To maximize surface area of a filter, you can get a thicker accordion filter. This will generally provide good airflow and filtration characreristics.
Sorry about video links below, I liked them at chart times, so you don't have to watch the video to check out the summary.
Here is an example of airflow restriction vs filter. Note that 4 inch Honeywell filter only provides small static pressure rise over no filter option: https://youtu.be/RkjRKIRva58?t=456
At the same time, same filter is 5th overall in large particle removal: https://youtu.be/RkjRKIRva58?t=661
Thicker filters cost more, but also last longer. General rule seems to be that when you double the filter thickness, time between replacements doubles as well.