Furnace Filters
Best 20x20x2 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Models Side by Side
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For a furnace filter, the Aerostar leads this list: it pairs MERV 13 with a 6-pack in a pleated design. All five measure 16 by 25 by 1 inches nominal, so measure your filter slot before ordering. The Nordic Pure adds MERV 12 with an MPR 1500 to 1900 equivalence.
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 13 AC9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x25x1 in. Air Filter9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatFilter King 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatSimply 16x25x1 Air Filter9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNordic Pure 16x25x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air9.2 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 13 AC | MERV 13 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x25x1 in. Air Filter | MERV 13 | — | — | — |
| 3. Filter King 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 12-pack | — | — |
| 5. Nordic Pure 16x25x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air | MERV 12 | — | — | — |
Aerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 13 AC
Its MERV 13 pleated design pairs with a 6-pack and up to 3 months of filtration.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 13
- Buyers who want a 6-pack
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating over 13
- You want a pack over 6 filters
It offers MERV 13 in a pleated design with a 6-pack in a 16 by 25 by 1 inch nominal size. The synthetic pleated fibers carry an electrostatic charge, and the frame uses a heavy-duty beverage board with moisture-resistant backing. It lasts up to 3 months before replacement.
Filtrete 16x25x1 in. Air Filter
Its MERV 13 rating pairs with MPR 1900 and a 3-month replacement cycle.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 13
- Buyers who want MPR 1900
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating over 13
- You want an MPR over 1900
It offers MERV 13 with MPR 1900 in a pleated design in a 16 by 25 by 1 inch nominal size. The 3-in-1 technology pulls in and traps particles, and the filter changes at least once every 90 days. It fits furnaces and air conditioners.
Filter King 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV
Its MERV 8 pleated design pairs with a 6-pack and up to 90 days of use.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8
- Buyers who want a 6-pack
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating over 8
- You want a pack over 6 filters
It offers MERV 8 in a pleated design with a 6-pack in a 16 by 25 by 1 inch nominal size. The pleated design traps particles without impacting airflow, and it installs by opening, sliding and closing. It lasts up to 90 days before replacement.
Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 8 rating pairs with MPR 600 and a 12-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 12-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8
- Buyers who want a 12-pack
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating over 8
- You want a pack over 12 filters
It offers MERV 8 with MPR 600 in a pleated design with a 12-pack in a 16 by 25 by 1 inch nominal size. The pleated media fits furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps, and it lasts up to 3 months. It installs by following the airflow arrows into the slot.
Nordic Pure 16x25x1 Pleated MERV 12 Air
Its MERV 12 rating pairs with an MPR 1500 to 1900 equivalence in a pleated design.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 12
- Buyers who want MPR 1500 to 1900 equivalence
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating over 12
- You want an MPR over 1900
It offers MERV 12 in a pleated design in a 16 by 25 by 1 inch nominal size, equivalent to MPR 1500 to 1900. The electrostatically charged synthetic pleated media fits air conditioners and furnaces. It measures 15.5 by 24.5 by 0.75 inches actual size.
How to choose
MERV ratings compared
MERV rates how fine a filter catches particles, with higher numbers for finer capture. The Aerostar and Filtrete offer MERV 13, the Nordic Pure offers MERV 12, and the Filter King and Simply offer MERV 8. The Filtrete adds MPR 1900, the Simply adds MPR 600, and the Nordic Pure matches MPR 1500 to 1900. Compare the MERV rating and the MPR figure before you buy.
Sizes and actual fit
Nominal size is the slot size, while actual size is slightly smaller for fit. All five measure 16 by 25 by 1 inches nominal, so none matches a 20 by 20 by 2 inch slot. Measure your slot and compare the nominal size before ordering, and check the actual size for a snug fit.
Pack counts and replacement
Pack count decides how many filters you get per order, and replacement timing decides when each one gets changed. The Aerostar and Filter King come in 6-packs, the Simply comes in a 12-pack, and the Nordic Pure comes in a 6-pack. The Aerostar lasts up to 3 months, the Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days and the Simply lasts up to 3 months. Compare pack count and replacement timing before you buy.
FAQ
What MERV ratings do these filters have?
The Aerostar and Filtrete have MERV 13, the Nordic Pure has MERV 12, and the Filter King and Simply have MERV 8.
What size are these filters?
All five measure 16 by 25 by 1 inches nominal, so none matches a 20 by 20 by 2 inch slot.
When do these filters need changing?
The Aerostar lasts up to 3 months, the Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Filter King lasts up to 90 days and the Simply lasts up to 3 months.
How many filters come in each pack?
The Aerostar and Filter King come in 6-packs, the Simply comes in a 12-pack and the Nordic Pure comes in a 6-pack.
