10 Best Cabin Air Filter Brands in 2023

Most people know all about the engine air filter under the hood of your vehicle. But did you know that there’s an air filter inside your vehicle that you need to replace too? The cabin air filter doesn’t filter out the air heading into your vehicle’s combustion chamber, instead, it filters out the air heading into your vehicle’s HVAC system and eventually into your lungs.

It’s an important job, and it’s why you don’t want to leave it up to just any cabin air filter brand. We know it’s a big decision, and that’s why we took the time to track down and highlight ten of the best cabin air filter brands on the market today.

Not only that, but we also developed a comprehensive buyer’s guide and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about cabin air filters for you here!

10 Best Cabin Air Filter Brands

We know you’re busy and there’s a good chance you just want to get your cabin air filter on order and move on with your day. We understand, and that’s why we decided to highlight the ten best cabin air filter brands right here in the beginning for you.

If you have any questions after reading the reviews, the buyer’s guide after them will walk you through everything you need to know!

1. Fram – Best Cabin Air Filter Brand Overall

If you’re looking for a cabin air filter that does a great job of combining price and quality, Fram air filters are the way to go. Fram is one of the largest air filter companies in the world and they make a ton of high-quality air filters and have options for just about any vehicle.

Not only do they have options that will fit just about any vehicle, but they have different quality options for you to pick from. If you’re simply looking for the lowest price possible, they make budget cabin air filters, and if you’re willing to spend a little more, they make higher-quality cabin air filters that will last a bit longer.

Moreover, they even produce and sell scented cabin air filters for your vehicle, giving the air coming through your vents a fresh scent that you can enjoy mile after mile. However, while we love Fram cabin air filters and that’s why they’re at the top of our list, one thing they don’t offer is premium reusable cabin air filters.

This isn’t a huge deal since most people aren’t looking for a reusable air filter, but if you are Fram isn’t the way to go.

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2. EPAuto – Best Budget

EPAuto might not be the top choice on our list, but if you’re looking to save a few bucks, it’s certainly worth considering. They make incredibly affordable cabin air filters for your vehicle, which is a big deal if you’re on a tighter budget.

All these EPAuto cabin air filters use an activated carbon design to effectively clean the air coming through it, and they have an outstanding selection so you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that fits your vehicle.

However, while we love the EPAuto cabin air filters if you’re on a tighter budget, there’s a reason they’re available for a lower price. It all comes down to the longevity of these filters. While some cabin air filters can last up to 30,000 miles, you should replace these after just 12,000 miles.

So, while you’re saving a little money upfront, you’re likely spending more in the long run since you need to replace them more frequently. However, they do make tons of different sizes, so you shouldn’t need to worry about whether they have one that fits your vehicle or not.

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3. K&N – Premium Choice

If you’re tired of purchasing new things for your vehicle, the K&N cabin air filter is the way to go. These are reusable air filters that you wash out roughly every 15,000 miles, and they typically last up to 1 million miles before you need to replace them! Once you purchase a single K&N air filter you’ll never need to purchase another one for your vehicle.

They’re extremely easy to clean too, so you don’t have to worry about spending a ton of time washing them out when the time comes. K&N makes cabin air filters for just about every vehicle on the market today, so when you’re shopping for the best of the best this is it.

However, K&N air filters cost significantly more upfront, which is why many people don’t choose to get them. But if you plan on driving your vehicle for a while going with a K&N air filter is a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Once you purchase the filter you don’t need to worry about buying one again which is a great feeling!

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4. Wix

Wix cabin air filters just narrowly missed our top three, but it was a close call between Wix and Fram for our top choice. Wix air filters are another brand that creates a ton of air filter options for you to pick from and they have options for just about any vehicle out there.

Whether you’re looking for a budget air filter or a longer-lasting premium choice, Wix has what you’re looking for. No matter what Wix filter you go with you’re getting an effective filter though, it all comes down to how long the filter is going to last.

There aren’t any scented options like Fram has though, which is just about the only difference in quality and price we could find between the two brands. In fact, if you don’t care about the scented filter we highly recommend getting a quote for the filter from both brands and going with the more affordable option.

Just like Fram, Wix doesn’t offer reusable cabin air filters, but since everyone isn’t looking for a reusable filter that’s not a huge deal.

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5. ACDelco

If you drive a GM vehicle, then you’ll want to consider an ACDelco cabin air filter. While ACDelco makes cabin air filters for a wide range of makes and models, they’re actually the OEM replacement part for GM vehicles.

All their filters provide outstanding filtration properties, and they have a wide range of options from low-budget to premium choices. But just like Wix and Fram they don’t produce reusable cabin air filters for your vehicle, so if that’s what you’re looking for they’re not the way to go.

But the reason ACDelco cabin air filters fell to the middle of our list despite their high quality and the fact that they’re an OEM replacement part for GM vehicles is their price. They’re not super expensive, but if you compare an ACDelco air filter to a similar Wix or Fram air filter, they’re usually just a bit more expensive.

Since they don’t provide any advanced filtration compared to those brands and they don’t last any longer, we recommend saving a few bucks and going with one of those options instead. But if you drive a GM vehicle and want an OEM air filter, ACDelco is the way to go.

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6. ECOGARD

ECOGARD is far from the biggest name in the filter industry, but if you’re looking for a budget or mid-tier air filter they have a ton of quality options for you to pick from. They offer both carbon-activated and traditional air filters, and they all do a great job of filtering out the air heading through your vents.

They also have tons of options so you know they’ll have an option that fits your vehicle. No matter which filter option you go with ECOGARD gives it to you at a fair price, although we do wish they had some premium filters for you to pick from.

These aren’t the most advanced filters in the world, but they do a great job and you don’t need to spend a ton for them. That’s a win for us!

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7. Bosch Automotive

If you’re looking for a mid-tier cabin air filter for your vehicle, then a Bosch Automotive cabin air filter might be what you want. The problem is that they don’t have quite as many options as Wix, Fram, or even ACDelco. Instead, it’s only mid-tier air filters. There’s no budget choice, and there’s no premium choice either.

This limits your overall options quite a bit, and it’s why we can’t put them any higher on our list. Still, if you do decide to go with a Bosch Automotive cabin air filter, you are getting a quality filter option.

The thing is you’re stuck with one option to pick from, so if you like having a bit more control of what you’re getting, this isn’t the choice for you. But if you don’t like all the extra choices and want a quality filter, then there’s nothing wrong with going with a Bosch Automotive cabin air filter for your vehicle.

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8. Premium Guard

Premium Guard is an air filter brand that produces both budget and mid-tier air filters for your vehicle. The price for their filters matches the quality of the filter you’re purchasing, so if you want a budget cabin air filter you don’t have to spend a ton to get one.

But if you do want a mid-tier filter, you’re not getting a great deal either, but at least you’re not overpaying. All their filters do a great job of filtering out harmful particulates, and there are tons of options for you to pick from.

This means you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that fits your vehicle, and after you install it you shouldn’t notice any performance problems. But while there aren’t any premium filter options for you to pick from, that’s not why it’s close to the bottom of our list.

That all comes down to the fact that the filters themselves don’t last the longest. Since you’re not getting a great deal for the filters, it means you’re going to end up spending a bit more than you should in the long run.

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9. AirTechnik

AirTechnik cabin air filters are budget options through and through. They don’t even offer mid-tier options, instead focusing solely on the lowest-priced options they can produce. They do a great job of pushing out super affordable cabin air filters, but they’re all activated carbon air filters that don’t last the longest.

They provide effective filtration after you install them, but you’ll need to replace an AirTechnik cabin air filter somewhere between 9 and 12 months after you install it.

AirTechnik cabin air filters are all about giving you an option if you’re in a pinch on a tight budget, but since you’ll need to replace them more often, you’re not getting a great deal in the long run.

But if you are in a pinch they have tons of options that fit just about any vehicle out there, so there’s no reason you can’t get a cabin air filter for your vehicle without spending a ton.

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10. Pentius

Pentius is the last option on our list, and unless you’re really familiar with air filter brands you’ve probably never heard of them before. But just because they’re not one of the larger air filter brands doesn’t mean they’re not worth checking out.

Pentius has both budget and mid-tier cabin air filter options for you to consider, letting you find an option that fits both your budget and your vehicle. Whether you go with a budget or mid-tier filter option, the price for a Pentius cabin air filter is right where it should be.

Moreover, they have options for a wide range of vehicles, making it extremely likely that they’ll have something that fits your vehicle. They’re effective filters, but there is a reason they fell to the last spot on our list.

First, they don’t have any high-end filter options. Not only that, but none of their filters last quite as long as the options near the top of the list. While you’ll get adequate results with a Pentius cabin air filter, it’s their lack of durability that has us recommending you go with a brand farther up the list.

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Cabin Air Filter Buyer’s Guide

Now that you know a little more about some of the best cabin air filter brands on the market today, it’s time to learn a little more about cabin air filters themselves, what to look for in them, and how often you have to replace them in the first place!

In this buyer’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find and replace your vehicle’s cabin air filter in no time.

How Long Do Cabin Air Filters Last?

It depends on the brand, type of cabin air filter, and the conditions in your area. Lower-end cabin air filters last about 12,000 miles, while higher-end cabin air filters will typically last about 30,000 miles.

However, the conditions and how you drive your vehicle will greatly affect the replacement interval. For instance, if you only drive your vehicle a few miles a day in the city but you’re in the car for several hours a day, you might want to go with a time interval instead of mileage.

Lower-end cabin air filters can last about 12 months, while higher-end cabin air filters can last about 36 months.

Next, consider the conditions outside your vehicle. If you’re driving in a desert prone to sandstorms, the cabin air filter won’t last as long compared to a vehicle that only drives in pristine conditions.

Finally, the type and brand of cabin air filter you go with plays a significant role. The higher the quality of the cabin air filter, the longer it will last compared to a lower-quality cabin air filter in the same conditions.

How Do You Know When It’s Time for a New Cabin Air Filter?

While we recommend sticking with regular service intervals to ensure your cabin air filter stays in tip-top shape, there are also a few telltale signs you can keep an eye out for to help you figure out when it’s time to replace your vehicle’s cabin air filter.

One of the first symptoms many owners report with an older cabin air filter is a musty or musky smell coming from the air vents. When the air filter is overly dirty all the air making it through your vents passes through that debris first.

That debris and junk pass on a musty scent to the air, and you smell that when it comes through the vents. But while that’s often one of the first symptoms of an overly clogged cabin air filter, it’s not the only one.

In the worst-case scenario, mold can start to form on and around the cabin air filter, and that mold will create a musky scent throughout your vehicle.

You could also notice a drop in airflow. When there’s too much dirt and debris on the air filter, the system can’t effectively push it through, and this restriction lowers the overall airflow coming through your vents.

From there, you might be able to notice some abnormal sounds if your vehicle has a clogged cabin air filter. You might be able to hear a whistling sound coming from the intake ducts, or you might start to notice louder noises coming from various heating or cooling components.

Keep in mind that these are all signs that it’s past time to change your vehicle’s cabin air filter, but you shouldn’t wait until you start noticing these symptoms to replace the cabin air filter. By the time you start to notice any of these symptoms, there’s a good chance there’s further damage or necessary repairs.

You might need to spend more for mold removal or you might need to replace an HVAC component. Keeping up with regular service intervals will reduce the likelihood of needing more expensive repairs.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms Of A Bad Cabin Air Filter and Replacement Cost

Where Is Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filter?

While the exact location of your vehicle’s cabin air filter depends on the exact vehicle you drive, there are a few common locations you can look for the cabin air filter.

If you can’t find the cabin air filter after checking these common locations we recommend checking the owner’s manual, reaching out to a local dealership, or simply running a Google search to try and find out exactly where the cabin air filter is in your vehicle!

We recommend starting your search inside the cabin of your vehicle. Look underneath and behind the glove box, as these are the two most common locations for the cabin air filter. Often you’ll need to remove a retaining bolt or two to access the cabin air filter.

If you can’t find the cabin air filter in or around the glove box, look under the hood by the windshield. If it’s in this location, it will be near the base of the windshield, and once again, you might need to remove a bolt or retaining clip to access and remove the air filter.

How to Change a Cabin Air Filter Yourself

While it doesn’t cost much to purchase a cabin air filter, paying someone to put it in for you can quickly drive up the cost. The good news is that replacing a cabin air filter is usually a pretty simple and straightforward process.

The first step is to locate where your vehicle’s cabin air filter is. It’s usually near the windshield or the glove box, but the owner’s manual should tell you exactly where it’s at in your vehicle.

Next, you’ll need to remove any retaining clips, bolts, or screws holding the filter in place. You might need a screwdriver or a socket to remove bolts or screws, but they should be a smaller size. Once you have the retaining device out of the way, all you need to do is remove the old cabin air filter.

Pay attention to the positioning of the filter itself as you remove it since this will help you correctly line up the new filter as you’re installing it. Once you remove the old filter, discard it and install the new cabin air filter.

Reinstall any hardware you removed and you finished the job! If you can quickly track down the cabin air filter, this is a job that should take you less than 10 minutes to complete, and it can save you $40 to $70. That’s a nice savings for a few minutes of work!

What To Look for in a Cabin Air Filter

When you’re shopping for a cabin air filter, there are a few things you’ll want to look into. Start with the type of cabin air filter. Activated carbon air filters are effective, but they don’t last long. However, they are super affordable, which is why you can find these types of air filters for the least amount of money.

Next, consider how long the air filter will last. If it’s a few bucks cheaper but you’ll have to replace it a few thousand miles sooner, you’re not getting the best deal. The good news is that the cabin air filters will come with a recommended service interval so you should know how long they’ll last even before you purchase it.

Finally, consider whether you want a reusable or replaceable cabin air filter. Replaceable cabin air filters don’t cost as much, but since you have to replace them, they’ll typically cost more in the long run.

Reusable vs. Replaceable Cabin Air Filters

When you’re purchasing a cabin air filter one option you’ll want to consider is a reusable cabin air filter. They’ll typically cost about two to three times as much as a replaceable cabin air filter, but since they’re reusable, they’re often the better deal in the long run.

Reusable cabin air filters will last about a million miles, meaning the air filter should easily outlast the vehicle itself! With a reusable cabin air filter, you still need to remove it roughly every 15,000 miles, but then you just wash it out, let it dry, and put it back in the vehicle.

Because of this if you can afford the higher upfront cost of a reusable cabin air filter, we highly recommend getting one. The only real exception to this is if you don’t expect the vehicle to last more than 40,000 to 50,000 more miles.

In these situations, the vehicle might fail before the cost to offset the higher initial cost of the air filter really comes into play. But for newer vehicles or vehicles that are going to stay on the road a while longer, reusable cabin air filters are the better long-term value.

When you’re shopping for a cabin air filter, it’s only normal to have a few questions. We understand and that’s why we decided to answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you here!

How Do You Clean a K&N Air Filter?

While there are a ton of cabin air filter cleaners out there, we recommend something simpler – Dawn dish soap. Simply run clean water through the filter with the dish soap and then thoroughly rinse the soap off the filter. Let it dry and you’re good to go!

Does Every Vehicle Have a Cabin Air Filter?

While not every vehicle has a cabin air filter, most modern vehicles do. If you’re unsure about your specific vehicle, we recommend reaching out to a local dealership, the owner’s manual, or conducting a brief Google search for your vehicle to find out!

What Does the Cabin Air Filter Do?

The cabin air filter in your vehicle filters out the air reaching the cabin of your vehicle. Not only that, but it filters out the air before it goes through the various HVAC components on your vehicle, helping preserve those components.

How Much Does It Cost to Change the Cabin Air Filter?

If you’re changing the cabin air filter yourself, you should expect to spend between $10 and $25 for the filter. However, if you’re paying someone to replace the cabin air filter in your vehicle you can expect to spend between $60 and $90.

Can You Run the AC System Without a Cabin Air Filter?

While you can run the AC system without a cabin air filter, you shouldn’t. The cabin air filter protects the HVAC components, so running the system without the filter exposes them to damage and shortens their lifespan. Saving a few bucks on a cabin air filter now will end up costing you hundreds more down the road.

If you don’t know the last time someone changed the cabin air filter in your vehicle, it’s probably well past time to replace yours. Get a cabin air filter on order today and you won’t need to spend a ton to have someone swap it out for you.

It’s a low-cost way to ensure you’re protecting your vehicle’s HVAC system, breathing clean air, and saving yourself some money in the long run! It’s a small act, but it has big consequences if you decide to skip it!

Categories: Air condition, Reviews