A paper filter costs very little and touches every cup you brew. It is also the part most people buy without looking, then find out at 6 a.m. that the new box does not fit the basket.
Fit comes first. A drip machine takes a cone or a flat-bottom basket, a pour-over dripper takes its own shape, and a Chemex and an AeroPress each need something else entirely. This guide covers nine paper filters and says plainly which brewer each suits. If you would rather stop buying paper, see our guide to the best reusable coffee filter.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: the filter for your brewer
For a standard cone drip machine, the Melitta #4 Natural Brown is the easy default. For a V60, buy Hario’s size 02. For a Chemex, use Chemex’s bonded squares. For a flat-bottom Bunn, buy BUNN’s basket filter. Whatever you buy, rinse the paper with hot water before you brew: Consumer Reports says that removes most of the papery taste.
The table lists five of the most common needs. All nine filters are covered after it.
Five filters side by side
Shape and brewer fit for our five standouts, as each maker or listing gives them.
| Coffee filter | Best for | Shape | Fits | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Melitta #4 Natural Brown Cone Filters, 6-PackBest overall
|
Everyday cone machines | Cone, #4 | 8 to 12 cup cone makers | View on Amazon |
Hario V60 Paper Filters, Size 02, WhiteBest for pour-over
|
Hand pour-over | Cone, size 02 | Size 02 cone drippers | View on Amazon |
Chemex Bonded Filters, SquareBest for Chemex
|
Chemex brewers | Square, bonded | Chemex except 3-cup | View on Amazon |
BUNN Basket Filters, 8 to 12 CupBest for basket machines
|
Flat-bottom machines | Basket | Most 8 to 12 cup Bunn | View on Amazon |
AeroPress White Micro-Filters, 350 CountBest for AeroPress
|
AeroPress brewers | Round disc | Standard AeroPress models | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as each maker or listing states them; “Not stated” means we could not find the figure from the maker or listing.
Which coffee filter fits which brewer
Check your brewer’s manual or the old box before you buy anything. This is the short version.
| Your brewer | Filter to look for | Pick on this page |
|---|---|---|
| Cone drip machine, 8 to 12 cups | #4 cone | Melitta, Moccamaster, If You Care |
| Small cone machine or single-cup cone | #2 cone | Filtropa |
| Flat-bottom drip machine | 8 to 12 cup basket | BUNN |
| Hario V60, size 02 | V60 size 02 cone | Hario |
| Chemex, 6-cup and larger | Bonded square or circle | Chemex |
| Kalita Wave 155 | Wave 155 fluted | Kalita |
| AeroPress, standard size | Round micro-filter | AeroPress |
Our picks for the best coffee filters
Most of these filters do one job, and the best one for you is the one that fits. So the ranking below is partly a measure of how many kitchens each one serves, not a pure taste ranking.
1. Melitta #4 Natural Brown Cone Filters, 6-Pack – The Everyday Cone for Drip Machines
If your drip machine takes a cone, and many 8 to 12 cup machines do, this is the filter to buy first. Melitta says these fit all 8 to 12 cup cone coffee makers, and they are made in the USA from unbleached, chlorine-free paper. The listing gives 100 filters per pack in a pack of six.
Melitta’s double-crimped edges are meant to stop bursts and spills, and its small perforations are meant to let flavor through. Those are the maker’s descriptions, not independent findings. The listing also gives FSC and BPI compostable certification.
Paper taste is the catch. Wildkaffee found a distinct paper taste in Melitta’s bag filter, and Consumer Reports says several of the #4 filters it tried left a papery taste. Consumer Reports’ free text also says rinsing with hot water before brewing removes most of it, so make that a habit, particularly with natural brown paper.
Why we like it
- Fits 8 to 12 cup cone machines, per Melitta
- Made in the USA
- FSC and BPI compostable certified, per the listing
- Double-crimped edges to resist bursting
Key specifications
| Model | Melitta #4 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Cone, #4 |
| Color | Natural brown |
| Count | 100 per pack; 6 packs |
| Fits | 8 to 12 cup cone machines; most one-cup cones |
| Paper | Unbleached, chlorine-free |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone with a standard #4 cone machine or pour-over cone who wants a widely available filter. It is an easy default for everyday pots.
Skip it if you are sensitive to paper taste and do not want to rinse. You could try a white filter such as the Moccamaster, though we would rinse that too.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits many machines
- Large supply
- Compostable, per the listing
Cons
- Paper taste if not rinsed
- Bulk pack takes up space
- Perforation benefit is the maker’s claim
2. Hario V60 Paper Filters, Size 02, White – Made for the V60 Cone
A V60 has a large single hole and spiral ribs, so the paper matters more than it does in a machine. This Hario filter is the one designed for the job. The listing gives two packs of 100 white, oxygen-bleached paper filters for size 02 cone drippers, which brew one to four cups.
Wildkaffee, a German roaster that compared filter papers in its own article, rated the Hario V60 paper as relatively neutral overall, with a slight woody sweetness at first. That is the kind of result you want from a filter: little in the cup that was not in the coffee.
Hario also makes a natural version in the same size. Do not buy the wrong number, since a size 02 will not suit a size 01 or 03 dripper properly.
Why we like it
- Designed for size 02 cone drippers
- Oxygen-bleached white paper
- Rated relatively neutral by Wildkaffee
- 200 filters in the set
Key specifications
| Model | VCF-02-100W-2S |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Cone, size 02 |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 per pack; 2 packs |
| Fits | Cone-shaped size 02 drippers, 1 to 4 cups |
| Paper | Oxygen-bleached |
| Made in | Listing for the natural version says Japan |
Why we recommend it
It suits V60 owners first of all, and also other size 02 cone drippers. It is the straightforward choice if you brew by hand for one or two people.
Skip it if you own a drip machine. A #4 cone or a basket filter is what you need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Neutral taste, per Wildkaffee
- Correct shape for a V60
- Good pack size
Cons
- Sold by a third party
- Size-specific
- Not for most machines
3. Chemex Bonded Filters, Square – The Thick Paper for a Chemex
A Chemex needs its own filter, and these are it. The listing gives 100 square bonded filters that Chemex says are 20 to 30 percent thicker than competing filters, made in the USA from North American materials, and compostable. They fit every Chemex except the small CM-1, CM-1C and CM-1GH models.
That thickness is what gives Chemex coffee its clean style, according to the maker, because it holds back oils and fine grounds. Wildkaffee’s comparison is more mixed: it notes a rather strong paper taste in the filter itself, while still rating the taste as quite neutral overall.
So rinse these well too. A thick paper needs a good pour of hot water to get rid of any paper taste and warm the glass. They also lift out cleanly with the grounds, which means there is no tray or basket to scrub.
Why we like it
- 20 to 30 percent thicker, per Chemex
- Made in the USA and compostable, per the listing
- Fits all but the 3-cup sizes
- Lifts out cleanly with the grounds
Key specifications
| Model | FS-100 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Square, for 5 to 13 cup Chemex |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 |
| Fits | All Chemex except CM-1, CM-1C and CM-1GH |
| Paper | Bonded, thick |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits every Chemex owner with a 6-cup or larger. If you want a no-bleach option, Chemex also sells natural squares.
Skip it if you own a 3-cup Chemex. That size needs FP-2 half-circle filters, not these.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Purpose-made fit
- Thick, clean brew, per the maker
- Sold by Chemex
Cons
- Only fits a Chemex
- Rinse well
- Slow drawdown is possible with fine grinds
4. BUNN Basket Filters, 8 to 12 Cup – Tall Walls for Flat-Bottom Baskets
Flat-bottom machines need a basket filter, not a cone, and the height of the wall matters. BUNN’s listing gives a 100 count, chlorine-free filter that fits most 8 to 12 cup Bunn brewers and has a stay-in-place design to stop grounds overflowing.
This is the first filter to try if you own a Bunn. It may also suit other flat-bottom baskets of a similar size, but check your basket’s depth, since the listing only speaks for Bunn.
We found no independent review of this filter. Its case rests on the maker’s fit and description.
Why we like it
- Made to fit most 8 to 12 cup Bunn brewers
- Stay-in-place design to resist overflow
- Chlorine-free, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | BCF100-B |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Basket, flat-bottom, 8 to 12 cup |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 |
| Fits | Most 8 to 12 cup Bunn brewers |
| Paper | Chlorine-free |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy these if you have a Bunn, or if your flat-bottom machine has trouble with grounds spilling over a shorter filter.
Skip it if your machine uses a cone filter. Check the shape of your basket first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits Bunn machines
- Designed against overflow
- Simple single pack
Cons
- Listing details only
- Bunn-specific on the listing
- White paper only here
5. Moccamaster #4 White Paper Filters – Oxygen-Whitened, Bonded Without Glue
Technivorm’s Moccamaster filter is not only for Moccamaster machines. The listing says it fits all coffee makers that use a #4 size filter, and it comes in 100-count boxes. The paper is whitened with a bleach-free, oxygen-based method and is bonded without chemicals or glues, according to the maker.
Consumer Reports says several of the #4 filters it tried left a papery taste, but this one is not on its list of filters, so we cannot say how it compares. The white paper is mainly a choice for people who prefer it to brown.
Moccamaster says the filter will not change your coffee’s taste. That is a maker’s claim and we would still rinse it.
Why we like it
- Fits any #4 cone maker, per the listing
- Oxygen-whitened, no bleach
- No chemicals or glue in bonding, per the maker
- 100 percent recyclable, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 85022 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Cone, #4 |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 |
| Fits | Any machine using a #4 filter |
| Paper | Oxygen-whitened |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone with a #4 cone machine who wants a white filter without chlorine bleach, including owners of Moccamaster brewers.
Skip it if you prefer unbleached paper. The Melitta or If You Care is the one to buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- White, not chlorine bleached
- Fits #4 machines generally
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Taste claim is the maker’s
- Single box runs out sooner
- Listing details only
6. Filtropa #2 White Cone Filters, 2-Pack – Dutch Filters for Small Cones
The #2 size suits small machines and single-cup cones. Filtropa’s listing gives 200 filters in two packs, made in Holland from totally chlorine-free, oxygen-whitened paper.
It also says the paper comes from FSC-certified manufacturing and that the packaging uses recycled materials. It works in automatic machines and manual pour-over drippers that take a cone, so it covers both small-machine and hand-brew owners.
We did not read an independent review of this filter, so it rests on the listing. It is also sold by a third party, so check the shipping details.
Why we like it
- Made in Holland
- Totally chlorine-free, oxygen-whitened
- Works in machines and manual cones
- FSC-certified manufacturing, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Cone, #2 |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 per pack; 2 packs |
| Fits | Size 2 cone machines and pour-over cones |
| Paper | Totally chlorine-free, oxygen-whitened |
| Made in | Holland |
Why we recommend it
It suits small cone machines and Melitta-type single-cup brewers, particularly if you prefer white paper.
Skip it if you need a #4. Buy the Moccamaster for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Chlorine-free white paper
- Works in both machines and cones
- Good pack size
Cons
- Third-party seller
- Listing details only
- Few maker details
7. If You Care No. 4 Cone Filters, 4-Pack – Unbleached and FSC Certified
If You Care makes kitchen paper goods for people who want unbleached products. This filter is a No. 4 cone, sold in a pack of four boxes of 100, made without chlorine or dyes from FSC-certified paper, and the listing says it can be composted.
It competes directly with the natural Melitta. If how the paper is produced matters to you, its FSC and chlorine-free labeling is plain to read. Consumer Reports included this filter in its test of #4 filters, but its results are paywalled, so we cannot tell you where it placed.
As with any natural paper, rinse before brewing to reduce the paper taste.
Why we like it
- Unbleached and chlorine-free
- FSC certified, per the listing
- Compostable, per the listing
- Fits most No. 4 cone makers and pour-over brewers
Key specifications
| Model | 454222 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Cone, No. 4 |
| Color | Natural brown |
| Count | 100 per pack; 4 packs |
| Fits | Most No. 4 cone makers and pour-over brewers |
| Paper | Unbleached, chlorine-free |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that composts and wants a straightforward natural filter for a standard cone machine.
Skip it if you would rather have white paper. The Moccamaster is the same size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compostable
- Bulk supply
- Simple, clear labeling
Cons
- Paper taste if not rinsed
- Third-party seller
- Multi-pack takes up space
8. AeroPress White Micro-Filters, 350 Count – Round Discs for the AeroPress
An AeroPress uses a small round disc rather than a cone, so nothing else in this list will fit it. The maker’s micro-filters are white, chlorine-free paper that AeroPress says catches grounds for a grit-free cup and absorbs bitter oils for a cleaner taste than metal.
The listing says they fit the AeroPress Original, Clear, Go, Go Plus and Premium. The XL needs its own larger filters, so do not buy these for that model.
A pack of 350 goes a long way at one per cup. AeroPress also sells a steel disc, which is covered in our reusable filter guide, if you would rather stop buying paper at all.
Why we like it
- Custom fit for standard AeroPress models
- White, chlorine-free paper
- 350 count lasts a long time
- Sold by AeroPress itself
Key specifications
| Model | 81R24 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Round disc |
| Color | White |
| Count | 350 |
| Fits | AeroPress Original, Clear, Go, Go Plus, Premium |
| Paper | Chlorine-free |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
If you own a standard AeroPress, buy these. There is little reason to look further.
Skip it if you own the AeroPress XL. It takes its own larger size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right size by design
- Long-lasting pack
- Sold by the maker
Cons
- AeroPress only
- Not for the XL
- Benefits are the maker’s claims
9. Kalita Wave 155 Filters – Fluted Paper for Flat-Bottom Drippers
The Kalita Wave is a flat-bottomed dripper that takes a fluted paper filter. This is the smaller 155 size, made in Japan from conifer virgin pulp, in a pack of 100 white sheets for one to two people.
The listing gives a total width of about 6.1 inches and a base of about 1.6 inches. You need to match the size to your dripper, because a 155 filter does not fit a 185 dripper. On our stock check the larger 185 filters were scarce, so this page features the smaller size; check availability if you own a 185.
We did not find an independent comparison of this filter that we could read, so we rest on the listing and the maker’s name.
Why we like it
- Purpose-made for 155 Wave drippers
- Conifer virgin pulp, per the listing
- Made in Japan
- Fluted shape for Wave drippers
Key specifications
| Model | KWF-155 #22213 |
|---|---|
| Shape and size | Fluted, flat-bottom, 155 |
| Color | White |
| Count | 100 |
| Fits | Kalita Wave 155 drippers |
| Paper | Conifer virgin pulp |
| Made in | Japan |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of a small Kalita Wave dripper who brew one or two cups by hand.
Skip it if you own the 185 Wave. Look for the 185 filter instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Correct shape for Wave drippers
- Made in Japan
- Good for one or two cups
Cons
- Third-party seller
- Only for the 155 dripper
- Listing details only
How to choose a paper coffee filter
Match the shape, then the size
Cone or basket comes first, then the number. A #2 is too small for an 8 to 12 cup machine, and a #4 will not sit properly in a small one.
White or natural
White filters here are oxygen-whitened, according to their makers, and the natural ones are unbleached. Which you prefer is largely a matter of taste. The sources we read agree that paper can affect the cup and that rinsing helps. They do not settle whether one kind is better.
Rinse it
Pour hot water through the empty filter, then throw the water away. Consumer Reports says this removes most of the papery taste, and it also warms the brewer. In a drip machine, you can rinse the filter at the tap or kettle before you add the coffee.
Think about thickness and flow
Thick paper, such as the Chemex filter, holds back more and drains more slowly. Thin paper drains faster. If your coffee runs too slowly or too fast, change your grind before you change your filter. Our coffee grinder guide can help if you are still using pre-ground.
Check the pack size
Filters keep well, so a bulk pack is a sensible buy if you know it fits. Buy a small pack first if you are not sure, since you cannot use a box of the wrong size.
How we picked these nine filters
We read the free part of Consumer Reports’ test of seven #4 filters, whose rankings are paywalled, and Wildkaffee’s comparison of filter papers, which covered Hario, Chemex and a Melitta bag. Specifications and fit come from each Amazon listing, and we checked stock on each. Some claims in this guide, such as burst resistance and taste, are the makers’ own, and we say so. We searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database under each brand, and found nothing that applies to filter paper; older Bunn recalls concern coffeemakers. We have not brewed with these filters ourselves for this guide, and this is not a taste ranking. The Filtropa, Bunn, Kalita and Moccamaster picks rest on maker details only.
Coffee filter questions, answered
What is the difference between #2 and #4 coffee filters?
They are different cone sizes. Melitta’s listings put #2 at 2 to 6 cup electric cone makers and 1-cup cones, and #4 at 8 to 12 cup cone makers.
Are bleached or unbleached coffee filters better?
It depends on your taste. The white filters here are oxygen-whitened, according to their makers, and the natural ones are unbleached. Rinse either one. We make no health claim for either type.
Do I need to rinse paper filters?
We would. Consumer Reports says rinsing removes most of the papery taste.
Can I use a regular paper filter in a Chemex or AeroPress?
Not really. Chemex’s listings call for its own bonded filters, and AeroPress filters are small round discs. Each is made to fit.
Paper or reusable?
Paper means less cleanup, while a metal filter means less waste and no more buying filters. AeroPress says paper gives a cleaner cup than metal. Our reusable coffee filter guide covers the other side.
Our final pick for filter paper
Start from your brewer: the Melitta #4 for most cone machines, Hario for a V60, Chemex for a Chemex and BUNN for a flat basket. For the brewers themselves, see our guides to the best coffee maker and the best pour-over coffee maker. And when you would rather not make anything, see the menu or call to order.