This study analyzes the performance characteristics for conventional NPC (Neutral-Point-Clamped) and ANPC (Active Neutral-Point-Clamped) inverters. In these regards, a simulation process with deep analysis is carried out to investigate the performance characteristics of NPC and ANPC inverters, in addition to a comprehensive comparison between both inverters. Subsequently, the NPC inverter shows unequal switching losses between the switching elements, which results in uneven heat dissipation and eventually reduces the device’s lifetime cycles. Therefore, the ANPC inverter was emerged within the system to improve its performance. Where, the ANPC inverter has switching elements instead of neutral point diodes of the traditional NPC inverter. The simulation results of switching characteristics and heat dissipation were performed for the traditional NPC and ANPC inverters. Meanwhile, the comparison between the two topologies was presented and clarified. The results show that the ANPC inverter distributes heat dissipation through controlling the switching states and the current path. The outcome of this study demonstrates its capability to determine the circuit topology, devices as well as filters for multi-level inverters.