Furnace Filters
Best Furnace Air Filter for Home with Pets (2026): 5 Picks Compared
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For a home with pets, the Filtrete 16x20x1 leads: it carries a MERV 11 rating with a 1000 MPR, and it comes in a 6-pack for 3-month changes. The Simply 16x20x1 follows with a MERV 13 rating in a 6-pack, while the Colorfil 16x24x1 adds a color-shift signal for odor capture.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallFiltrete 16x20x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpSimply 16x20x1 Air Filter9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAmazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack9.4 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon -
Also GreatColorfil 16x24x1 Air Filter9.2 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 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 13 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 3. Amazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. PuroAir MegaFilter 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 13 HVAC | MERV 13 | 2-pack | — | 30-day |
| 5. Colorfil 16x24x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 2-pack | — | — |
Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 11 rating with a 1000 MPR covers dust and lint in a 6-pack for 3-month changes.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 16x20x1 filter with a MERV 11 rating
- Buyers who want a 6-pack for 3-month changes
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x20x1
- You want a MERV rating above MERV 11
It uses Filtrete 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap particles, with a pleated polypropylene build. The actual size is 15.68 by 19.68 by 0.81 inches, and the pack holds 6 filters. Change the filter at least once every 90 days, and the Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders.
Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 13 rating covers dust in a 6-pack with up to 3 months of filtration.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 13 filter in a 6-pack
- Buyers who want filters for furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps
Skip it if
- You need a 20x25x1 nominal size
- You need filtration past 3 months per filter
It uses pleated technology with a high pleat count, and it works with furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps. The pack holds 6 filters with an installation guide, and each filter gives up to 3 months of filtration. Follow the airflow arrows and insert the filter into the slot for central units or return grilles.
Amazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
Its MERV 11 rating with electrostatic material covers lint and dust in a 6-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 20x25x1 filter with a MERV 11 rating
- Buyers who want replacements for up to 12 months
Skip it if
- You need a filter smaller than 20x25x1
- You need changes less often than every 90 days
It uses synthetic material that is electrostatically charged to attract and capture particles as small as 3 microns. The nominal size is 20x25x1 with an actual size of 19.75 by 24.75 by 0.75 inches, and the frame is beverage board with wire mesh support. The 6-pack gives replacements for up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days.
PuroAir MegaFilter 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 13 HVAC
Its MERV 13 rating with a 3 layer design covers smoke and odors in a 2-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 13
- Pack size: 2-pack
- 30-day warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a 16x25x1 filter with activated carbon
- Buyers who want carbon filtration for smoke and odors
Skip it if
- You need a filter in a 6-pack size
- You need a MERV rating below MERV 13
It uses a 3 layer design with a prefilter, a MERV 13 filter and CarbonTech Active Carbon technology. The nominal size is 16x25x1 with an actual size of 15.75 by 24.75 by 0.75 inches, and it slides in place for furnaces and air conditioners. It carries a 30-day guarantee.
Colorfil 16x24x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 8 rating with color-shift technology covers cat and dog odor in a 2-pack.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 16x24x1 filter with a color signal
- Buyers who want odor filtration with no added scents
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above MERV 8
- You need a filter larger than 16x24x1
It uses color-shift technology that changes from pink to yellow with use as it absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors. The nominal size is 16x24x1 with an exact size of 15.5 by 23.5 by 0.75 inches, and it is made in the USA. It adds no scents and targets cat and dog odor from pets.
How to choose
Match MERV rating to the need
MERV ratings here run from MERV 8 to MERV 13, and a higher number means finer particle capture. The Filtrete and Amazon Basics carry MERV 11, the Simply and PuroAir carry MERV 13, and the Colorfil carries MERV 8. Compare the rating with the particles you want captured, such as dust and lint, and check the size before you buy.
Check size before ordering
Nominal sizes here are 16x20x1, 20x25x1, 16x25x1 and 16x24x1, and each actual size runs slightly smaller. The Filtrete actual size is 15.68 by 19.68 by 0.81 inches, the Amazon Basics actual size is 19.75 by 24.75 by 0.75 inches, and the PuroAir actual size is 15.75 by 24.75 by 0.75 inches. Measure your current filter's frame or slot and match the nominal size on the box.
Plan changes and pack size
Change intervals here are 90 days for the Filtrete, 60 to 90 days for the Amazon Basics, and up to 3 months per filter for the Simply. A 6-pack covers several changes, while a 2-pack covers fewer, so count the changes you need before you buy. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders, and the Colorfil color shift shows when odor capture has built up.
FAQ
What MERV rating do these furnace filters carry?
The Filtrete and Amazon Basics carry MERV 11, the Simply and PuroAir carry MERV 13, and the Colorfil carries MERV 8.
Which pick signals a change with color?
The Colorfil 16x24x1 changes from pink to yellow with use as it absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors.
When should I change the Filtrete filter?
Change it at least once every 90 days, and the Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders.
What pack sizes do these filters come in?
The Filtrete, Simply and Amazon Basics come in 6-packs, while the PuroAir and Colorfil come in 2-packs.
