The 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines in the Ford F150 are some of the most responsive turbo motors on the road, and they reward a smarter intake more than almost any other truck. The factory airbox is built for quiet operation and easy emissions compliance, not for feeding two turbochargers all the air they can use. A good cold air intake opens up airflow, sharpens throttle response, and lets you actually hear the turbos spool, which is half the fun of owning one of these trucks.
We compared the most popular cold air intakes that real F150 EcoBoost owners run, looking at airflow gains, filter design, heat shielding, fitment quality, and whether each one plays nicely with a tune. Below are our seven favorites, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one falls short so you can pick the right intake for how you actually drive your truck.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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S&B Cold Air Intake for Ford F150 EcoBoost Best Overall Fully enclosed airbox, oiled or dry cotton filter option, fits 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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K&N 63 Series AirCharger Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost Best Filtration Value Washable lifetime oiled cotton filter, heat shield, 63 series for 3.5L EcoBoost |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost Best Sealed Airbox One-piece sealed housing, Pro 5R or Pro DRY S filter, clear-view lid |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Roush Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost Best OEM-Style Fit Ford performance partner design, retains factory-like fitment, 3.5L EcoBoost |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Airaid MXP Series Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost Best Big Filter Large SynthaMax dry or oiled filter, roto-molded tube, enclosed airbox |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Volant PowerCore Closed Box Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost Best for Dusty Conditions Closed airbox, PowerCore dry self-cleaning style filter, no oiling required |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit for F150 EcoBoost Best Easy Install Washable cotton filter, simple bolt-on tube and shield, straightforward fitment |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. S&B Cold Air Intake for Ford F150 EcoBoost: Best Overall
S&B has built its reputation on filtration data, and it shows on the EcoBoost. The fully enclosed airbox is the key difference here. Where a lot of intakes leave the filter exposed to under-hood heat, the S&B seals everything off and pulls air from a dedicated inlet, so the air actually reaching your turbos stays close to ambient temperature. On a forced-induction motor that translates directly into more consistent power on hot days and during back-to-back pulls. You get a choice of oiled cotton for maximum flow or a dry filter if you want to avoid any chance of oil residue on the MAF sensor.
The honest trade-off is sound. Because the box is sealed, you do not get the loud whoosh and turbo flutter that open intakes are famous for, so if drama is what you are after this one will feel tame. Filter access is also a little awkward, sitting low in the box, so cleaning takes a bit more patience than a top-mounted cone. For pure performance and protection though, this is the intake we would bolt on first.
- Fully sealed one-piece airbox blocks engine bay heat from reaching the filter
- Massive conical filter with high dust efficiency, choose oiled cotton or dry media
- Large diameter roto-molded tube smooths airflow to the turbo inlets
Pros: Excellent real-world airflow and turbo spool; Sealed box keeps intake air temps genuinely cool; Bolt-on fitment that lines up the first time
Cons: Quieter than open-element intakes, so less induction noise; Filter sits low and is a bit fiddly to reach for cleaning
2. K&N 63 Series AirCharger Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost: Best Filtration Value
K&N is the name most F150 owners think of first, and the 63 Series AirCharger earns that recognition. The centerpiece is the washable oiled cotton filter that K&N backs with its Million Mile warranty, so you clean and re-oil it instead of throwing money at replacements every service interval. On the EcoBoost the larger filter and smooth intake tube wake up throttle response noticeably, and you get a satisfying induction growl when you get on the turbos. The molded heat shield does a reasonable job keeping the filter away from radiant heat.
The weakness is that the shield is not a fully enclosed box, so on a heat-soaked engine bay you will not keep intake temps as low as a sealed system. The other thing to respect is the oiled filter itself. If you over-apply oil after a cleaning, the excess can migrate onto the MAF sensor and trigger drivability issues, so follow the instructions and let it dry properly. Do that and it is a genuinely set-and-forget intake.
- Million Mile Limited Warranty on the washable cotton gauze filter
- Molded heat shield helps separate the filter from hot engine air
- High-flow conical filter designed to be cleaned and reused for the life of the truck
Pros: Reusable filter you never have to keep buying; Strong throttle response and a louder induction note; Huge dealer and support network if you need parts
Cons: Open heat shield design is not as sealed as a full airbox; Over-oiling the filter can foul the MAF sensor if you are careless
3. aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost: Best Sealed Airbox
aFe Power positions the Momentum GT as a premium sealed intake, and on the EcoBoost it delivers. The one-piece housing fully encloses the filter the way the S&B does, but aFe adds a clear viewing window in the lid so you can monitor filter condition without pulling anything apart. That is a genuinely useful touch on a truck that lives off-road or in dusty conditions. You pick between the Pro 5R oiled cotton or the Pro DRY S synthetic media depending on whether you prioritize flow or zero-maintenance dry filtration, and the auxiliary scoop helps channel cooler air into the box.
It is a polished system, but two things keep it just behind our top picks. It carries a premium feel that not everyone will want to justify for the gains involved, and the clear lid, while handy, can haze and discolor over years of heat cycling, which dulls that show-quality look. Performance and air temp control are excellent, so if the viewing window appeals to you this is a strong buy.
- Sealed roto-molded housing with a large filter window so you can check it at a glance
- Choice of Pro 5R oiled or Pro DRY S synthetic media
- Auxiliary inlet scoop helps feed cooler ambient air to the filter
Pros: Premium sealed design that keeps air temps in check; Clear lid makes it easy to see when the filter needs service; Tidy, well-engineered look under the hood
Cons: One of the pricier feeling builds in the group; Clear lid can haze over time with heat exposure
4. Roush Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost: Best OEM-Style Fit
Roush is as close to a factory-blessed name as you get in the Ford world, and that is exactly the appeal of this intake. Everything about it is engineered to slot in like Ford could have built it, with fitment and finish that look completely at home in the engine bay. For owners who want a quality upgrade without the aftermarket look, or who care about resale and keeping things tidy, the Roush kit hits that sweet spot. The high-flow filter and smooth tube give you better breathing and a slightly more eager throttle on the 3.5L.
Where it gives ground is outright performance. Because it leans toward an OEM-style approach rather than a fully sealed race box, the airflow and air-temp gains are more modest than what the S&B or aFe systems pull off. It is also focused on the 3.5L EcoBoost, so 2.7L owners have fewer choices here. If your priority is a refined, factory-grade upgrade rather than the biggest possible numbers, Roush is a smart pick.
- Engineered by Roush, a long-time Ford performance partner
- Designed to bolt in with factory-grade fitment and no fuss
- High-flow filter and smooth tube tuned for the 3.5L EcoBoost
Pros: Clean, OEM-quality fitment and finish; Trusted Ford performance pedigree; Looks factory-correct under the hood
Cons: Gains are modest compared to fully sealed aftermarket boxes; Mainly aimed at the 3.5L, fewer options for the 2.7L
5. Airaid MXP Series Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost: Best Big Filter
Airaid built the MXP around one idea, which is more filter. The oversized element gives you a lot of surface area, and on a thirsty twin-turbo EcoBoost that means the filter is rarely the restriction and service intervals stretch out nicely. You can run the SynthaMax dry synthetic media for true no-oil maintenance, which a lot of EcoBoost owners prefer specifically to avoid any MAF sensor drama, or step up to oiled cotton if you want the last bit of flow. The roto-molded tube is smooth-walled and the airbox is enclosed to help keep heat out.
The size that makes the filter great is also its small downside. In a packed engine bay the big element can be a tight squeeze to wrestle out for cleaning, so plan on a little extra patience. And if you do choose the oiled version, the usual rule applies about not drowning it in oil to avoid sensor issues. For owners who want maximum filter capacity and the option of a dry setup, the Airaid MXP is an easy recommendation.
- Oversized filter for maximum surface area and airflow
- Choice of SynthaMax dry media or premium oiled cotton
- Roto-molded intake tube with smooth internal walls
Pros: Huge filter means long service intervals; Dry SynthaMax option needs no oiling at all; Strong airflow and noticeable turbo sound
Cons: Large filter can be tight to remove in a crowded bay; Oiled version still risks MAF fouling if over-serviced
6. Volant PowerCore Closed Box Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost: Best for Dusty Conditions
If your F150 spends real time on dirt roads, job sites, or trails, the Volant PowerCore deserves a hard look. Its claim to fame is the PowerCore filter media, which is engineered specifically for high dust loads and shrugs off conditions that would clog a standard cone in no time. Pair that with a fully closed airbox that seals the filter away from engine heat and you have an intake built for trucks that actually work for a living. Because the media is dry, there is no oiling step and none of the MAF sensor anxiety that comes with oiled filters.
The compromises are practical ones. PowerCore replacement filters are not as easy to grab off a local parts shelf as a common cotton cone, so you will likely order them online and keep a spare. And like the other sealed boxes, it runs quieter than an open-element intake, so sound chasers will find it subdued. For dusty duty and zero-maintenance filtration, though, nothing else in this group matches it.
- PowerCore filter media designed for heavy dust and off-road use
- Fully closed airbox isolates the filter from engine heat
- Dry media means no oiling and no MAF fouling worries
Pros: Outstanding in dusty and off-road environments; No oil maintenance ever; Sealed box protects against heat soak
Cons: PowerCore filter replacement is less common at local stores; Quieter induction note than open cotton filters
7. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit for F150 EcoBoost: Best Easy Install
Spectre keeps things refreshingly simple, which is exactly why it makes the list. The kit comes with fewer parts than most, the instructions are easy to follow, and you can have it bolted on in an afternoon with basic hand tools, making it a great first performance mod for someone new to wrenching on their EcoBoost. The washable cotton filter follows the same reusable philosophy as the bigger names, so you clean it rather than replace it, and the included shield gives the filter some separation from the hottest air in the bay.
You do get what you pay into here in terms of refinement. The open shield is not a sealed airbox, so on hot days it will not control intake temps the way the S&B or Volant systems do, and the overall fit and finish feel a notch below the premium kits. None of that makes it a bad intake, it just means it is best understood as an accessible, easy upgrade rather than a maximum-performance build. For a clean, simple bolt-on that wakes the truck up a little, it does the job.
- Washable and reusable cotton gauze filter
- Simple kit with fewer parts for a fast install
- Heat shield helps separate the filter from hot air
Pros: One of the easiest intakes to install yourself; Reusable filter keeps long-term upkeep simple; Solid pick for a first performance mod
Cons: Open shield design does not seal heat as well as a closed box; Build quality feels a step below the premium kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cold air intake really add power to an F150 EcoBoost?
Yes, but it is important to set expectations. On a stock truck a cold air intake gives modest gains on its own, usually a few horsepower along with sharper throttle response and better breathing at the top of the rev range. The EcoBoost responds better than a naturally aspirated engine because you are feeding two turbochargers, and the biggest improvements come on hot days when a sealed intake keeps air temps lower than the factory box. Where an intake really shines is as the first step in a package. Pair it with a quality tune and you unlock noticeably more of its potential, since the tune can take advantage of the extra airflow.
Will a cold air intake void my Ford F150 warranty?
Installing a cold air intake does not automatically void your factory warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty just because you added an aftermarket part. What they can do is deny a specific claim if they can prove the part directly caused the failure. In practice, a properly installed, reputable intake rarely causes engine damage. The most common real issue is an oiled filter that was over-oiled and fouled the MAF sensor, which is why many EcoBoost owners choose a dry filter. Keep your factory airbox so you can reinstall it before any warranty visit if you want to be safe.
Should I get an oiled cotton filter or a dry filter for my EcoBoost?
Both work well, and the right choice depends on how you maintain your truck. Oiled cotton filters generally flow a touch more air and give that classic high-flow feel, but they require you to clean and re-oil them correctly, and over-oiling can leave residue on the sensitive MAF sensor that the EcoBoost relies on. Dry synthetic filters skip the oil entirely, so there is no MAF fouling risk and maintenance is just a cleaning, at the cost of slightly less flow on paper. If you are meticulous, oiled is great. If you want confidence on the road and zero fuss, go dry. Several intakes in our list offer the same housing with either filter option.
Do I need a tune after installing a cold air intake?
You do not strictly need a tune for the intake to function, and most quality intakes are designed to run safely on the stock calibration without throwing codes. However, a tune is what unlocks the real value of the upgrade on an EcoBoost. The factory tune is conservative, and a good custom or off-the-shelf tune lets the engine take advantage of the improved airflow with more boost and timing where it is safe. Many owners install the intake first, drive it, then add a tune later as the next stage. If you plan to tune eventually, choosing a high-flow intake now means it will already be in place when you do.
Will a cold air intake fit both the 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost?
Not always, so you must check the specific application before buying. The 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines have different layouts, and many intakes are sold as engine-specific kits. The 3.5L is the most common and has the widest selection of intakes available, while the 2.7L has solid options but fewer of them. Brands like S&B and aFe list separate part numbers for each engine and model year, so always match the kit to your exact engine size, body generation, and year. Buying by year and engine rather than by photo is the single best way to avoid a fitment headache.
Our Verdict
For most F150 EcoBoost owners, the S&B Cold Air Intake is our top pick because its fully sealed airbox keeps intake temperatures genuinely low, which matters more on a twin-turbo engine than almost anything else, and it backs that up with excellent filtration and bolt-on fitment. Our runner up is the K&N 63 Series AirCharger, which earns its place with a reusable lifetime filter, a louder induction note, and a support network you can find anywhere. Choose the S&B if you want maximum performance and cool air, and the K&N if you value a washable filter and that classic high-flow sound. Either way, pair your intake with a tune down the road to get the most out of it.
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