Furnace Filters
Best Furnace Air Filters (2026): Top 5 by the Specs
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For furnace air filters, the Simply leads this list: it pairs a MERV 8 rating with a 6-pack and up to 3 months of filtration at a 16x25x1 nominal size. The Filtrete is the runner-up with a MERV 11 rating and a 1000 MPR, while the Honeywell fits a 4-inch slot at MERV 11 and the CoreCarbon cuts to fit.
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallSimply 16x25x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x25x1 Air Filter9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAmazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack9.4 View on Amazon -
9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatHoneywell FC100A10299.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on 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 | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | — | — |
| 3. Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | MERV 8 | — | — |
| 4. CoreCarbon 20x30x1 Cut To Fit Air Filter Media | — | — | — |
| 5. Honeywell FC100A1029 | MERV 11 | — | — |
Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 8 rating with a 6-pack, pleated construction and up to 3 months of filtration.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Buyers who need a 16x25x1 filter
- Buyers who want a 6-pack on hand
Skip it if
- You need a MERV 11 rating
- You need a 16x20x1 filter
It measures 16x25x1 nominal with an actual size of 15.75x24.75x0.75 inches, and it slides into the filter slot with the airflow arrows followed. The pleated filter uses electrostatic synthetic charged fibre with a beverage board frame and steel wire mesh support, and it traps 90% of airborne particles. The box includes 6 air filters and an installation guide.
Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 11 rating and a 1000 MPR with a 4-pack and 3-month pleated filters.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
Good for
- Buyers who need a 16x25x1 filter
- Buyers who want change reminders from an app
Skip it if
- You need a 6-pack in one box
- You need a filter thicker than 1 inch
It measures 16x25x1 nominal with an actual size of 15.68x24.68x0.81 inches, and it uses pleated construction with Filtrete 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap particles. It captures dust and lint from the air passing through it, and it is changed at least once every 90 days. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders, and the box includes 4 filters.
Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
It pairs a MERV 8 rating with a 6-pack, electrostatic material and a 16x20x1 nominal size.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Buyers who need a 16x20x1 filter
- Buyers who want a 6-pack on hand
Skip it if
- You need a 16x25x1 filter
- You need a MERV 11 rating
It measures 16x20x1 nominal with an actual size of 15.75x19.75x0.75 inches, and it fits standard furnaces, ACs and HVAC return grilles. The synthetic material is electrostatically charged to attract and capture particles as small as 3 microns, with a beverage board frame and wire mesh support. The 6-pack covers up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days, and the airflow arrow points toward the furnace or blower.
CoreCarbon 20x30x1 Cut To Fit Air Filter Media
It pairs a washable reusable polyester pad with a cut-to-fit 20x30x1 size and high airflow.
Good for
- Buyers who cut a filter to size
- Buyers who want a washable filter
Skip it if
- You need a ready-made framed filter
- You need a filter that works without a frame
The polyester media is washable: rinse with low pressure water, allow it to dry and reinstall it. It is UL 900 classified material made in the USA, and it may require a retainer wire or frame rather than standing alone at the equipment.
Honeywell FC100A1029
It pairs a MERV 11 rating with a 2-pack, a 16x25x4 nominal size and a reminder magnet.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
Good for
- Buyers who need a 16x25x4 filter
- Buyers who want a change reminder magnet
Skip it if
- You need a 1-inch thick filter
- You need a MERV 8 rating
It measures 16x25x4 nominal with an actual size of 24.88x15.94x4.38 inches, and it slides into the filter slot. The pleated filter is bundled with a reminder magnet, one per filter, so the last change date stays visible without opening the cabinet. Each filter ships in an individual clear plastic bag that can be reused to dispose of the old filter.
How to choose
Match the nominal size
Nominal size is the size printed on the filter frame, and the actual size runs slightly smaller. The Simply, Filtrete and Honeywell are 16x25 nominal, while the Amazon Basics is 16x20 nominal and the CoreCarbon is a 20x30 pad that cuts to size. Depth matters too: the Honeywell is 4 inches nominal, while the others are 1 inch nominal. Measure the existing filter frame or slot before choosing, and match the nominal size and depth to it.
Compare MERV ratings
MERV is a rating printed on most of these filters, and the two ratings here are MERV 8 and MERV 11. The Simply and the Amazon Basics are MERV 8, while the Filtrete and the Honeywell are MERV 11. The Filtrete also lists a 1000 MPR. The CoreCarbon is a washable cut-to-fit pad, so compare it on its washable pad and airflow. Match the rating and the size to the slot the filter will serve.
Change and upkeep
The Simply filters last up to 3 months, the Filtrete is changed at least once every 90 days, and the Amazon Basics 6-pack covers up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days. The Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders, and the Honeywell bundle includes a reminder magnet. The CoreCarbon pad is washed instead: rinse with low pressure water, allow it to dry and reinstall it.
FAQ
What size furnace filter do I need?
Match the nominal size and depth of the existing filter frame or slot. The Simply, Filtrete and Honeywell are 16x25 nominal, the Amazon Basics is 16x20 nominal, and the CoreCarbon is a 20x30 pad that cuts to size. The Honeywell is 4 inches nominal, while the others are 1 inch nominal.
What change intervals do these filters state?
The Simply filters last up to 3 months, the Filtrete is changed at least once every 90 days, and the Amazon Basics 6-pack covers up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days. The CoreCarbon pad is washed, rinsed, dried and reinstalled instead of replaced.
Which filters have a MERV 11 rating?
The Filtrete and the Honeywell are MERV 11, while the Simply and the Amazon Basics are MERV 8. The Filtrete also lists a 1000 MPR.
What comes in the Honeywell bundle?
The Honeywell bundle includes a 2-pack of pleated filters with a reminder magnet, one per filter, so the last change date stays visible without opening the cabinet. Each filter ships in an individual clear plastic bag.
