Best Air Filters for Allergies

Sneezing, irritated eyes, and itchy skin, allergies can wreak havoc on your comfort, but they don’t have to. Getting the right filter for your needs deals a massive blow in the war against allergies.

We understand that your needs may be different from other homes on the block. That’s why we take into account factors like allergies when installing and servicing HVAC systems. Having seen the importance of getting the right filter, we can tell you that allergy sufferers will want to dial in their HVAC systems and other air purification products to a tee.

In this article, we’ll break down our top 5 picks for the best air filters for allergies and what makes the ideal filter for allergy sufferers. Spoiler alert! Not every air filter will be compatible with HVAC systems and may require a separate air purifier.

Let’s look at our top 5 air filter choices for allergies, followed by what you’ll need to pay attention to while shopping for filters. With these options and criteria in mind, you’ll have no issue navigating the wide world of air filters for allergies.

Ready? Let’s go!

5 Best Air Filters for Allergies

AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter

Kicking things off with a HEPA filter option, AprilAire makes HEPA filters tailored to specific needs. Some options protect against a broad mix of irritants and things like viruses, while others are more focused on pets and allergens.

While many of its filters are regarded as being top-notch, the AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter is a great starting point.

This filter covers all the bases with its aluminum-oxide and activated carbon bed that removes heavy odors from pets and gaseous allergens. It also has a specialized pet filter tacked on to provide greater relief for pet allergy sufferers.

You can pick up an AprilAire filter directly through the maker for $99.99, which doesn’t make it the most budget-friendly option on the list.

Aerostar MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter

Aerostar provides a solid MERV 13 option for allergy sufferers with affordability and efficiency in mind. A key difference between the AprilAire option and this Aerostar one is that the Aerostar filters are designed for an HVAC system.

The MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter uses a pleated design, providing more surface area to promote better airflow. On top of its core design, Aerostar’s MERV 13 option is electrostatically charged to help capture smaller particles without sacrificing airflow.

You’ll nab protection against mold spores, pollen, and pet dander for a fair price that matches many competitors and even undercuts some pricier options.

Aerostar also makes these filters in several different sizes for added flexibility.

Unlike the HEPA filters listed, Aerostar’s MERV 13 filters are available in a pack of six for around $55, depending on where you shop.

Honeywell Elite Allergen Air Filter

Moving to the higher end of the price range, Honeywell’s Elite Allergen Air Filter is ideal for allergy sufferers for a couple of reasons.

Honeywell’s MERV 13 filter uses a pleated and electrostatic design similar to Aerostar’s option but has the Honeywell name backing its promised performance. You can expect protection from smoke, pollen, odors, and viruses with this filter.

These filters are designed to last up to 90 days, like most filters, and are lauded for their ability to trap dust and other particulates that can cause irritation for allergy sufferers.

Unfortunately, because the Honeywell name is attached, the price reflects as much. A single Elite Allergen Air Filter can run you around $22. But sellers like Home Depot make it possible to buy in bulk and save. Buying four or more filters will drop the price down to $10.99 per filter.

Filtrete 1900 MPR MERV 13 Premium Allergen, Bacteria and Virus Electrostatic Pleated Air Filter

Following up Honeywell is Filtrete, an offshoot of the trusted 3M name. Like the other two filters listed so far, this one features a MERV 13 rating and protects well against allergens and other irritants.

The design is similar to Honeywell and Aerostat, with pleats to increase surface area and an electrostatic charge to attract pollutants before they slip through your system and into your home. This filter is also available in a variety of sizes for added convenience.

There are two main factors that set this Filtrete option apart from its peers, though. One factor is that the company partnered with the American Lung Association, adding a bit more trust to this filter’s performance. The organization strives to save lives by improving peoples’ lung health and fending off lung disease with education and research.

The other factor that separates the Filtrete option is its filter change reminder system. Download the app, scan the bar code on the filter, and the app will notify you when it’s time to change the filter. Having reminders is always helpful, and this feature adds some value to the filter’s higher price tag.

You can find this Filtrete filter for about $23 at sellers like Lowe’s. Similarly to Home Depot, Lowe’s offers bulk pricing, but it doesn’t drop the price as much. Buying in bulk mode from Lowe’s will set the cost at around $18.38 per filter.