Drilling fluid with better rheological and filtration properties control are required to optimise the performance of oil well drilling. In this study, a non-ionic and anionic surfactant was used as an additive in water-based drilling fluid to optimize their rheological and filtration properties. The rheology of water-based drilling fluid was taken after being hot rolled for 16 hours at 250oF and 275oF, while the filtration tests were conducted at temperatures up to 300oF. It was found that non-ionic and anionic surfactant in water-based drilling fluid improved rheological and filtration properties. Moreover, surfactant additives are 41.3 more effective in reducing the filtration loss compared to the mud without surfactants. The long chain of non-ionic and ionic surfactant might result in a more viscous fluid, blocking the pores and forming a tight filter cake. The surfactants also caused water-based drilling fluids become more resistant at the higher temperature as shown by improved and stabilised the rheology and filtration properties after the hot aging process. © 2016 The Authors.