Furnace Filters
Best MERV 12 Furnace Filter (2026): 4 Models Side by Side
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For a MERV 12 furnace filter, the Nordic Pure carries MERV 12 in a 2-pack and the Honeywell Home carries MERV 12 in a 3-pack, while the Simply leads as Best Overall with MERV 8 and the Filtrete runner-up carries MERV 11. The Nordic Pure fits a 16x25x4 nominal size and the Honeywell Home fits a 20x25x4 size, so measure the actual size before you buy.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallSimply 12x20x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 12x24x1 Air Filter9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNordic Pure 16x25x4 Pleated MERV 12 Air9.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatHoneywell Home 20x25x4 MERV9.2 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. Simply 12x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 12x24x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 3. Nordic Pure 16x25x4 Pleated MERV 12 Air | MERV 12 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 4. Honeywell Home 20x25x4 MERV | MERV 12 | 3-pack | — | 1-year |
Simply 12x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 pleated filtration with a 6-pack, a 12x20x1 nominal size and MPR 600 comparability.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack, the most here
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 6-pack
- Buyers who want a 12x20x1 nominal size
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 8
- You want a pack smaller than 6 filters
The pleated filter carries a MERV 8 rating with a nominal size of 12 by 20 by 1 inches and an actual size of 11.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. The electrostatically charged synthetic pleated media captures 90% of airborne particles, and the frame uses a 24-point beverage board with hot-rolled steel wire mesh. It lasts up to 3 months, and the box holds 6 filters made in the USA.
Filtrete 12x24x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 11 pleated filtration with MPR 1000, a 2-pack and a 3-month filter life.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration with MPR 1000
- Buyers who want a 2-pack of 3-month filters
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 11
- You want a pack smaller than 2 filters
The pleated filter carries a MERV 11 rating with MPR 1000, a nominal size of 12 by 24 by 1 inches and an actual size of 11.68 by 23.68 by 0.81 inches. Filtrete 3-in-1 technology pulls in and traps particles, and the box holds 2 filters for furnace, air conditioner and heating systems. Change the filter at least every 90 days, and the Smart App sets 30, 60 or 90-day reminders.
Nordic Pure 16x25x4 Pleated MERV 12 Air
It pairs MERV 12 pleated filtration with MPR 1500-1900, a 2-pack and a 16x25x4 nominal size.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 12 filtration with MPR 1500-1900
- Buyers who want a 16x25x4 nominal size
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 12
- You want a pack smaller than 2 filters
The pleated filter carries a MERV 12 rating, equivalent to MPR 1500-1900, with a nominal size of 16 by 25 by 4 inches and an actual size of 15 1/2 by 24 1/2 by 3 5/8 inches. Measure your air filter for the exact size and compare it to the actual size for a proper fit. The electrostatically charged synthetic materials are made in the USA, and the box holds 2 filters for residential systems.
Honeywell Home 20x25x4 MERV
It pairs MERV 12 pleated filtration with a 3-pack, a fiberglass build and a 1-year limited warranty.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
- Pack size: 3-pack
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 12 filtration in a 3-pack
- Buyers who want a filter for Aprilaire models
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above 12
- You want a pack smaller than 3 filters
The pleated filter carries a MERV 12 rating with an actual size of 19.9 by 24.9 by 4.38 inches, and it fits Aprilaire and Space-Gard models 2200 and 2253. It captures a high percentage of household airborne particles, including microscopic particles, and the fiberglass build suits residential systems. The box holds 3 filters with a 1-year limited warranty.
How to choose
MERV ratings and pack sizes
MERV ratings split this list into two MERV 12 picks and two lower picks: the Nordic Pure and Honeywell Home carry MERV 12, the Filtrete carries MERV 11 and the Simply carries MERV 8. Pack sizes run from 2 filters for the Filtrete and Nordic Pure to 6 filters for the Simply, with 3 filters for the Honeywell Home. Weigh the rating against your filter-change schedule, and match the rating to the search before the pack size.
Nominal size versus actual size
Nominal sizes differ across this list: the Simply lists 12x20x1, the Filtrete lists 12x24x1, the Nordic Pure lists 16x25x4 and the Honeywell Home lists 20x25x4. Actual sizes differ too: the Simply measures 11.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches, the Filtrete measures 11.68 by 23.68 by 0.81 inches, the Nordic Pure measures 15 1/2 by 24 1/2 by 3 5/8 inches, and the Honeywell Home measures 19.9 by 24.9 by 4.38 inches. Measure your air filter and compare it to the actual size before you buy.
Frames, media and replacement
Frame and media shape everyday use: the Simply uses electrostatically charged synthetic pleated media with a 24-point beverage board and hot-rolled steel wire mesh, the Nordic Pure uses electrostatically charged synthetic materials, and the Honeywell Home uses a fiberglass build. Replacement timing differs too: the Simply lasts up to 3 months, the Filtrete changes at least every 90 days, and the Honeywell Home carries a 1-year limited warranty. Keep a spare pack on hand so a change is never delayed.
FAQ
Which filters carry MERV 12?
The Nordic Pure and the Honeywell Home carry MERV 12, while the Filtrete carries MERV 11 and the Simply carries MERV 8.
What actual size is each filter?
The Simply measures 11.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches, the Filtrete measures 11.68 by 23.68 by 0.81 inches, the Nordic Pure measures 15 1/2 by 24 1/2 by 3 5/8 inches, and the Honeywell Home measures 19.9 by 24.9 by 4.38 inches.
How many filters come in each pack?
The Simply comes as a 6-pack, the Honeywell Home as a 3-pack, and the Filtrete and Nordic Pure each as a 2-pack.
What warranty and reminders do these filters offer?
The Honeywell Home carries a 1-year limited warranty, and the Filtrete Smart App sets 30, 60 or 90-day reminders for filter changes.
