Furnace Filters
Best 16x25x3 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Models Side by Side
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For a 16x25x3 furnace filter, the Trion Air Bear 6-pack fits the slot with MERV 11 pleated media. The Aerostar gives MERV 8 pleated media in a 4-pack, the BestAir 3-pack gives another MERV 11 option, and the Filtrete adds MERV 13 with MPR 1900 and a 12-month design.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallAerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 8 AC9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpTrion Air Bear 259112-1019.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatFiltrete 16x25x4 Slim Fit Air Filter9.4 View on Amazon -
9.3 View on Amazon -
9.2 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. Aerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | 4-pack | — | — |
| 2. Trion Air Bear 259112-101 | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Filtrete 16x25x4 Slim Fit Air Filter | MERV 13 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 4. Trion Air Bear 255649-101 Pleated Furnace Air | MERV 8 | — | — | — |
| 5. BestAir 16x25x3 Air Filter MERV 11 Advanced | MERV 11 | — | — | — |
Aerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 8 AC
Its MERV 8 pleated media captures dust, lint and pet hair, and it comes as a 4-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 4-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 4-pack
- Buyers who want a filter that captures pet hair
Skip it if
- You want MERV 11 filtration
- You want a 3-inch-deep filter
The heavy-duty beverage board frame has moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats, and each filter lasts up to 3 months. It fits standard residential and commercial HVAC systems with a standard 1-inch filter, including Carrier, Bryant, Payne and Honeywell.
Trion Air Bear 259112-101
Its MERV 11 pleated media fits the 16x25x3 slot, and the 6-pack covers several changes.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration
- Buyers who want a 6-pack of filters
Skip it if
- You want MERV 13 filtration
- You want a 2-pack of filters
It uses pleated synthetic media in a rectangular frame for residential furnace use. Its size is 16 in x 25 in x 3 in, and the 6-pack gives six filters for future changes.
Filtrete 16x25x4 Slim Fit Air Filter
Its MERV 13 media with MPR 1900 comes as a 2-pack of 12-month filters.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 13 filtration
- Buyers who want a 12-month filter
Skip it if
- You want MERV 8 filtration
- You want a 6-pack of filters
Its exact size is 15.5 in x 24.5 in x 3.75 in, and it is designed to fit Carrier brand media air cleaners. The exclusive 3-in-1 technology pulls in and traps unwanted particles, and the Filtrete Smart App sets 90-, 180- or 365-day reminders to change the filter.
Trion Air Bear 255649-101 Pleated Furnace Air
Its MERV 8 pleated media uses finger-supported vertical pleats and a double gasket that eliminates filter bypass.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration
- Buyers who want a double-gasket frame
Skip it if
- You want MERV 11 filtration
- You want a 4-inch-deep filter
The mechanical MERV 8 filter keeps its efficiency, and the finger-supported vertical pleats stay evenly spaced while maximizing dirt holding capacity. The galvanized rust-resistant wire mesh supports the media and retains pleat shape even when dirty, and the moisture-resistant frame keeps its strength and shape in high humidity.
BestAir 16x25x3 Air Filter MERV 11 Advanced
Its MERV 11 media traps up to 85% of airborne particles from 0.3 to 10.0 microns, and it comes as a 3-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration
- Buyers who want a 3-pack of filters
Skip it if
- You want MERV 13 filtration
- You want a 2-pack of filters
Its actual size is 15.63x24.13x3.0, and it fits Trion Air Bear, Supreme, Skuttle, GeneralAire, Source1 and Ultravation models. It uses a slide-in mounting type for air conditioner and furnace use.
How to choose
Match the size to your slot
Nominal sizes differ from exact sizes, so check the exact figures before ordering. The BestAir measures 15.63x24.13x3.0, the Filtrete measures 15.5 in x 24.5 in x 3.75 in, and the Trion Air Bear measures 25 in x 16 in x 3 in. Match the exact size to your filter slot so the filter seats without gaps.
Compare MERV figures and pack sizes
MERV figures in this guide run from 8 to 13. The MERV 8 Aerostar captures dust, lint and pet hair, the MERV 11 BestAir traps up to 85% of airborne particles from 0.3 to 10.0 microns, and the MERV 13 Filtrete uses 3-in-1 technology for microparticles. Pack sizes run from 2 to 6 filters: the Trion Air Bear 6-pack, the Aerostar 4-pack, the BestAir 3-pack and the Filtrete 2-pack.
Plan changes and reminders
The Aerostar lists replacement every 2 to 3 months, so a pack on hand avoids a gap between changes. The Filtrete is a 12-month filter, and its Smart App sets 90-, 180- or 365-day reminders to change the filter. Check the pack size against how many changes you want covered before the next order.
FAQ
What exact size fits a 16x25x3 slot?
Exact sizes vary by model: the BestAir measures 15.63x24.13x3.0 and the Trion Air Bear measures 25 in x 16 in x 3 in. Check the exact size against your slot before ordering.
When should I change the filter?
The Aerostar lists replacement every 2 to 3 months, and the Filtrete is a 12-month filter with Smart App reminders at 90, 180 or 365 days.
What do MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 mean here?
They are the filtration figures in this guide: MERV 8 on the Aerostar and the Trion 255649, MERV 11 on the Trion Air Bear and the BestAir, and MERV 13 with MPR 1900 on the Filtrete.
Does the Filtrete fit Carrier media air cleaners?
Yes, the Filtrete is designed to fit Carrier brand media air cleaners, and its exact size is 15.5 in x 24.5 in x 3.75 in.
