Previous researches on space vector modulation (SVM) in active power filters (APFs) topologies find that compared with sinusoidal pulse width modulation, the SVM offers a better harmonic spectrum and has 15.47% more voltage utilization. The article not only proposes SVM for hybrid active power filters (HAPFs) but also answers the following questions. 1) Under what conditions both filters are equivalent to one another? 2) Which filter can enhance better tracking ability and better performance? 3) How the coupling component parameters and dc voltage affect the performance of both filters? The representative simulation and experimental results are given to verify the discussions. The conclusions can be application guidelines for the design of inductive and capacitive coupling inverters (e.g., APFs and HAPFs) in smart grids and development of energy internet due to their generalities to applications.