Best Air Filter Subscriptions

Second Nature (previously known as Filter Easy) was founded by North Carolina State University students Thad Tarkington and Kevin Barry. They wanted to eliminate the confusing (and often neglected) trip to the store for air filters. Now hundreds of thousands of customers strong, Second Nature has an eye on expansion as it delves into refrigerator water filtration systems and other home wellness options. However, air filter delivery remains the company's flagship product, with free shipping on all orders and the ability to set up your subscription on the schedule you prefer.

To sign up, start by sharing the width, height, and thickness of the filter you need, as well as the number of filters you have in your home. Second Nature will show you a side-by-side comparison of size options, pricing, and filtration specifics. Cost generally ranges between $16 and $24 per filter. Once you select your preferred model, you can indicate how often you would like to receive shipments and, if you're interested, add a fridge filter as well. You can cancel at any time.

Air Filters Delivered offers one-time deliveries and recurring subscriptions, with the option to order furnace filters in addition to standard HVAC filters. Enter your needed dimensions to shop by size, or browse by Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). MERV 8, the most basic level, promises to minimize the spread of dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and lint.

MERV 11 goes a step further, neutralizing pet dander, smoke, and smog in addition to what MERV 8 does. MERV 13, which Air Filters Delivered recommends, tackles bacteria and viruses from coughs and sneezes, along with everything listed above.

Once you have settled on a size and MERV rating, you will still have to choose between multiple brands—an easy feat for shoppers who know what they want, but potentially a challenge for those hoping to streamline the process. Still, with a great selection comes a large range in price. Additionally, with the opportunity to purchase filters in packs of six and 12—whether for one-time delivery or a subscription—Air Filters Delivered can significantly reduce your cost per filter.

TRU positions itself as a problem-solving brand, aiming for air quality as the center of a healthy and stress-free life. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, TRU reminds its customers of the many ways air quality can affect health: After all, strengthening immunity, decreasing stress, improving sleep quality, and decreasing your heart rate can all be traced back to the way you breathe. TRU’s streamlined shopping experience does the work of picking the best product.

TRU does not sell any filters that don’t meet its high standards. A practice that eliminates any confusion but also makes its products more expensive. All of TRU’s air filters hold a MERV 11 rating with activated carbon backing to trap odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds. Optimized pleats reinforced by metal are designed for proper airflow.

Subscribers can customize the size and frequency of air filter deliveries, allowing those with high-allergen households to increase their level of protection with monthly deliveries and lower-risk homes to replace their filters as little as every three months. You can cancel or adjust your subscription at any time.

Founded in 2017, FilterTime is the brainchild of ex-NASCAR driver Blake Koch, whose passion for the business inspired another former driver—Dale Earnhardt Jr.—to get involved as a business partner. The straightforward service delivers subscription air filters to residential homes regularly, at least once every three months, to help consumers remember to change their filters regularly enough to protect their health and improve their home’s air quality.

To get started, enter the delivery frequency and filter dimensions you’re looking for, and the company will offer three affordably priced options at MERV 8, 11, and 13. Filters generally cost between $16 and $25, with prices largely dependent on the size and MERV. Your first order ships out within three days, and if you’re unsatisfied with the product, FilterTime offers a full refund within the first 100 days of a subscription. Based on FilterTime’s positive reviews and its emphasis on customer service, subscribers are likely to leave the experience happy—and healthier, too.

This Tennessee-based brand makes a serious effort to add fun and excitement to the generally boring task of changing your air filter. Expect prizes like board games, frisbees, candy, and even dog treats in every package. With a range of filters that help remove allergens like pet dander from the air, dog owners will be very grateful for regular deliveries.

Setting up a Filterjoy subscription is exceptionally easy. The company’s website guides you through the buying process, starting with the number of filters in your home and the size you need (Filterjoy also offers tips on how to figure that out, if you don’t already know). From there, you’ll select a delivery frequency, then filter grade—generally, customers can choose between MERV 9, 11, and 13. Prices start at around $13. Shipping is always free, and the first delivery is heavily discounted.