Best Air Filter Brands

Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study

In today’s climate, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, making HVAC air filters a critical component of household maintenance. These filters play a vital role in capturing dust, allergens, and other airborne pollutants, ensuring that the air we breathe is clean and safe. With features such as MERV ratings indicating filter efficiency and specialized designs tailored for different HVAC systems, consumers are not only looking for functionality but also longevity and energy efficiency. The right air filter can enhance system performance, lower energy bills, and contribute to overall well-being, underscoring why this seemingly simple product warrants careful consideration.

However, the decision-making process for selecting an HVAC air filter often hinges on a less tangible yet equally significant factor: brand trust. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, where options abound and marketing messages compete for attention, consumers tend to gravitate toward brands that they perceive as reliable and trustworthy. This trust is built through consistent product performance, transparent communication, and positive customer experiences. As homeowners weigh their choices, the reputation of a brand can significantly sway their purchasing decisions, highlighting the need for manufacturers to cultivate a strong, trustworthy image to stand out in the minds of consumers.

To shed light on this dynamic, we turn to America’s Most Trusted® study, a comprehensive survey that evaluates consumer perceptions of brand reliability across various product categories, including HVAC air filters. This study not only reveals which brands have earned consumer confidence but also provides insights into the criteria shoppers prioritize when making their choices. In the following sections, we will explore the survey findings, examining how brand trust influences purchasing behaviors and what it means for both consumers and manufacturers in the HVAC industry.

The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study

Initiated over a decade ago, the America’s Most Trusted® study was designed to provide invaluable insights into the role of consumer trust in purchasing decisions. As businesses increasingly recognize that trust can significantly influence their bottom line, this annual study has become a crucial tool for brands seeking to navigate the competitive marketplace. Every January, the study reveals its eagerly awaited rankings, showcasing which brands consumers trust the most.

At its core, brand trust is pivotal for fostering customer retention. When consumers believe that a brand will deliver on its promises, they are not only more likely to make purchases but also to advocate for the brand within their networks. This foundational trust cultivates loyalty, ensuring that satisfied customers return time and again.

Each year, Lifestory Research engages thousands of consumers to assess their feelings and experiences with a wide array of brands across over 75 product categories. Through the innovative Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS), the study quantifies consumer trust, allowing brands to gauge their performance against competitors. This score is more than just a number; it reflects whether a brand aligns with customer expectations and desires.

The NTQS is grounded in rigorous consumer research methodologies, drawing on principles from social and opinion science to provide reliable insights. This allows brands to adapt their strategies based on genuine consumer feedback, enhancing their offerings and building deeper connections with their audience.

What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the most trustworthy brands?   What are the top companies and brands people trust the most? So, which air filter brands have emerged as the most trusted according to this year’s study? The findings reveal consumers essential information when they seek reliable air filtration solutions.

What are the top air filter brands people trust the most? 

2025 America’s Most Trusted Air Filter Brand

The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Air Filter Brand Study has recognized Honeywell as the most trusted brand for furnace and HVAC system air filters. With a Net Trust Quotient Score of 115.6, Honeywell achieved the highest trust rating among leading HVAC air filter brands. The ranking is based on the responses of 3,102 U.S. consumers surveyed over the past 12 months.

TOP 8 Ranked Air Filter Brands – 2025 Customer Ratings

1Honeywell115.6★★★★★
2Filtrete111.4☆☆☆
3FilterBuy109.0☆☆☆
4AprilAire108.9☆☆
5HDX105.4☆☆
6Aerostar104.4☆☆
7NordicPure104.0☆☆
8BestAir102.0☆☆

No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.

Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence!  See the results of 75 different product studies here.

Brands Ranked in Study

The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized brands in the market. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.

  1. Honeywell

    Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Honeywell is a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of products, including air filters for HVAC systems. The company’s air filters are engineered to capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particulates, aiming to improve indoor air quality and enhance HVAC system efficiency.

  2. Filtrete

    A brand owned by 3M, Filtrete is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Filtrete air filters are known for their advanced filtration capabilities, designed to capture a wide range of airborne particles, including allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Filtrete filters are available in various types to meet specific needs for cleaner indoor air.

  3. FilterBuy

    Privately owned and based in the United States, FilterBuy specializes in a broad selection of HVAC air filters. The company offers filters designed to capture dust, mold spores, and other particles, helping to maintain cleaner air in both residential and commercial environments. FilterBuy is known for providing affordable, high-quality filters directly to consumers.

  4. Aprilaire

    Owned by Research Products Corporation and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Aprilaire is a well-established brand in the indoor air quality space. The company’s air filters are engineered to capture allergens, dust, and other pollutants, with a focus on improving air quality in homes and businesses. Aprilaire is recognized for its long-term commitment to health and air purification.

  5. HDX

    The HDX brand, primarily sold through Home Depot, offers a variety of home improvement products, including HVAC air filters. Known as Home Depot's in-house brand, HDX filters are designed to enhance indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. HDX filters are an affordable option for consumers seeking to improve home air quality.

  6. Aerostar

    Owned by Filtration Group and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aerostar provides air filters for both residential and commercial HVAC systems. The brand’s filters are designed to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants, contributing to better air quality and system performance. Aerostar focuses on offering effective and cost-efficient filtration solutions.

  7. NordicPure

    Privately owned, NordicPure specializes in air filters for both residential and commercial HVAC applications. The company’s products are designed to capture common indoor pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander. NordicPure is known for offering a range of filter types to meet various filtration needs, with a focus on improving air quality in diverse environments.

  8. BestAir

    Owned by RPS Products, Inc. and headquartered in Addison, Texas, BestAir offers a range of indoor air quality products, including air filters. The brand’s filters are designed to remove airborne particles, allergens, and contaminants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. BestAir focuses on providing cost-effective solutions for improving air quality in homes and businesses.


  • Foundational Principles

    At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.

    By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.

    Core Principles of Quality Research

    We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:

    • Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.

    • Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.

    • Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.

    • Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.

    Our Commitment to Excellence

    Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:

    • Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.

    • Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.

    • Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.

    • Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.

    When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.

  • Rating Methodology

    What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?

    The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.

    How Does the Survey Work?

    Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.

    Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.

    The Importance of Brand Awareness

    An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.

    Sampling Methodology

    The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.

    The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.

    Calculating Trust Scores

    At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:

    • Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.

    • Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.

    • Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.

    These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.

    Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.

Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.