This paper proposes a comparative performance analysis of normalized least mean square estimation (NLMS) and variable step size least mean square estimation (VSSLMS) control for shunt active filter (SAF) in three phase distribution network for mitigation of power quality and efficiency issues initiated by power electronics devices and equipment. The function of the control algorithm is to calculate the weights conforming to the fundamental components of active and reactive current which in turn is used for the computation of reference compensating currents for the voltage source converter. The operations of the 3-phase SAF with the VSSLMS and NLMS schemes are analyzed for steady state and dynamic condition. It is revealed that the performance of VSSLMS based control algorithm is quite superior to NLMS algorithm in terms of convergence rate and static error. The performance investigation discloses IEEE 519 standard compliant activity of the SAF with the projected control plans. © 2019 IEEE.