Furnace Filters
Best 16x20x2 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Picks Compared
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs below come from each product's Amazon listing; we do not test products in person.
For the best 16x20x2 furnace filter, the AIRx MERV 11 leads this list: it captures 85% of particles in a 6-pack with a pleated design that keeps airflow open, and its frame withstands temperatures up to 180°F. If you want the most filters per box, the Glasfloss 12-pack pairs MERV 10 filtration with MERV 8 airflow.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
-
Best OverallAIRx Filters 16x20x2 Furnace AC Filter MERV9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFilter King 16x20x2 Air Filter MERV9.5 View on Amazon -
Most in the PackGlasfloss ZL 16x20x2 MERV 10 AC9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNordic Pure 16x20x29.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 16x20x2 MERV 8 AC9.2 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. AIRx Filters 16x20x2 Furnace AC Filter MERV | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filter King 16x20x2 Air Filter MERV | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Glasfloss ZL 16x20x2 MERV 10 AC | MERV 10 | 12-pack | — | — |
| 4. Nordic Pure 16x20x2 | MERV 12 | 3-pack | — | — |
| 5. Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x2 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
AIRx Filters 16x20x2 Furnace AC Filter MERV
It holds the top spot with MERV 11 filtration, a 6-pack and a frame that withstands temperatures up to 180°F.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners of furnaces with 16x20x2 filter slots
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 11
- You want a pack larger than 6 filters
The moisture-resistant double-wall beverage board frame withstands temperatures up to 180°F. Replace it every 60-90 days for best results. Its actual size is 15.50 x 19.50 x 1.75 inches, and it is compatible with MPR 1000, 1085 and 1200 and FPR 7 models.
Filter King 16x20x2 Air Filter MERV
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with a 6-pack and a pleated design that lasts up to 90 days.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners who want a slide-in pleated filter
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 8
- You want a filter that lasts past 90 days
It filters at MERV 8 in a 6-pack, with a pleated polypropylene design that traps airborne particles without impacting air flow. Its actual size is 15.5 x 19.5 x 1.75 inches, and it slides into place for a simple replacement. It lasts up to 90 days before needing replacement.
Glasfloss ZL 16x20x2 MERV 10 AC
It offers 12 filters at MERV 10 with MERV 8 airflow, a durable heavy-duty frame, and a galvanized metal backing.
- MERV rating: MERV 10
- Pack size: 12-pack, the most here
Good for
- Buyers who want 12 filters in one box
- Owners of homes, businesses and apartments
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 10
- You want a pack smaller than 12 filters
It filters at MERV 10 with MERV 8 airflow. The galvanized metal backing and heavy-duty frame suit homes, businesses, apartments, hotels and industrial settings. Its exact size is 15-1/2 x 19-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches, and it is rated MPR 800 and FPR 7. It comes in a 12-pack and is made in the USA.
Nordic Pure 16x20x2
It brings MERV 12 filtration in a 3-pack, equivalent to MPR 1500-1900.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
- Pack size: 3-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 12 filtration
- Owners who want a 3-pack for one system
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 12
- You want a pack larger than 3 filters
It filters at MERV 12, equivalent to MPR 1500-1900, in a 3-pack of pleated synthetic filters. Its actual size is 15 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches, so measure your slot against that size before buying. It is made in the USA.
Aerostar Air Filter 16x20x2 MERV 8 AC
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with a 6-pack and electrostatically charged pleated media.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners of residential and commercial HVAC systems
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 8
- You want filtration past 3 months per filter
Electrostatically charged pleated media traps more particles while keeping air flow smooth. Its heavy-duty beverage board frame has moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats for up to 3 months of filtration. Its actual size is 15.50 x 19.50 x 1.75 inches, comparable to Filtrete MPR 600 and Honeywell FPR 5.
How to choose
Match MERV to your needs
MERV runs from 8 to 12 on this list: the Filter King and Aerostar filter at MERV 8, the Glasfloss at MERV 10, the AIRx at MERV 11 and the Nordic Pure at MERV 12. The trade-off is airflow: the Glasfloss pairs MERV 10 efficiency with MERV 8 airflow, showing that capture and flow can be balanced. Pick the lowest MERV that covers what you want caught.
Check actual size, not nominal size
Every pick here carries the nominal size 16x20x2, but the actual size is what must fit your slot: 15.50 x 19.50 x 1.75 inches for the AIRx and Aerostar, 15.5 x 19.5 x 1.75 inches for the Filter King, and 15-1/2 x 19-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches for the Glasfloss and 15 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches for the Nordic Pure. Measure your old filter or your slot before ordering. A filter that is too large will not slide in, and one that is too small leaves gaps around the edges.
Plan replacement around pack size
Replacement timing also varies: the AIRx runs 60-90 days, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days, and the Aerostar provides up to 3 months of filtration. Buy the pack that covers your next few changes so you are not caught without a clean filter. Mark the install date on the frame as a reminder.
FAQ
What is the actual size of a 16x20x2 filter?
The actual size is 15.50 x 19.50 x 1.75 inches for the AIRx and Aerostar, 15.5 x 19.5 x 1.75 inches for the Filter King, and 15-1/2 x 19-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches for the Glasfloss and 15 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches for the Nordic Pure.
When should I replace a furnace filter?
The AIRx runs 60-90 days, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days, and the Aerostar provides up to 3 months of filtration. Check your filter monthly and replace it when it looks loaded with dust.
What does MERV mean on a furnace filter?
MERV rates how well a filter captures airborne particles: a higher number means smaller particles caught. Here the Filter King and Aerostar rate MERV 8, the Glasfloss MERV 10, the AIRx MERV 11 and the Nordic Pure MERV 12.
Which filter comes with the most filters?
The Glasfloss, with 12 filters in the box. The AIRx, Filter King and Aerostar come as 6-packs, and the Nordic Pure as a 3-pack.
