Furnace Filters
Best Pleated Furnace Filters (2026): Our 5 Picks Ranked
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For a pleated furnace filter, the Aerostar 16x25x1 leads as Best Overall: it pairs MERV 8 media with a 6-pack, electrostatically charged pleated media, and up to 3 months of filtration. The Filtrete follows at MERV 11 with MPR 1000 in a 2-pack, and the Amazon Basics matches MERV 11 in a 6-pack.
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 8 AC9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x25x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAmazon Basics 16x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack9.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatColorfil 16x25x1 Air Filter9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatSimply 16x25x1 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. Aerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 8 AC | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 3. Amazon Basics 16x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. Colorfil 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 5. Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | — | — | — |
Aerostar Air Filter 16x25x1 MERV 8 AC
It pairs MERV 8 media with a 6-pack, electrostatically charged pleated media, and a heavy-duty beverage board frame.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners of homes with a 16x25x1 filter slot
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x25x1
- You need filtration past 3 months without a change
The heavy-duty beverage board frame has moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats, and replacement is every 2 to 3 months. It fits air conditioner and furnace systems by slide-in mounting, and it is comparable to MPR 600 and FPR 5 filters.
Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 11 media with MPR 1000, a 2-pack of 3-month pleated filters, and a Smart App reminder.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration with MPR 1000
- Owners of homes with a 16x25x1 filter slot
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x25x1
- You want a pack larger than 2 filters
The 3-in-1 technology pulls in and traps particles while letting air flow through, and the filter captures microparticles sized 0.3 to 1.0. Change it at least once every 90 days, and the Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders. The box holds 2 filters for furnace and air conditioner use, with an actual size of 15.68 x 24.68 x 0.81.
Amazon Basics 16x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
It pairs MERV 11 media with a 6-pack, electrostatically charged synthetic material, and a beverage board frame.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration in a 6-pack
- Owners of homes with a 16x25x1 filter slot
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x25x1
- You want more than 90 days between changes
The electrostatically charged synthetic material attracts and captures particles as small as 3 microns. The beverage board frame has wire mesh support, and the airflow arrow points toward the furnace or blower. The 6-pack covers up to 12 months with changes every 60 to 90 days, and it fits standard furnaces, ACs, and HVAC return grilles.
Colorfil 16x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 media with a 2-pack, color-shift technology, and an odor eliminator with no added scents.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a filter that changes color with use
- Buyers who want an odor eliminator with no added scents
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x25x1
- You want a pack larger than 2 filters
The bright pink color-shift technology slowly changes to yellow with use as it absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors from your air. It fits air conditioner, furnace, and HVAC systems by slide-in mounting, with an exact size of 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75. The polyester pleated pad suits homes with pets, and it carries MERV 8 media in a 2-pack.
Simply 16x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 media with a 4-pack, a 24-point beverage board, and hot-rolled steel wire mesh.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration in a 4-pack
- Owners of homes with a 16x25x1 filter slot
Skip it if
- You need a filter larger than 16x25x1
- You need filtration past 3 months without a change
The 24-point beverage board with hot-rolled steel wire mesh holds the pleated media, and the particle size is 3.0 to 10.0 Microns. The box holds 4 filters with an installation guide, and it gives up to 3 months of filtration.
How to choose
Match the nominal size first
Every pick here is a 16x25x1 nominal filter, but actual sizes differ, so check the actual size against your slot. The Aerostar, Amazon Basics, and Simply share a 15.75 x 24.75 x 0.75 actual size, the Filtrete measures 15.68 x 24.68 x 0.81, and the Colorfil measures 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75. A slide-in rectangular filter must fit the slot, and the nominal size alone will not tell you the fit.
MERV and MPR scales
MERV and MPR are two separate scales, so compare MERV figures with MERV figures and MPR figures with MPR figures. The Aerostar, Colorfil, and Simply are MERV 8, while the Filtrete and Amazon Basics are MERV 11. The Filtrete carries MPR 1000, the Simply carries MPR 600, and the Aerostar is comparable to MPR 600.
Changes and upkeep
A pleated filter needs regular changes to keep air moving through it. The Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Aerostar replaces every 2 to 3 months, the Simply gives up to 3 months, and the Amazon Basics changes every 60 to 90 days. The Colorfil is different: watch the pink color shift to yellow with use, and follow the airflow arrow when you insert a filter into the slot.
FAQ
What size pleated furnace filter do I need?
Check the nominal size for your slot first. All five picks here are 16x25x1 nominal: the Aerostar, Amazon Basics, and Simply measure 15.75 x 24.75 x 0.75 actual, the Filtrete measures 15.68 x 24.68 x 0.81, and the Colorfil measures 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75.
What is the difference between MERV and MPR?
MERV and MPR are separate scales: compare MERV with MERV and MPR with MPR. Here the Aerostar, Colorfil, and Simply are MERV 8, the Filtrete and Amazon Basics are MERV 11, and the Filtrete carries MPR 1000 while the Simply carries MPR 600.
When should I change a pleated furnace filter?
The Filtrete changes at least once every 90 days, the Aerostar replaces every 2 to 3 months, the Simply gives up to 3 months, and the Amazon Basics changes every 60 to 90 days.
Which filter handles pet hair and odors?
The Aerostar traps dust, lint, and pet hair, and the Colorfil absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors as its pink color shifts to yellow.
