A model predictive current control (MPCC)-based single-phase shunt active power filter (SAPF) is proposed in this manuscript to improve power quality by harmonics and reactive power compensation. The DC link capacitor voltage regulation-based PI control algorithm is used for the computation of SAPF reference current signal. The current commands are tracked using the MPCC. In this manuscript, the control technique effectiveness is demonstrated through MATLAB simulation and experimentation with Cyclone-IV EP4CE30F484 FPGA board under dynamic operating conditions. The obtained results from a simulations and hardware prototype shows the proposed algorithm shows perfect reference current tracking at every sampling instant and excellent dynamic performance. Subsequently, the main advantages of this proposed controller are absence of internal current control loops and modulation stage. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.