5 Best Oil Filters That Pair Perfectly With Synthetic Oil (2024 update)

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Using a high-quality oil filter designed for synthetic motor oil is vital to get the most from your premium oil and its unique flow properties and longer oil change intervals.

We’ve tried just about every brand of oil filter over the years and have compiled this list of our favorite oil filters optimized for full synthetic oils. You’re already spending extra for the benefits of a premium oil so why not spend a few dollars more for a premium filter?

Table of Contents

Won’t All Oil Filters Work With Synthetic Oils?

Yes, any oil filter is compatible with synthetic oils, but it may come as a surprise that some oil filters are better suited for use with synthetic engine oils than others. Here are some key points on oil filters and synthetics:

Synthetic oils have smaller molecule sizes and flow more easily than conventional oils. Some filters may not trap synthetics as efficiently.
Filters with a cellulose or synthetic-fiber filtration media tend to have better overall compatibility with full synthetic motor oils.
Stay away from bargain filters using lesser quality filtration material not made to handle the demands of synthetic oil. These may restrictive flow over time.
Premium filters from trusted brands like Mobil 1, Royal Purple, WIX, and Purolator have materials tested to work well with synthetics. Look for this specification when in doubt of filter-oil compatibility.

So while cheaper generic filters will for the most part do the job, they may not give you the full benefits that you’d expect when spending extra on synthetic oil in the first place. It worth spending the few extra dollars for one of the premium filters below.

Top 5 Best Synthetic Oil Filters

Synthetic motor oil is recommended for car and truck owners because it’s made to better better withstand high engine temperatures, resist breakdown for a longer oil change interval, and flows better in cold temperatures which reduces engine wear.

Here are five of the best oil filters to use in vehicles running synthetic motor oil in them.

#1 – Purolator BOSS

Purolator oil filters are one of the best selling oil filters for the past few years and for good reason. Their top-of-the-line filter is the BOSS line which is made specifically for use with synthetic oils.

With a 27 gram dirt removal capacity, the BOSS can hold almost 2x the amount (vs 15g) of contaminants than their already excellent PurolatorONE filters.

This means you can get up to 15,000 miles of driving in (under optimal conditions) before needing to change the filter. It’s a perfect match for a long lasting synthetic motor oil.

Example: Purolator BOSS PBL14610

#2 – Royal Purple Extended Life

Since 1986, Royal Purple has manufactured oils for many different kinds of vehicles. However, they only have one kind of oil filter which is called the Extended Life Oil Filter.

Made in the USA, this is a premium quality oil filter which is manufactured specially for removing particles and keeping fresh oil flowing through the engine.

With 15,000 miles of protection and a 99% filtration efficiency at 25 microns or larger, it stacks up well with the big boys.

Example: Royal Purple 10-2867

#3 – Mobil 1 Extended Performance

Mobil is one of the biggest oil companies in the United States. It only makes sense that they would have their own oil filter made for extended performance. At 25 microns, the efficiency of the filtration is 99.6%, making it one of the best protecting oil filters anywhere.

While other filters can hold around 14 grams of dirt and contaminants, the Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil filter can hold 28 grams.

This means you’ll have double the lifespan with this oil filter in comparison to other filters. Like the PurolatorBOSS, it will be good for up to 15,000 miles.

Example: Mobil 1 Extended Performance M1-110A

#4 – Fram Ultra Synthetic

Known for their good low-cost oil and air filters, Fram developed a long lasting oil filter especially for synthetic oils. With a 99%+ direct removal efficiency at particles larger than 20 microns, this is one of the best filters for trapping small particles.

The manufacturer states this filter can last up to 20,000 miles (although that may be a bit too generous). Despite its low price, Fram Ultra Synthetic is arguably the best synthetic oil filter for the money and with its SureGrip non-slip surface, it’s unlikely you’ll have to remove a stuck oil filter.

Example: Fram Ultra XG7317

#5 – WIX XP

WIX creates oil filters for a range of vehicles, including economy cars and small trucks. WIX XP spin-on lube filters contain a nitrile sealing gasket which is made to resist hotter temperatures.

It contains a metal tube, metal caps, a steel baseplate, and silicone back valve making it better built than many of the filters out there.

The efficiency for filtration is at least 99% at 35 microns when it comes to debris sizes. It doesn’t filter smaller particles as well as the options above but for the price, it’s a great value. Expect to get up to 10,000 miles on this filter.

Example: WIX 57356XP

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Mark Stevens

Owner at Car Treatments

Mark is a veteran auto technician who has honed his skills with over 19 years of service working at various independent shops. While Fords and Mazdas are his specialty, he enjoys working on practically any vehicle (except a Nissan 300ZX).

He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.

When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.

5 Best Oil Filters for Synthetic Motor Oil