Best Pleated Furnace Filters of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Pleated furnace filters are a type of air filter designed to remove dust, pollen, and other small particles from the air in your home or office. These filters are made with a pleated design that increases the surface area of the filter, allowing it to capture more particles and improve the overall air quality. Pleated furnace filters are available in a variety of sizes and ratings to fit most HVAC systems, and they are easy to install and replace. With regular use, pleated furnace filters can help reduce allergens and improve the efficiency and lifespan of your heating and cooling system.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter MPR 300 MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack Cover #TOP 1
Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter MPR 300 MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Air Filter Cover #TOP 2
Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Air Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 6 Filter Cover #TOP 3
Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 6 Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Pleated Furnace Filters

#TOP 1

Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter MPR 300 MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack

BD01-6PK-1E
White
16 x 25 x 1
Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter MPR 300 MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack Cover
Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter, MERV 5, MPR 300, Capture Unwanted Particles, 3-Month Pleated 1-Inch Electrostatic Air Cleaning Filter, 6-Pack (Actual Size15.69x24.69x0.81 in)

The Filtrete 16x25x1 Air Filter MPR 300 MERV 5 is a 3-month pleated 1 in. air filter for residential use only. It has an MPR rating of 300 and MERV rating of 5. Designed with exclusive 3M technology, it attracts and captures large particles such as lint, household dust, and dust mite debris. The higher the MPR, the more microparticles it will capture, such as pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Change the filter at least every 90 days for optimal performance and sign-up for a filter change reminder program. Create a change countdown in the Filtrete Smart app.

What We Like
Traps unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
Attracts and captures large particles such as lint, household dust, and dust mite debris
The higher the MPR, the more microparticles it will capture, such as pollen, pet dander, and smoke
#TOP 2

Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Air Filter

AD01-2PK-1E
White
16 x 25 x 1
Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Air Filter Cover
Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter, MERV 11, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defense, 3-Month Pleated 1-Inch Electrostatic Air Cleaning Filter, 2 Pack (Actual Size 15.719 x 24.72 x 0.84 in)

The Filtrete AC Air Filter is designed to enhance your home's air quality. It captures unwanted particles, ensuring that you breathe cleaner air in your living space. With its precise dimensions, it fits well in various HVAC systems, making installation easy. The exclusive 3-in-1 technology effectively traps numerous microparticles, contributing to a fresher environment. For best results, remember to replace your filter every three months, helping maintain optimal air flow and reducing allergens in your home.

What We Like
Improves indoor air quality
Easy installation
Traps microparticles effectively
Convenient subscription option
#TOP 3

Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 6 Filter

P60S.012025-6
White
Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 6 Filter Cover
Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 6 Pleated Air Filter, AC Furnace Air Filter, 6 Pack (Actual Size: 19 3/4"x24 3/4"x3/4")

The Aerostar MERV 6 Filter is designed to improve your home’s air quality by effectively trapping microscopic particles like lint, dust, and pollen. Its nominal size of 20x25x1 ensures it fits most standard HVAC systems, while the synthetic electrostatic media enhances filtration efficiency without restricting airflow. This makes it easier for your system to operate smoothly. Installing the filter is straightforward, and for optimal performance, it's recommended to replace it every 60 to 90 days, or every 30 days during peak seasons. By making this simple change, you contribute to a healthier living environment for you and your family.

What We Like
Effective dust and pollen filtration
Easy installation
Cost-effective maintenance
Low airflow resistance
#TOP 4

Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter, 6 Pack

16x25x1 MERV 8
White
Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter, 6 Pack Cover
Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter, AC Furnace Air Filter, 6 Pack (Actual Size: 15 3/4"x 24 3/4" x 3/4"), White

The Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter comes in a pack of 6 and is designed to filter microscopic particles such as lint, dust mites, spores, and pollen. The 100% synthetic electrostatic media ensures high efficiency with low air flow resistance, and it's simple to install for a cost-effective step towards a healthier home environment. The filter is comparable with MPR 600 & FPR 5 and is manufactured by Filtration Group, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions making the world safer, healthier & more productive. For best results, it's recommended to change filters every 60 to 90 days, with increased frequency to 30 days during peak summer and winter months.

What We Like
Comes in a pack of 6
Filters microscopic particles for a healthier home environment
100% synthetic electrostatic media ensures high efficiency with low air flow resistance
#TOP 5

Filterbuy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack)

AFB16x25x1M8pk4
Silver
Filterbuy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack) Cover
Filterbuy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 15.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 Inches)

Filterbuy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack) is a set of pleated HVAC AC furnace air filters designed to protect your home from dust, pollen, and more by trapping 90% of airborne particles without impacting air flow. It features MERV 8 synthetic media, electrostatically charged design, and dual wire backings that outperform standard cardboard designs. The set contains four high-quality replacement air filters with industrial-grade beverage board frames. All components are manufactured within the United States and designed with recyclable materials.

What We Like
Traps 90% of airborne particles without impacting air flow
Extended lifespan by 3 times compared to fiberglass models
Industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings
#TOP 6

Filterbuy 16x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 (2-Pack)

AFB16x25x4M8pk2
Silver
Filterbuy 16x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 (2-Pack) Cover
Filterbuy 16x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (2-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 15.50 x 24.50 x 3.63 Inches)

The Filterbuy 16x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 (2-Pack) is a replacement air filter for HVAC systems that protects homes from dust, pollen, and more by trapping 90% of airborne particles. The electrostatically charged, pleated design captures more harmful particles and prolongs the product's lifespan by three times that of fiberglass models. The industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings outperform standard cardboard designs, and all components are made in the US with recyclable materials.

What We Like
Traps 90% of airborne particles
Prolongs lifespan by 3 times that of fiberglass models
Industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings

Filterbuy 20x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (2-Pack)

AFB20x25x4M8pk2
Silver
Filterbuy 20x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (2-Pack) Cover
Filterbuy 20x25x4 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (2-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 19.50 x 24.50 x 3.63 Inches)

Filterbuy Air Filter is a pack of two 20x25x4 replacement filters designed for your HVAC system. The MERV 8 synthetic media is electrostatically charged and pleated, capturing up to 90% of airborne particles like dust and pollen without affecting the air flow. The high-quality construction of the filter extends its lifespan by three times that of fiberglass models, and the industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings outperform standard cardboard designs. All components are made in the United States with recyclable materials. The Filterbuy Air Filter is a reliable and durable choice for keeping your home clean and comfortable.

What We Like
90% particle trapping
Longer lifespan
Dual wire backing
#TOP 8

Filterbuy 20x25x1 MERV 8 Air Filter

AFB20x25x1M8pk4
Silver
Filterbuy 20x25x1 MERV 8 Air Filter Cover
Filterbuy 20x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 19.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 Inches)

The Filterbuy MERV 8 Filter is designed to enhance the performance of your HVAC system. With its actual size of 19.50" x 24.50", this air filter effectively traps 90% of dust and pollen, helping you maintain a cleaner indoor environment. The electrostatically charged pleats capture harmful particles while ensuring optimal airflow. You’ll appreciate the easy installation, thanks to its sturdy beverage board frames that resist extreme temperatures, making it more durable than standard cardboard filters. Plus, it is manufactured in the USA with recyclable materials, contributing to a more sustainable choice for your home.

What We Like
Effective particle capture
Durable construction
Easy installation
Eco-friendly materials
#TOP 9

Filterbuy 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack)

AFB16x20x1M8pk4
Silver
Filterbuy 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack) Cover
Filterbuy 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (4-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 15.50 x 19.50 x 0.75 Inches)

Filterbuy Air Filter is a set of 16x20x1 replacement filters suitable for your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or HVAC system. The filters are made of MERV 8 synthetic media, which makes them comparable with MPR 600 & FPR 5. This feature enables the filters to capture up to 90% of airborne particles, such as dust and pollen, without affecting air flow. The electrostatically charged, pleated design captures more harmful particles and increases the lifespan of the product by three times that of fiberglass models. The industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings outperform the standard cardboard designs. All components of the Filterbuy Air Filter are made in the United States with recyclable materials.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Prolongs lifespan by 3x
Traps 90% of airborne particles
#TOP 10

Filterbuy 20x20x1 MERV 8 Air Filter

AFB20x20x1M8pk6
Silver
Filterbuy 20x20x1 MERV 8 Air Filter Cover
Filterbuy 20x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (6-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 19.50 x 19.50 x 0.75 Inches)

The Filterbuy MERV 8 Filter is designed to enhance your HVAC system's performance. Its synthetic media captures up to 90% of airborne particles like dust and pollen, ensuring cleaner air for your home. You’ll appreciate the high-quality construction, which includes an electrostatically charged design and 14 pleats per foot, allowing it to last three times longer than traditional fiberglass filters. Installation is a breeze, thanks to the sturdy beverage board frames that withstand extreme temperatures and provide better structural support than standard cardboard options.

What We Like
Effective dust and pollen capture
Long-lasting performance
Easy installation
Durable construction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are pleated filters good for your furnace?

While fiberglass air filters will do the job in the most basic way, in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. They can filter out smaller particles – important for people with airborne sensitivities. They are less likely to clog in a short amount of time, and they can last up to 90 days.

2. Which is better pleated or non-pleated furnace filters?

A pleated filter is made up of different sizes, and readily captures pathogens as small as 0.3 microns, filtering out even the tiniest of bacteria. They are overall more effective in capturing very tiny particles than non-pleated air filters; 99.97% of airborne particles are trapped with a pleated air filter.

3. Do pleated air filters restrict airflow?

Even though pleated fiberglass filters are very common and are continuously highly recommended, there's still a misconception around the filters being able to cause damage to your unit because they supposedly restrict air flow. Yes, pleated air filters do indeed restrict the airflow to your HVAC system.

4. Should you use pleated air filters?

Pleated filters can be highly efficient and durable. They usually span MERV ratings of 5-12 and have a much-extended lifespan compared to their counterparts. Pleated filters are also exceptionally good as indoor air quality solution for allergy sufferers.

Editor's Notes

During our pleated furnace filter research, we found 24 pleated furnace filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,279,211 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pleated furnace filters list. We found that most customers choose pleated furnace filters with an average price of $39.79.

The pleated furnace filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pleated furnace filters, including Filtrete, Aerostar, Filterbuy. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.