Amazon Basics Air Filters: Finding Your Size and MERV Rating
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own house brand, and in the furnace filter aisle it is known for plain, no-frills pleated filters sold in handy 6-packs. Each filter uses a beverage board frame (a stiff cardboard edge), wire mesh support and an electrostatically charged filter media that grabs dust, lint and pollen as air flows back into your heating and cooling system. For a first-time homeowner, that simple formula is a relief: find your size, pick a MERV rating and set a reminder to swap the filter.
The models below mostly differ by size and MERV rating: four are MERV 8 filters in 12×12, 14×20, 20×25 and 16×20 sizes, one is a finer MERV 11 filter in 20×20, and one is not a filter at all but a standalone Amazon Basics air purifier that cleans the air in a single room.
Amazon Basics Air Filters Compared
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Air Purifier for Home and Office, 3 Speeds, Timer, Sleep Mode (32db), Covers Up to 1067 Sq ft, White
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Amazon Basics Air Purifier for Home
Best for: Cleaning air in one room
Pros
- Air quality sensor with color light
- Auto and Sleep Mode
- 31-watt DC motor
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Not a furnace filter
- Filter type not specified
| Model | Type | MERV Rating | Actual Size | Pack Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | Furnace filter | 11 | 19.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 in | 6 |
| Amazon Basics Air Purifier for Home | Room air purifier | Not listed | 9.6 x 9.6 x 14.3 in unit | 1 unit |
| Amazon Basics 14x20x1 Air Filter | Furnace filter | 8 | 13.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 in | 6 |
| Amazon Basics 12x12x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | Furnace filter | 8 | 11.75 x 11.75 x 0.75 in | 6 |
| Amazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | Furnace filter | 8 | 19.75 x 24.75 x 0.75 in | 6 |
| Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack | Furnace filter | 8 | 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 in | 6 |
Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack for Finer Filtering
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack, MERV 11 AC Furnace Filters, Dust, Pet, Allergen Control , Electrostatic (Actual Size: 19.75 x 19.75 x .75)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
Best for: 20×20 slots needing finer MERV 11 filtering
Pros
- MERV 11 rating
- Electrostatic synthetic media
- Six filters, about a year
Cons
- Only 20x20x1 size
The Amazon Basics 20x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack is the only MERV 11 filter in this group. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a scale that tells you how small a particle a filter can catch; a higher number means finer filtering. The listing says this filter captures lint, dust and pollen, and that its electrostatically charged synthetic media attracts allergens as small as 3 microns. It also names pet dander control in the title.
The filter is labeled 20x20x1, which is its “nominal” size, but the actual measurement is 19.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. That small difference is normal and is what lets the filter slide into the slot. The pack weighs 3.2 pounds, and the listing says six filters cover up to 12 months if you change them every 60 to 90 days.
This is the pick for a home with a 20x20x1 slot and pets or pollen worries. If your furnace takes a different size, the MERV 8 filters below are the ones to check.
Amazon Basics Air Purifier for Home as a Room Appliance
The Amazon Basics Air Purifier for Home is important to understand before you buy: it is a separate plug-in appliance that sits on the floor or a table, not a filter that goes inside your furnace. The listing says it provides 360-degree air purification and covers up to 1,067 square feet, with a particle retention size of 0.3 micron.
A built-in sensor reads indoor air quality and shows it with a colored light: red for poor, orange for moderate and green for good. You can choose three fan speeds, let Auto Mode adjust on its own, or use a quiet 32 dB Sleep Mode. It has touch controls, a timer, a 31-watt DC motor and a compact 9.6 by 9.6 by 14.3 inch body that weighs 3 pounds. The listing does not specify what type of replacement filter it uses or how often to change it.
It suits a bedroom, nursery or home office, and it makes a thoughtful gift for someone with allergies. If you are shopping to keep your furnace clean, pick one of the filter packs instead. For other room-by-room ideas, see our guide to air purifier replacement filters.
Amazon Basics 14x20x1 Air Filter for Mid-Size Returns
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics 14x20x1 Air Filter, MERV 8 AC Furnace Filters, Allergen Control , Electrostatic, Removes Dust Pollen and Lint, 6-Pack (Actual Size: 13.75" x 19.75" x 0.75")
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Amazon Basics 14x20x1 Air Filter
Best for: 14×20 returns and everyday dust control
Pros
- MERV 8 rating
- Wire mesh support
- Six-pack of replacements
Cons
- Material listed inconsistently
- Coarser than MERV 11
The Amazon Basics 14x20x1 Air Filter is a MERV 8 pleated filter sold as a 6-pack. Its actual size is 13.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. The listing says it catches lint, dust and pollen and uses electrostatically charged synthetic material with a beverage board frame and wire mesh support.
One small inconsistency: the feature text calls the media synthetic, while the specification table lists the material type as “Mesh”. The mesh is most likely the wire support, but the listing does not clarify. The pack weighs 2.3 pounds and follows the same 60 to 90 day change schedule.
It suits homes with a 14x20x1 return vent that want everyday dust control. Owners who want finer filtering will not find a MERV 11 version of this size in this lineup.
Amazon Basics 12x12x1 Air Filter 6-Pack for Small Vents
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics 12x12x1 Air Filter 6-Pack, MERV 8 AC Furnace, Dust, Pet & Allergen Control , Electrostatic (Actual Size: 11.75" x 11.75" x 0.75")
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Amazon Basics 12x12x1 Air Filter 6-Pack
Best for: Small 12×12 return vents
Pros
- MERV 8 rating
- Light and easy to swap
- Six-pack of replacements
Cons
- Listing names both fiberglass and synthetic
- Coarser than MERV 11
The Amazon Basics 12x12x1 Air Filter 6-Pack is the smallest filter here, measuring 11.75 by 11.75 by 0.75 inches. Small square filters like this are often found in wall or ceiling return grilles rather than in the furnace cabinet itself. It is rated MERV 8 and the title mentions dust, pet and allergen control.
The specification table lists the material as fiberglass, but the description and features say electrostatically charged synthetic material, so the listing contradicts itself on this point. The whole pack weighs just 16 ounces, and the listing again recommends changing filters every 60 to 90 days.
Pick this one only if your grille actually measures 12x12x1. Larger central systems will need the 16×20, 20×20 or 20×25 packs.
Amazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack for Large Slots
Best for: Large 20×25 furnace slots
Pros
- MERV 8 rating
- Synthetic electrostatic media
- Six-pack of replacements
Cons
- Coarser than MERV 11
The Amazon Basics 20x25x1 Air Filter 6-Pack covers one of the larger common 1-inch sizes, with an actual size of 19.75 by 24.75 by 0.75 inches. It is a MERV 8 pleated filter, and here the listing consistently names synthetic material, electrostatically charged to attract allergens down to 3 microns.
The pack weighs 3.6 pounds and includes six filters. As with the others, it has a beverage board frame and wire mesh support, and the listing says it helps furnace efficiency by trapping particles that can cause system wear and tear.
It suits homes with a large 20x25x1 opening. If you also run a window or portable unit in summer, our Amazon Basics air conditioner guide covers how those units handle their own filters.
Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack for Everyday Furnaces
Best for: Common 16×20 furnace openings
Pros
- MERV 8 rating
- Beverage board frame
- Six-pack of replacements
Cons
- Material listed inconsistently
- Coarser than MERV 11
The Amazon Basics 16x20x1 Air Filter 6-Pack fits another very common furnace size, with an actual size of 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches. It is MERV 8 and targets dust, lint and pollen.
Like the 14×20 pack, its specification lists “Mesh” as the material while the description names electrostatically charged synthetic media. The pack weighs 2.6 pounds and gives six changes, enough for up to a year at a 60 to 90 day pace.
It suits apartments and houses with a 16x20x1 slot that want simple routine filtering. Those who need MERV 11 should know that in this group only the 20×20 size offers it.
How to Choose the Right Amazon Basics Air Filter
Find your size first. Pull out the old filter and read the numbers printed on its edge, such as 16x20x1. That is width, height and thickness in inches. If there is no filter, measure the slot and round up to the nearest whole inch; the filters here are all a quarter inch smaller than their label so they fit snugly.
Understand MERV 8 vs MERV 11. MERV 8 is a common everyday rating for household dust, lint and pollen. MERV 11 catches finer particles, which can help homes with pets or allergies. Higher ratings can also slow airflow a little, so if your system’s manual names a maximum MERV, follow it.
Buy the pack that matches your change schedule. Every filter pack here holds six filters, and the listings suggest changing them every 60 to 90 days. Write the date on the frame when you install one.
Know when you need a purifier instead. A furnace filter only cleans air while the system is running. The air purifier works in one room on its own schedule, which suits bedrooms or a home office.
FAQ
Which air filter size do I need?
Check the printed size on your current filter’s frame or measure the slot. Buy the nominal size shown, such as 20x25x1, even though the actual filter will be slightly smaller.
Is MERV 11 better than MERV 8?
MERV 11 traps finer particles, while MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen. Better depends on your needs and on what your heating system is designed to handle.
How often should I change an Amazon Basics air filter?
The listings recommend every 60 to 90 days, so a 6-pack lasts up to 12 months. Homes with pets may want to check the filter sooner.
Can the Amazon Basics air purifier replace my furnace filter?
No. It is a standalone room appliance. Your furnace still needs its own filter in the correct size.
Do these filters work in air conditioners too?
The listings call them AC furnace filters, meaning they fit the return slot of a central heating and cooling system. A portable unit uses its own filter; see our portable air conditioner guide for that.
Why is my filter smaller than its label?
The label shows the nominal size. The actual size is a quarter inch smaller so it slides into the slot, which is standard for furnace filters.
