Whether you are a professional driver, you drive to work, or you drop the kids off at school every day, breathing in smelly exhaust fumes and dangerous allergens can make your driving experience a misery. But once you install a cabin air filter into your vehicle, you and your passengers will enjoy fresh and clean air every day.
A cabin air filter is an extremely important tool for your vehicle and will make all the difference to the time you spend in your car, truck or Jeep. The filter not only stops bacteria, dust, pollen, and noxious fumes from entering your vehicle from the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, but it also keeps the engine running at an optimal level.
Wherever your travels take you, a cabin air filter will help to create toxin-free air so that you can enjoy driving even in a smog-infested city.
The 10 Best Air Cabin Filters
- EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter
- Ecogard XC36080 Cabin Air Filter
- TYC 800208C Cabin Air Filter
- Premium Guard Cabin Air Filter
- Mann Filter CUK 29005 Cabin Air Filter
- ACDelco CF188 GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
- FRAM FreshBreeze CF10134 Cabin Air Filter
- Spearhead Breathe Easy Cabin Filter
- Kootek CF10285 Cabin Air Filter
- Bosch Automotive Workshop 5176WS Cabin Air Filter
Our Top Pick for the Best Cabin Air Filter
Our top pick for the best car cabin filter is the FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter.
We highly recommend the FRAM cabin air filter for your vehicle.
Whether you are stuck in traffic in a smoggy city or cruising along a country lane, the FRAM filter will keep nasty toxins, dust, allergens, and smelly odors outside your vehicle where they belong. Just like a fresh breeze on a hot summer’s day, the FRAM filter will create a comfortable and safe environment for you and your fellow travelers.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Cabin Air Filter
There are so many different types of cabin filters on the market, but this helpful buying guide and reviews will help you to find the right pollen filter for your vehicle.
Vehicle Compatibility
Before you buy a cabin air filter, you need to check whether the filter is compatible with your vehicle’s specific make and model. Even though some filters are compatible with most vehicle types, some specialized filters are designed for particular models like Ford or Subaru. You can check to see if the pollen filter is right for your vehicle by reading the filter’s details online or contacting the manufacturer.
Types of Cabin Air Filters
These are three main types of cabin air filters: a particle filter, an activated carbon filter, and an electrostatic filter.
– Particle Cabin Air Filter
A particle cabin air filter such as the ACDelco CF188 is the ideal air-cleaning tool for everyday use. It is specially designed to trap the tiniest of airborne particles, which makes it very effective at trapping pollen, smog, and dust. Although it works well at removing most odors, this type of filter may not be very effective with extra strong chemical odors like cigarette smoke.
– Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter
Activated carbon is extremely effective at trapping harmful bacteria, allergens, fumes, and noxious gases. Carbon-based filters may also contain baking soda or other types of porous material that absorb nasty odors so that the air in your vehicle stays nice and fresh.
– Electrostatic Cabin Air Filter
An electrostatic cabin air filter is an excellent choice for professional drivers and people who use their cars every day. The electrostatically charged material inside the pollen filter works like a powerful magnet that attracts a wide range of contaminants such as spores, mold, fungus, mildew, pet dander, exhaust fumes, diesel, and cigarette fumes.
Electrostatic filters that contain additional layers, like activated carbon, are heavier than other filters so they may restrict the airflow in a larger vehicle.
Filter’s Lifespan
The average lifespan of a cabin air filter is usually about 12 months or between 12,000-15,000 miles. A filter’s lifespan will also depend on how often you drive your vehicle and whether you park it under a tree as the leaves can clog up the filter.
Easy Installation
Most drivers let their professional mechanic remove the old filter and reinstall a brand new filter. But did you know that it is very easy to remove your old filter and install a new one? Just open your glove box. Your old filter will be sitting towards the back and on top of the fan. Squeeze and hold the fasteners on either side of the old filter and pull towards you. You are now ready to install your new filter.
If you have trouble installing the pollen filter, cabin air filter manufacturers usually include easy-to-follow instructions, or you can watch this helpful video that shows you how to install the FRAM FreshBreeze CF10134 Air Filter.
Best Cabin Air Filter Reviews
1. EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter
Offer you an enhanced HVAC filtering performance, the EPAuto CP553 Cabin Air Filter is a great choice for any motorist.
This premium filter is highly effective at creating clean air that is 100% safe for you and your passengers to breathe. Using the combined power of baking soda and carbon, the EPAuto traps dust particles, bacteria, allergens, and also eliminates smelly odors from gas or fumes.
EPAuto offers the CP285 in a wide range of sizes for Toyota, Lexus, Pontiac, Scion, Subaru, and Land Rover vehicles, but make sure that you check the individual filter part numbers to ensure the filter fits your car properly. The CP285 cabin air filter lasts up to 12 months or it can be replaced every 12,000 miles.
Installation is very easy but if you get stuck, EPAuto includes helpful instructions in the box.
The EPAuto cabin air filter comes in a 1, 2, 3, or 40-pack
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Enhanced HVAC performance
- Powerful baking soda and carbon create fresh clean air
- Effectively traps a wide range of contaminants, bacteria, and odors
- Wide range of filter sizes
- Thick material effectively filters out contaminants
- Easy installation and instructions
- Available in 1, 2,3, or 40-pack
Cons
- Only designed for certain car models
- 12-month lifespan may not be ideal for professional drivers
2. Ecogard XC36080 Cabin Air Filter
The Ecogard XC36080 Cabin Air Filter offers Honda drivers a premium air filtering performance all year round.
Ecogard has specifically engineered and tested the XC36080 for a range of Honda vehicles. Acura RDX 2019-2020, Honda Civic, 2016-2019, Honda Clarity 2017-2019, Honda Clarity HYBRID 2019, Honda CRV 2017-2019, Honda CR-Z 2011-2015, Honda Fit 2009-2019, Honda HR-V 2016-2019, Honda Insight 2010-2019, and Honda Odyssey 2018-2020.
You will be amazed at the difference the Ecogard cabin filter will make inside your car. This filter contains highly efficient electrostatic material that works just like a powerful magnet to attract up to 99.5% of airborne contaminants such as pollen, dust, pollution, allergens, and pet dander. Carbon media and sodium bicarbonate infused material absorb up to 30% of smaller airborne particulates such as bacteria and tobacco smoke.
The XC36080 also improves the performance of your HVAC system and maximizes airflow throughout your vehicle. So summer or winter, you will travel in complete comfort. Best of all, the Ecogard filter can last up to 15,000 miles before you have to change it.
This pollen filter is ideal for DIY car maintenance enthusiasts as it can be installed without tools in just 15 minutes.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Premium electrostatic air filtering efficiency
- Specifically designed for Honda vehicles
- Perfect for people who have allergies and respiratory problems
- Traps up to 99% of all pollen, dust particles, air pollution, allergens, and pet dander
- Carbon media and sodium bicarbonate absorbs up to 30% of smaller airborne contaminants and odors
- Maximizes HVAC airflow all-year-round
- Easy installation without tools in 15 minutes
Cons
- Not very effective a removing very strong odors
- Can restrict the airflow in a larger vehicle
- Only designed for Honda vehicles
3. TYC 800208C Cabin Air Filter
If you own a Lexus or a Toyota, the TYC 800208C Cabin Air filter will keep the air super clean and fresh in your vehicle.
One of the most powerful cabin air filters available, this single-stage particle air filter has an additional layer of carbon that allows it to eliminate nearly 100% of all airborne contaminants such as exhaust pollutants, pollen, dust, allergens, toxic fumes, and odors.
Extremely easy to install, the filter only takes 7 minutes to be fitted into your vehicle and TYC includes easy-to-understand instructions.
As the pack contains two filters that last up to 12,000 miles each, you and your passengers will enjoy extra long-lasting clean and fresh air.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Fits most Toyota vehicles
- Extremely efficient filtration performance
- Eliminates nearly 100% of exhaust pollutants and airborne contaminants
- Additional carbon layer removes odors
- Easy to install in just 7 minutes
- Comes with helpful instructions
Cons
- Not offered for a large variety of vehicles
4. Premium Guard Cabin Air Filter
Enjoy fresh and clean air every day with the Premium Guard Cabin Air Filter.
If you suffer from allergies or breathing difficulties, the Premium Guard cabin air filter will protect you from airborne allergens that make your driving-life a misery. Harnassing the power of activated charcoal, the Premium Guard filter traps up to 99% of contaminants like harmful spores, pollen, and chemical odors that enter your vehicle through the ventilation system.
Premium Guard has also maximized their filter so that it does not affect the flow of fresh air into the passenger’s cabin.
The Premium Guard filter is designed for a range of Lexus or Toyota models. It comes with easy-to-follow replacement instructions and only takes a few minutes to install.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for allergy sufferers
- Designed for a range of Lexus and Toyota vehicles
- Activated charcoal traps up to 99% of harmful spores, pollen, and chemical odors
- Maximizes a free-flow of fresh air into the passenger’s cabin
- Fast installation
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Designed for Lexus and Toyota only
- Pricey
- Arrows on the filter can be confusing
5. Mann Filter CUK 29005 Cabin Air Filter
Proudly made in Germany, the Mann-Filter CUK29005 delivers a superior filtration performance.
Specially designed for Mercedes Benz drivers, the Mann Filter will consistently keep the air in your vehicle delightfully fresh and clean.
Just like a sponge, this particle filter is highly effective at absorbing harmful airborne gas and trapping pollen, spores, and dust. An activated charcoal layer removes nasty odors and an additional built-in carrier media improves stability for longer-term filtration.
The advanced all-round seal also provides a better fit in your vehicle and improves the ventilation so that passengers in the back seat can enjoy fresh air too.
Installing the Mann Filter is very easy and only takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Pros
- Great quality
- Superior filtration performance
- Made in Germany
- Sponge-like particle filter is highly effective at absorbing airborne gases, and trapping pollen, spores, and dust
- Activated charcoal removes nasty odors
- Built-in carrier media improves stability for long-term filtration
- Improves ventilation system
- Exact fit for Mercedes Benz
- Easy installation
Cons
- Only compatible with Mercedes Benz
- Expensive
6. ACDelco CF188 GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
The ACDelco CF188 will take good care of your air filtration needs so that you can enjoy clean air day or night.
This high-performance cabin air filter is a GM-recommended replacement for your Buick, Cadillac, GMC, or Chevrolet.
As the CF188 has an advanced 3-layered construction, it is super effective at trapping up to 100% of pollen, dust, toxic fumes, and stops odors from spreading throughout your vehicle. Whether you are driving in warm or cold weather, the CF188 also works to enhance the performance of your HVAC system.
The filter is easy to install and has arrows pointing in the direction of the airflow, so you do not have to worry about installing it backward.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Excellent filtration performance
- GM-recommended replacement part
- Advanced 3-layered construction traps small and large particles
- Traps up to 100% of pollen, dust, and toxic fumes
- Designed for long-term strength and stability
- Improves the HVAC airflow
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
- Not very effective at stopping strong odors
- Does not fit all brands of cars
- Not washable
7. FRAM FreshBreeze CF10134 Cabin Air Filter
Experience a delightfully fresh breeze in your vehicle with the FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter.
The FreshBreeze cabin air filter contains the perfect combination of powerful activated carbon and natural odor-eliminated qualities of Arm & Hammer baking soda. You do not have to worry about toxic gases, harmful allergens or smelly odors spoiling your driving experience as the CF10134 captures up to 98% of airborne contaminants before they enter your vehicle.
The FRAM air filter improves the performance of your HVAC system so that any musty odors are transformed into fresh sweet-smelling air. It also stops leaves or dust from damaging the engine which can result in costly mechanical and electrical bills. Offering you long-lasting breathable air, the FreshBreeze filter lasts up to 15,000 miles.
This cabin air filter is quite simple to install in a vehicle that has its filter in the glove box and FRAM also provides easy-to-follow instructions in the box.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for vehicles that have a filter in the glove box
- Powerful combination of carbon and Arm & Hammer baking soda
- Filters up to 98% of dust, pollen, gases, and odors
- Improves the airflow performance of the HVAC system for fresher air
- Protects the engine from damaging particles and wear and tear
- Simple to install
- Easy-to-understand instructions
Cons
- May not fit all cars
8. Spearhead Breathe Easy Cabin Filter
With a perfect fit, form, and function, the Spearhead Breathe Easy Cabin Air Filter offers you an excellent filtration performance.
The Spearhead filter is 25% heavier and lasts 25% longer which means it is able to last up to 15,000 miles as opposed to 12,000 miles offered by standard cabin filters. Industrial strength electrostatic media works just like a magnet and attracts even the tiniest of particles, while a honeycomb charcoal weave traps toxic gas and smelly odors.
Spearhead’s unique 3-stage filtration system creates the cleanest air possible by removing dust, pollen, bacteria, road debris, exhaust fumes, and gases.
The Spearhead cabin filter is designed to fit a white range of vehicles such as Honda, Hyundai, Buick, LaCrosse, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Impala, Malibu, or Canyon.
Perfect for DIY installation, the filter comes with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Spearhead includes a date/mileage box that lets you know when it is time to replace the filter. You can also choose from a wide range of filter sizes.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Affordable price
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
- 25% heavier and 25% longer life – up to 15,000 miles
- Industrial strength electrostatic media traps the tiniest of particles
- Densely packed activated carbon prevents gases and odors from entering the cabin
- Unique 3-stage filtration, antimicrobial, and absorption system
- Traps dust, allergens, fumes, gases, and odors
- Easy DIY installation
- Step-by-step instructions
- Date/mileage box
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Heavier design can restrict airflow in some larger vehicles
- May not stop very strong odors
9. Kootek CF10285 Cabin Air Filter
This amazingly effective filter from Kootek will dramatically improve the air quality in your Toyota, Lexus, Scion or Subaru.
The Kootek CF10285 contains dual active carbon layers and baking soda, which allows it to absorb ultrafine road dust and pollen up to 5-microns. It protects you and your passengers against bacteria, viruses, gases, and nasty odors for 12 months or up to 12,000 miles.
The Kootek filter also enhances the performance of your HVAC system so that it continues to provide optimal heating and cooling over the long term.
Installation is very simple and Kootek includes easy step-by-step instructions.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Affordable price
- Wide range of sizes for Toyota vehicles
- Dramatically improve in-vehicle air quality
- Filters road dust and pollen up to 5 microns
- Active carbon layers and soda are highly effective at removing bacteria, viruses, gases, and odors
- Enhances HVAC performance
- Simple installation
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Can restrict airflow in some vehicles
- Only suitable for Toyota, Lexus, Scion, and Subaru
10. Bosch Automotive Workshop 5176WS Cabin Air Filter
Whether you drive a Ford, Lincoln, Mazda or Mercury, the Bosch Automotive 5176WS Cabin Air Filter offers you a flawless filtration performance.
The Bosch Workshop air filter is perfect for drivers who spend a lot of time driving in dusty environments and high traffic areas. This powerful filter contains heavy-duty cellulose cured media that allows it to capture up to 98% of microscopic airborne contaminants.
You will experience a continuous flow of fresh air as the high-quality polyurethane seal stops any unfiltered air from entering your vehicle. The filter also improves engine performance by providing better acceleration and enhanced fuel efficiency.
You will have no trouble finding the right size for your vehicle as the Bosch filter comes in a wide range of sizes.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Flawless filtration performance
- Extremely efficient heavy-duty filter
- High-velocity cellulose cured media
- Large dust-holding capacity
- Captures up to 98% of microscopic dust and airborne contaminants up to 3 microns
- Ideal for professional air filter installers or professional drivers
- Improves HVAC and enhances engine performance
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Only suitable for a Ford, Lincoln, Mazda or Mercury
- Can be hard to install in some vehicles
Our Top Pick for the Best Cabin Air Filter
Our top pick for the best car cabin filter is the FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter.
We highly recommend the FRAM cabin air filter for your vehicle.
Whether you are stuck in traffic in a smoggy city or cruising along a country lane, the FRAM filter will keep nasty toxins, dust, allergens, and smelly odors outside your vehicle where they belong. Just like a fresh breeze on a hot summer’s day, the FRAM filter will create a comfortable and safe environment for you and your fellow travelers.
Check the price on Amazon
