Furnace Filters
Best AC Filters for Home (2026): Our 5 Picks Ranked
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 home AC filters, the Filtrete 20x25x1 leads this list: it is a 6-pack of MERV 5 pleated filters rated MPR 300, sized for systems that take 20x25x1 filters and changed every 90 days. The Amazon Basics 20x20x1 is the MERV 11 alternative in a 6-pack for standard 20x20x1 systems.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallFiltrete 20x25x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
9.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatSimply 20x20x1 Air Filter9.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 20x20x1 MERV 8 AC9.4 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. Filtrete 20x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 5 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Simply 20x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | — | — | — |
| 4. Aerostar Air Filter 20x20x1 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | — | — | — |
| 5. CoreCarbon 20x30x1 Cut To Fit Air Filter Media | — | — | — | — |
Filtrete 20x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 5 rating with MPR 300 in a 6-pack of pleated 20x25x1 filters for standard HVAC systems.
- MERV rating: MERV 5
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Owners of systems that take 20x25x1 filters
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for 3-month changes
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 5
- You want a nominal size other than 20x25x1
Each filter measures 19.69 by 24.69 by 0.81 inches actual size, and the pleated polypropylene media slides into furnace and air conditioner units. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders to change the filter. The box includes 6 filters.
Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
It pairs a MERV 11 rating with electrostatically charged media that captures particles as small as 3 microns.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Owners of systems that take 20x20x1 filters
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for up to 12 months
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 11
- You want changes less often than every 60 to 90 days
Each filter measures 19.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches actual size, with a beverage board frame and wire mesh support. Insert it with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or blower.
Simply 20x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 8 rating with MPR 600 in a 6-pack that traps 90% of airborne particles.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Owners of systems that take 20x20x1 filters
- Buyers who want particle capture down to 3.0 microns
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 8
- You want filtration beyond 3 months per filter
Each filter measures 19.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches actual size, and the pleated construction uses cardboard and paper. The box includes 6 air filters and an installation guide. It fits air conditioner, furnace and heat pump systems.
Aerostar Air Filter 20x20x1 MERV 8 AC
It pairs a MERV 8 rating with MPR 600 and electrostatically charged pleated media in a 6-pack for standard HVAC systems.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Owners of systems that take 20x20x1 filters
- Buyers who want replacement every 2 to 3 months
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 8
- You want a filter that lasts beyond 3 months
Each filter measures 19.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches actual size, with a beverage board frame, moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats. The media is polyester, and the 6-pack fits most standard residential and commercial HVAC systems with a 1-inch filter.
CoreCarbon 20x30x1 Cut To Fit Air Filter Media
It is a washable, reusable polyester pad you cut to size from a 20 by 30 inch sheet.
Good for
- Buyers who want washable media they can rinse and reuse
- Buyers who want to cut media to fit their system
Skip it if
- You want media larger than 20 by 30 inches
- You want a fixed-size slide-in filter with no cutting
The pad measures 20 by 30 inches, and the polyester fiber is UL 900 classified for HVAC systems. Rinse it with low pressure water, allow it to dry and reinstall it. Depending on the application, it may require retainer wire or frame.
How to choose
Match the nominal size
Nominal size is the size your system takes, and actual size runs slightly smaller: the Filtrete is nominal 20x25x1 with an actual size of 19.69 by 24.69 by 0.81 inches, while the Amazon Basics, Simply and Aerostar are nominal 20x20x1 with an actual size of 19.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. Measure your current filter frame before you buy, since a wrong size will not seal in the slot.
MERV and MPR ratings
MERV rates how fine a particle a filter captures, and MPR is the rating scale Filtrete and comparable filters use: the Filtrete is MERV 5 with MPR 300, the Simply and Aerostar are MERV 8 with MPR 600, and the Amazon Basics is MERV 11.
Change intervals and packs
Change intervals decide how many filters you buy: the Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Amazon Basics every 60 to 90 days, the Simply up to 3 months and the Aerostar every 2 to 3 months. A 6-pack covers several changes, and the Amazon Basics 6-pack covers up to 12 months. The CoreCarbon pad is the exception here, since you wash and reuse it instead of replacing it on a schedule.
FAQ
What size AC filter do I need for my home?
Match the nominal size your system takes: the Filtrete is 20x25x1, the Amazon Basics, Simply and Aerostar are 20x20x1, and the CoreCarbon is a 20 by 30 inch pad you cut to fit.
When should I change my AC filter?
The Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Amazon Basics every 60 to 90 days, the Simply up to 3 months and the Aerostar every 2 to 3 months. The CoreCarbon pad is washed and reused instead.
What does a higher MERV rating mean?
A higher MERV number means the filter captures finer particles: the Filtrete is MERV 5, the Simply and Aerostar are MERV 8, and the Amazon Basics is MERV 11.
Can I wash and reuse an AC filter?
The CoreCarbon pad is washable and reusable: rinse it with low pressure water, allow it to dry and reinstall it. The other four picks are pleated filters that you change on a schedule.
