inches. The pleated design captures more particles and extends the filter's lifetime. Filters last up to 90 days, and installation is a simple open, slide and close swap.
Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter
It brings a MERV 14 rating with MPR 2500 and a 77% small particle capture rate.
- MERV rating: MERV 14
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 14 filter with MPR 2500
- Owners who want app reminders to change the filter
Skip it if
- You want a 6-pack instead of a 4-pack
- You need a filter that lasts past 90 days
The 3-month pleated 1-inch filter uses Filtrete 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap particles. The Filtrete Smart App for iOS or Android sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders. Change it at least once every 90 days.
How to choose
Match the MERV rating to your need
MERV ratings in this list run from 5 to 14. The Amazon Basics is MERV 5, the Simply and Filter King are MERV 11, the Aerostar is MERV 13 and the Filtrete is MERV 14. A MERV rating measures how well a filter captures airborne particles: a higher number captures smaller particles, while a lower number allows more airflow. Pick the rating that fits what you want captured, and check that your system accepts it.
Check nominal size against actual size
Every pick here is sold as 16x20x1, but the actual sizes differ: the Amazon Basics and Simply measure 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches, the Aerostar measures 15.50 x 19.50 x 0.75 inches and the Filter King measures 15.5 x 19.5 x .75 inches. Measure your current filter's frame or the filter slot before ordering, and pick the nominal size that matches.
Plan the replacement schedule
Replacement intervals in this list run from 30 to 90 days depending on the pick. The Amazon Basics is replaced every 60 - 90 days, the Simply and Aerostar last up to 3 months, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days and the Filtrete is changed at least once every 90 days. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders. Put the next change date on your calendar when you install a fresh filter.
FAQ
What MERV rating should I pick for a 16x20 filter?
It depends on what you want captured. This list covers MERV 5, MERV 11, MERV 13 and MERV 14, and a higher MERV rating captures smaller airborne particles while a lower rating allows more airflow.
When should I replace a 16x20 furnace filter?
The Amazon Basics is replaced every 60 - 90 days, the Simply and Aerostar last up to 3 months, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days and the Filtrete is changed at least once every 90 days.
What is the actual size of a 16x20x1 filter?
It varies by pick. The Amazon Basics and Simply measure 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches, the Aerostar measures 15.50 x 19.50 x 0.75 inches and the Filter King measures 15.5 x 19.5 x .75 inches.
Do any of these filters have a change reminder app?
The Filtrete has the Filtrete Smart App for iOS or Android, which sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders to change the filter.
