Abstract: Provided is an active power filter-based modular multilevel converter, relating to the field of power electronics. According to the converter, an active power filter circuit is provided between upper and lower arms of each phase in a modular multilevel converter. The active power filter circuit includes two switch power devices, two submodules, a capacitor, and an inductor. The upper and lower bridge-arms are connected in series by means of two submodules, the two switch power devices are connected in series and then connected in parallel to ends of intermediate submodules which are connected in series, and the capacitor and the inductor are connected in series and then connected in parallel to two ends of the switch power device connected to the lower bridge-arm. The defect of large capacitance of submodule in conventional modular multilevel topology is overcome.