Furnace Filters
Best 16x20x1 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Models Side by Side
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For a 16x20x1 furnace filter, the Simply 6-pack leads with MERV 8 filtration and an actual size of 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. If you want a higher MERV figure, the Nordic Pure 6-pack carries MERV 12 with the same nominal size.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallSimply 16x20x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x20x1 Air Filter9.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 8 AC9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNordic Pure 16x20x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air9.2 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAmazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack9.2 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. Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 3. Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. Nordic Pure 16x20x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air | MERV 12 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 5. Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 pleated filtration with a 6-pack and an actual size of 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for a 16x20x1 slot
- Owners of homes with a furnace, AC or heat pump
Skip it if
- You want a MERV figure above 8
- You want a pack with fewer than 6 filters
It uses pleated media with a cardboard and paper frame, and it slides into the filter slot with airflow arrows to follow. The box includes 6 air filters and an installation guide, and the maker gives up to 3 months of filtration per filter.
Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 11 filtration at MPR 1000 with a 2-pack and a 3-month change interval.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration in a 2-pack
- Owners who want reminders to change the filter
Skip it if
- You want a MERV figure below 11
- You want a change interval longer than 90 days
It uses pleated media with 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap particles from air passing through it. It captures dust and lint, and it works with a furnace, an air conditioner or a heating system. The box includes 2 filters, and the Filtrete Smart App can set 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders to change the filter.
Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x1 MERV 8 AC
It pairs MERV 8 filtration at MPR 600 with a 6-pack and an actual size of 15.50 by 19.50 by 0.75 inches.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for a 1-inch slot
- Owners with a residential or commercial HVAC system
Skip it if
- You want a MERV figure above 8
- You want a pack with fewer than 6 filters
It has a beverage board frame with moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats, and it fits a 1-inch filter slot. It gives up to 3 months of filtration per filter and is made in the USA.
Nordic Pure 16x20x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air
It pairs MERV 12 pleated filtration, equivalent to MPR 1500-1900, with a 6-pack and an actual size of 15.50 by 19.50 by 0.75 inches.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 12 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners who measure for an exact actual size
Skip it if
- You want a MERV figure below 12
- You want a pack with fewer than 6 filters
It uses pleated polyester media and is made for an air conditioner or a furnace. The box includes 6 air filters, and it is made in the USA.
Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
It pairs MERV 8 electrostatic filtration with a 6-pack and an actual size of 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for standard return grilles
- Owners who change filters every 60 to 90 days
Skip it if
- You want a MERV figure above 8
- You want a pack with fewer than 6 filters
It has a beverage board frame with wire mesh support, and it fits with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or blower. The 6-pack gives replacements on hand for up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days.
How to choose
Match nominal size to actual size
In this group actual sizes run from 15.50 by 19.50 by 0.75 inches to 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches, with the Filtrete at 15.68 by 19.68 by 0.81 inches. Measure your current filter or its slot, then compare that measurement with the actual size given for the pick you choose.
Read MERV and MPR together
MERV is a scale for how well a filter captures particles, and MPR is a separate scale used for Filtrete filters. In this group the Simply and Amazon Basics carry MERV 8, the Aerostar carries MERV 8 at MPR 600, the Filtrete carries MERV 11 at MPR 1000, and the Nordic Pure carries MERV 12, equivalent to MPR 1500-1900. Compare the MERV figure first, then use the MPR figure only for picks that give one, and never mix the two scales as if they were the same number.
Change filters on a set interval
A filter collects particles over time, so a set change interval keeps airflow and capture steady. The Simply and Aerostar give up to 3 months per filter, the Filtrete asks for a change at least once every 90 days, and the Amazon Basics asks for changes every 60 to 90 days. Set a reminder for the interval given for your pick, and check the airflow arrow direction when you slide in a new filter.
FAQ
What actual size is the Simply filter?
The Simply filter has an actual size of 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches, with a nominal size of 16 by 20 by 1 inches.
Which picks carry MERV 8 filtration?
The Simply, the Aerostar and the Amazon Basics carry MERV 8, while the Filtrete carries MERV 11 and the Nordic Pure carries MERV 12.
When should I change the Filtrete filter?
Change it at least once every 90 days, and use the Filtrete Smart App to set 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders.
Which pick comes in a 2-pack?
The Filtrete comes in a 2-pack, while the Simply, Aerostar, Nordic Pure and Amazon Basics come in 6-packs.
