Many of us have to drive in areas where the air is less than fresh on a regular basis, whether that means exhaust fumes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, pollen and other allergens in spring, or that funky water treatment plant on our morning commute.
Whatever your circumstances, it isn’t healthy (or pleasant) to experience polluted air, but a solution to the problem exists in the form of the aftermarket cabin air filter. These small and low-cost units can make a world of difference when it comes to improving the air quality inside your car, and have many other benefits to boot.
In this guide, you’ll learn a little more about these benefits and also find reviews of nine of the best cabin air filters on the market today.
Read on and prepare to enjoy that fresh air!
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Cabin Air Filters
- EPAuto CP285 (CF10285) Premium Cabin Air Filter
- Easy to install, good for 12,000 miles, and deals with both harmful compounds, and unpleasant odors.
- FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter
- Uses activated carbon and Arm & Hammer baking soda to eliminate any existing odors and filters out 98% of pollen and dust.
- K&N VF2000 Washable & Reusable Cabin Air Filter
- The perfect pick for eco-friendly drivers!
- Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter
- Three-stage filtration system filters out nearly every pollutant the road can throw at your vehicle, from allergens and pollen to brake dust and exhaust fumes.
- Bosch 6029C HEPA Cabin Air Filter
- Contains High Energy Efficiency Particulate Air material that traps harmful particles as small as 0.03 microns in size.
- Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter
- A long-lasting, activated carbon air filter specially made for Volkswagens and Audis.
- Kootek 2-Pack Cabin Air Filter
- Uses two layers of activated carbon to subdue odors better than most of the competition.
- ACDelco CF188 GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
- The ideal choice if you want OEM quality and dimensions without the OEM price tag!
- ECOGARD XC25870 Premium Cabin Air Filter
- Great for eliminating odors, good for 15,000 miles, and made with electrostatically charged material that draws and captures large-particle contaminants.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Best Cabin Air Filter Reviews – A Detailed Look at Our Top Recommendations
- 1.1 EPAuto Interior Cabin Air Filter
- 1.2 FRAM Cabin Air Filter
- 1.3 K&N Washable And Reusable Cabin Air Filter
- 1.4 Spearhead Breathe Easy Cabin Air Filter
- 1.5 Bosch Premium Cabin Air Filter
- 1.6 MANN Filter Cabin Air Filter
- 1.7 Kootek 2-Pack Cabin Air Filter
- 1.8 ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
- 1.9 ECOGARD Premium Cabin Air Filter
- 2 What Is a Cabin Air Filter and How Does It Work?
- 3 What Are the Benefits of Cabin Air Filters?
- 4 What Are the Signs My Cabin Air Filter Is Failing?
- 5 Different Types of Cabin Air Filters
- 6 What Is the Best Type of Cabin Air Filter for My Vehicle?
- 7 How to Choose the Right Cabin Air Filter for Your Vehicle
- 8 Conclusion
Best Cabin Air Filter Reviews – A Detailed Look at Our Top Recommendations
Let’s dive right into our detailed reviews of our top recommended cabin air filter brands available on the market today.
EPAuto Interior Cabin Air Filter
This heavy-duty unit will keep your cabin free of a wide range of pollutants. The material is infused with activated carbon and baking soda. The former will filter out the nasty compounds, and the latter works against unpleasant odors.
As a carbon-activated air filter, it’s effective against dust as well as gas-based contaminants. This is ideal for those of you who want to shield yourselves against exhaust smog and similar threats. Asthma sufferers who live in dusty or pollen-rich areas should notice an improvement as well.
Straight out of the box, you’ll notice that it has a fresh, clean scent. The material is thick and with numerous pleats, so drivers regularly exposed to polluted air can rest assured that it’s strong enough to block contaminants.
For compatible vehicles, this product by EPAuto is OEM quality – without the hefty price tag. It’s also appropriate for users who have little experience with replacements, and there are detailed instructions on the box itself to help you get the job done.
Another advantage is durability. It will last you for one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Activated carbon.
- Includes baking soda.
- Available as a pack of one, two, three, or 40.
- Recommended air filter replacement: every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
- Compatible with select models of Toyota, Subaru, Land Rover, Lexus, Pontiac, and Scion.
- Installation instructions on the box.
What We Like
- Easy to install.
- OEM quality.
- Detailed instructions.
- Thick.
- Pleasant smell out of the box.
- Eliminates most (if not all) outside odors.
- Long-lasting.
What We Don’t Like
- Thick material might sometimes interfere with ventilation.
Summary
If you want an OEM-quality filter that does a great job of eliminating odors, this product may be right for you. Since it’s a filter with activated carbon, you’ll be safe when it comes to severe pollutants such as smog.
FRAM Cabin Air Filter
The FRAM unit will attract Honda and Acura owners who want a cleaner smelling car and improved air quality. Musty odors or otherwise unappealing smells don’t have to be a part of your drives!
The activated carbon and Arm & Hammer baking soda eliminate any existing odors. They’ll also work to prevent bad scents from the outdoors seeping into your cabin.
You can also expect improved ventilation after installation. This is great for those of you who like to keep the airflow on high. The material won’t interfere with your HVAC system, and at the same time, it works to filter out 98% of allergens and dust. This makes it ideal if you’re sensitive to dust and pollen or prone to respiratory distress.
This product also comes with installation guidelines and QR codes you can scan with your phone to access installation videos.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Activated carbon.
- One per package.
- Includes Arm & Hammer baking soda.
- Compatible with select models of Honda and Acura.
- Recommended replacement: As specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Installation guidelines included.
What We Like
- Explicit instructions.
- Gets rid of existing odors.
- Simple to install.
- Filters out most large-particle allergens and dust.
- Optimal airflow.
- Quality product with Arm & Hammer.
What We Don’t Like
- Some reports of trouble with ill-fitting products.
- You might notice fewer pleats than on OEM models.
Summary
This product is ideal for users keen on enjoying breathable air without having to compromise on airflow through the ventilation system. It’s also efficient at filtering allergen-provoking, large-particle pollutants.
K&N Washable And Reusable Cabin Air Filter
K&N’s filter is an awesome choice for eco-friendly drivers. Whenever it gets too dirty, you can simply remove it, wash it, and reinstall it again.
As you may expect, the materials are made to last. This isn’t something you’ll find in all reusable cabin air filters out there, with some of them losing durability after only a few washes.
The frame is made of polyurethane, a type of rubber that’s flexible rather than brittle, and far less likely to crack with repeated handling.
The material is synthetic and non-woven. It shouldn’t wear thin or start to lose its filtration ability after multiple washes. It’s also electrostatically charged to enable it to attract particles of dust, pollen, and other solid debris. This makes it a magnet for potential allergens, which is handy if you’re sensitive to these things.
Although it doesn’t contain baking soda, it will still capture odors. Smells from outdoors or a musty residue in your cabin should disappear soon after installation.
It’s built to the same specifications as the OEM unit. As long as your Toyota or Subaru is among the compatible models, it should fit as snugly as the original.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Dust (particle).
- One per package.
- Non-woven synthetic material.
- Polyurethane frame.
- Reusable.
- Electrostatically charged.
- Compatible with select models of Toyota and Subaru.
What We Like
- Durable construction.
- Eco-friendly.
- Stays effective long-term.
- Simple to wash and re-install.
- Captures odors as well as solid particles.
- Performs consistently even after multiple washes.
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic smell from the rubber frame takes a while to go away.
- Buying the manufacturer’s own cleaning products is recommended (but not a must).
Summary
Environmentally conscious drivers will appreciate this reusable cabin air filter. It’s odor-eating and allergen-blocking to ensure the air in your cabin stays breathable.
Spearhead Breathe Easy Cabin Air Filter
This unit by Spearhead lives up to the name, and it should have you breathing easy in no time.
It’s built to filter out nearly every pollutant the road can throw at your vehicle, from allergens and pollen to brake dust and exhaust fumes.
There are three filtration layers to tackle separate pollutants. An electrostatic charged dust layer collects solid particles such as pollen and dust. Next, an antimicrobial layer will block allergens, bacteria, and fungi. Finally, there’s an absorption layer to soak up fumes and other harmful gases such as smog.
It can capture ultra-fine particles that are as small as 0.5 microns. If you’re driving through areas with serious air pollution, this will give you full protection.
You also won’t have to worry about impacting airflow from your HVAC system. The honeycomb build of the material allows your vents to keep working as they should.
Last but not least, an additional advantage is a long lifespan. This unit should last you for up to 15,000 miles, which is three thousand more than standard.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Activated charcoal (carbon).
- Recommended replacement: every 15,000 miles.
- Installation manual included.
- Three-stage filtration.
- Check vehicle compatibility.
What We Like
- Comprehensive protection.
- Weave material blocks ultrafine particles.
- Sturdy feel.
- Helpful guidelines.
- Eradicates odors.
- Clearly marked airflow arrow.
- Longer lasting than other products.
- Won’t restrict ventilation.
What We Don’t Like
- You may hear noises from the HVAC system after installation.
Summary
Those of you who are exposed to extreme air pollution will want to give this unit serious consideration. It protects your cabin from a wide range of pollutants, including ultrafine particles. Plus, it lasts for up to three thousand miles longer than most other products on the market.
Bosch Premium Cabin Air Filter
This unit contains HEPA (High Energy Efficiency Particulate Air) material, which traps harmful contaminants as small as 0.03 microns in size, which is great if you suffer from severe asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. It’s also free of chemical odor neutralizers.
It has a three-layer design to optimize filtration and stability. There is a hard support layer to protect the inner materials. The second layer is the HEPA filter, which will stop microscopic contaminants entering your cabin. The last part is electrostatically charged cotton.
The triple-security layer gives you additional insurance against pollutants. If anything gets past the first two layers, it will get drawn to and stuck to the last. It’s durable too, and will keep doing its job well as it ages, working consistently to give you fresh and clean air inside your car – from installation to removal.
These units are made to last for one year, barring exposure to extreme circumstances such as near-daily dust storms.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Dust (particle).
- One per package.
- Includes HEPA material.
- Three-layer protection.
- Recommended replacement: once a year.
- Compatible with select models of Honda, Acura, and Toyota.
- Installation instructions included.
- Free of chemical neutralizers.
What We Like
- Quality manufacturer.
- HEPA material.
- Lots of pleats.
- Consistent performance throughout the lifespan.
- Multi-layered filtration.
- No chemicals to neutralize odors.
What We Don’t Like
- In certain cases, you might notice reduced airflow.
- Isn’t the best at eliminating strong odors.
Summary
Sensitive users with respiratory illnesses will want to have a HEPA unit like this in their vehicles. An added perk is that it’s free of chemical odor neutralizers that could easily irritate your sinuses.
MANN Filter Cabin Air Filter
Mann Filter’s activated carbon air filter is for the Volkswagen and Audi owners out there.
This German manufacturer produces a range of filters for select makes and models of European vehicles. This means that you’re unlikely to have trouble with an ill-fitting or flimsily built component – you’ll get the same standard of quality as with the original part.
The primary filtration media is activated carbon. It’ll absorb noxious gasses as well as nasty odors. The unit also includes a non-woven layer to capture dust, pollen, and other large-particle pollutants. Together, these components work to provide full protection against smells and other contaminants from outdoors.
Best of all, the unit shouldn’t hinder airflow from your vents. It’s frustrating to have to choose between a cleaner cabin and good air circulation – but with this option, the material has a low flow resistance, so you can enjoy both.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Activated charcoal (carbon).
- One per package.
- Also available as a pack of two or three.
- Recommended replacement: Every 9,320 miles (15,000 kilometers) or once a year.
- Compatible with select models of Audi and Volkswagen.
- Includes instruction manual.
What We Like
- Carbon layer absorbs most gasses.
- OEM quality.
- Neutralizes bad smells.
- Doesn’t reduce airflow.
- Reputable manufacturer.
- Exact fit.
What We Don’t Like
- You have to be extra careful with getting the right size.
Summary
Audi and Volkswagen owners who want OEM quality without a high price tag should give this unit a second look.
With this air filter, your cabin will be shielded against the majority of gas and particle-based contaminants.
Kootek 2-Pack Cabin Air Filter
These filters by Kootek are great for users who especially want to combat bad odors. If you have a habit of eating in your car and forgetting a few things here and there, or driving around with pets, pencil them in on your shortlist!
It’s effective thanks to the dual-layered activated carbon material with baking soda. It uses over 20 pleats, meaning there’s a greater surface area to capture pollutants, and it works against dust and other particles ranging from five to 100 microns in size.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the sturdy build. In other words, you won’t have to worry about it falling apart during installation. And unlike other products on the market, you’ll receive two units per package. Each will keep your cabin air breathable for up to one year or 12,000 miles.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Two per package.
- Activated carbon.
- Includes baking soda.
- Recommended replacement: every 12,000 miles or once a year.
- Compatible with select models of Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, and Scion.
What We Like
- Dual charcoal layers.
- Absorbs most external odors.
- Combats internal cabin smells.
- Works against a range of pollutants.
- Two-pack.
- Sturdy feel.
- Over 20 pleats per unit.
What We Don’t Like
- Restricts airflow at times.
Summary
The two layers of activated carbon will fight odors from inside your vehicle and block them from outside. You’ll definitely want to give these filters a try if your end goal is to freshen up the cabin of your car.
ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
This particle cabin air filter is made by ACDelco, meaning you can expect quality. This company builds OEM parts that are used in over two million General Motors vehicles per year.
You’re likely to get an exact fit, as long as your vehicle is compatible. With filters, a poor fit means reduced efficacy.
This product has three distinct layers targeted at different types of pollutants. One of the outermost layers will block large-particle contaminants, the other outer layer is for strength and structure, and the innermost layer will absorb smaller particles such as road dust and pollen.
Another benefit is that mold and bacteria shouldn’t grow on it. This means you won’t have to wait for that trademark “old filter” musty smell to appear after a while.
The material is non-woven, meaning it may enhance airflow. If previous filters have had you cranking up the heat or air conditioning system, you might want to give this model a try.
Users living in regions where a functional HVAC system is essential to comfort will definitely appreciate this as well.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Dust (particle).
- One per package.
- Three-layered filtration.
- Recommended replacement: as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Check vehicle compatibility.
What We Like
- Stops bacteria and mold growth.
- Layered for effectiveness.
- Well-known manufacturer.
- OEM fit and quality.
- May help improve airflow.
- Good HVAC performance.
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t do a good job of absorbing toxic gasses.
Summary
A solid choice for users who require strong airflow from their HVAC systems. It’s also appropriate for those of you looking for OEM quality and dimensions without the OEM price tag.
ECOGARD Premium Cabin Air Filter
The ECOGARD filter is made with electrostatically charged material that enables it to draw and capture large-particle contaminants ranging from thick dust to pollen.
It’s appropriate for users who are exposed to non-gaseous pollutants on a regular basis. For those exposed to gaseous ones, though, there are better options.
It has numerous pleats and is thick and sturdy to the touch. Each unit is rated to last for up to 15,000 miles, longer than the average of 12,000 miles.
In addition to that, it’s designed to replace OEM parts for select models of vehicle. This means you’ll get an exact fit for the unit you’re replacing.
A great feature is that it also does a good job at eliminating odors. Any residual smells leftover from your old filter, such cigarette smoke smells in your car, should disappear shortly after installation.
Manufacturer’s Specifications and Feature List
- Dust (particle).
- One per package.
- Electrostatically charged material.
- Compatible with select models of Dodge, Chrysler, Infiniti, and Volkswagen.
- Recommended replacement: every 15,000 miles.
- Instruction manual included.
What We Like
- Clear instructions.
- Long-lasting.
- Eradicates bad smells.
- OEM fit.
- Thick.
- Works against large-particle contaminants.
- Lots of pleats.
- Won’t impede airflow.
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t filter out gas-based pollutants.
Summary
This no-frills filter is effective against a range of large-particle pollutants. It’s a great choice if you’re rarely exposed to gaseous pollutants like smog and exhaust fumes – but if you’re exposed to these even on an infrequent basis, you’re better off with something else.
What Is a Cabin Air Filter and How Does It Work?
These units work on filtering air from the outside world before it enters your vehicle, and are located behind the heating and air-conditioning vents.
The system as a whole is commonly referred to by the moniker HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
The placement (usually behind the glove compartment of your vehicle) prevents contaminants from entering the cabin of your vehicle.
With a good cabin filter in place, the driver and other passengers won’t have to inhale anything that smells nasty or is harmful to their health. This can range from mild pollutants such as pollen and dust, to nasty stuff like exhaust fumes.
They can also inhibit small, solid debris from entering your cabin, such as certain insects that may get blown under the hood when you’re driving fast.
The filtration material that a cabin air filter uses will vary depending on its type. The same is true of the effectiveness and durability of the product. Some models are reusable, whereas others are single-use and must be disposed of when they’re worn out.
Watch this brief animated video to see how this filtration process exactly works:
What Are the Benefits of Cabin Air Filters?
Most cabin air filters are not the most advanced car parts out there, but there are more advantages that come with these filtration devices than you may imagine.
- Boost Engine Performance: The engine is the source of power for nearly every feature in your vehicle. If your filter is dirty, it won’t be easy for air to pass through it. When you’re blasting the AC or heating at high settings, it’s even more of a struggle. Your engine then has to work harder to push air through the dirty material.
- Improve Fuel Economy: When your engine has to work overtime, it’ll burn more fuel. Studies have shown that a clean filtration can improve fuel economy. This applies more to older cars with carbureted motors.
- Stop Allergens and Pollution: Traffic congestion has increased over the past two decades and all those fumes can make their way into your cabin without a good filter. Dust, pollen, and bacteria can also travel into your ventilation system. If you’re allergic or suffer from asthma, you may spend your drives coughing and sneezing without a good filter.
- Clear Out Residual Odors: A musty smell in your cabin could be caused by an old unit. The dirtier it gets, the more likely it will collect foul smells and blow them back into your cabin. A functional unit can refresh your vehicle and eliminate unpleasant scents.
- Keep Your Cabin Clean: Cabin filters serve as a solid barrier against various things you don’t want anywhere near your cabin. This includes insects (alive or dead), leaves, and anything else the wind might blow under the hood.
- Get Better Airflow: A grimy unit isn’t conducive to good airflow coming through the ventilation. This is something you really need to consider if you live in a region prone to temperature extremes. In these cases, your A/C and heating won’t run as they should. In turn, this results in a sweltering or freezing drive rather than a comfortable one.
- Enjoy the Silence: The road can be a noisy place. Worn-out filtration units can result in irritating sounds making their way inside the cabin via your air vent.
What Are the Signs My Cabin Air Filter Is Failing?
You should be aware of the warning signs that your car’s cabin air filter needs a replacement.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
You already know when to change your oil or the lifespan of your tires – and it’s the same when you’re trying to figure out how often to change your cabin air filter: your manual.
You should, however, also take into account variables such as pollution levels where you live. For instance, frequent dust storms will mean the unit gets dirtier faster, and you’ll need to perform maintenance more often.
Discoloration
Your factory cabin air filter will be white when brand new. Visible discoloration or dirt combined with other symptoms on this list might mean they’re worn out.
Odors
If you’re still smelling everything from the outside but you have all the windows closed, your filter is likely past its best-by date and it may be time for a new one. A mildew-like odor may also indicate that the material is starting to get moldy and rot. Don’t ignore this, as you don’t want to inhale potentially dangerous bacteria!
Poor or Noisy Air Flow
Before assuming that you have serious issues with your HVAC system if the air just isn’t flowing as it should, check your filtration unit first. A coating of grime is enough to hinder normal ventilation.
Decreased Engine Performance
Admittedly, there are a lot of factors that can influence engine performance, and you might be dealing with something that needs to be taken care of by a professional.
Still, why not start by checking for something cheap and simple first?
Lower Gas Mileage
If your gas mileage is decreasing and you have an older car with a carburetor, it’s time for a visual inspection. Poor gas mileage may be a sign of a clogged unit.
Different Types of Cabin Air Filters
These products fall under two broad categories, and the exact materials used, scents they’re available in, and sizes you can choose from will depend on the brand.
You’ll likely come across the abbreviation “HEPA” while you’re shopping for a cabin air filter. This stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air.
HEPA units are able to capture almost all particles with a diameter of 0.03 microns or above. That’s an impressive rating considering microns are the measurement for one millionth of a meter!
Dust (Particle Cabin Filters)
These types block most of the standard respiratory menaces from entering your car. They’re built to inhibit large and tiny particles alike, so this covers pollen, dust from tires, soot, mold spores, and similar contaminants.
Dust and Odor (Activated Carbon Filters)
Products that contain activated carbon work against odor as well as pollutants. They’re also able to absorb harmful gasses such as ozone and carbon monoxide.
Some of these products are even treated with antibacterial substances that lower the chance of mold or other bacteria thriving.
What Is the Best Type of Cabin Air Filter for My Vehicle?
The answer will vary based on individual preferences and needs.
The environmentally conscious among you may want a unit that can be washed and reused. For others, certain pollutants may pose more of a problem than others. You might rarely drive through crowded city centers but often pass through pollen-heavy areas in the spring.
If this is the case, a dust (particle) filter may be enough to protect you. If you’re often exposed to smog and severe pollutants such as carbon monoxide, then an activated carbon filter is the best choice.
A general rule of thumb to follow is: the smaller the micron rating, the better the filtration result. Higher micron ratings mean smaller particles might be able to pass through.
How to Choose the Right Cabin Air Filter for Your Vehicle
The following is a list of the top considerations you should make before buying any cabin air filter for your car:
Compatibility
Check the specifications of the unit you’re considering before you buy it. First and foremost, you have to be sure that it can fit into your car.
Are you buying a replacement cabin air filter for the very first time? If so, check your owner’s manual to find out the appropriate dimensions.
Type
Consider the environment you travel through on your daily drives. What sorts of pollutants and airborne contaminants are circulating around?
Remember that activated carbon works on gasses, too – just in case this is a concern for you.
Effectiveness
Review the micron rating of any cabin air filter before you buy it, since this tells you what size particles it can block. If it doesn’t have a rating, be sure to look at other features to try to get an idea.
Does the material look thick and solid with lots of pleats? Are there any additional ingredients (such as baking soda) that will help with odors in your car? All of these are questions worth asking.
Durability
How long is it going to last? Does the estimated lifespan cover mild threats or extreme situations like dust storms or daily, lengthy traffic jams?
You need to factor in conditions that are specific to your travels and region. For instance, is humidity an issue where you live? If so, you may want material that’s been treated to resist mold and bacteria growth.
Reusable or Single-Use?
Can you get more than one use out of the unit?
Certain brands are made for eco-friendly users, while others have to be tossed out after they absorb enough dirt. If you do plump for reusable air filters, there’s a chance that they may not work as well after several washes when compared to how they used to perform when brand new.
Ease of Installation
This criterion is for users who are handy with their vehicles. A flimsy unit can tear during the installation process. If it’s wholly inflexible, you may have trouble getting it in.
For those of you who aren’t particularly comfortable with car maintenance work, find a cabin air filter that’s fairly easy and straightforward to install and remove whenever necessary.
Conclusion
Let’s face it: we can’t really control the quality of the air we breathe when we’re outdoors. Fortunately though, in this day and age, there’s a whole lot we can do to stay in control of this when we’re inside our vehicles.
Many of us spend at least an hour or more inside our cars per day. Those who lead more hectic lives might even spend several hours commuting.
In any case, buying a quality cabin air filter is a great way to ensure the air you breathe when driving stays clean and healthy, and ensures a fresh breeze for both you and your passengers.
We hope we managed to help you find the best cabin air filter to suit your needs from the products we’ve reviewed!
