Abstract In this paper, a finite-time nonlinear control law based on adaptive grey wolf optimization (AGWO) is proposed to obtain a high-efficiency power inverter. Although sliding mode control (SMC) provides robustness against internal parametric changes and external load meddling, the system-state cannot converge to zero in a finite time. The development of a finite-time nonlinear control law (FTNCL) is offered to ensure the finite-time convergence of the system state. But the FTNCL still meets the problem of jitter, which causes harmonic distortion of the output-voltage of the high-efficiency power inverter. In order to effectively suppress the jitter phenomenon, the gain parameters of the FTNCL can be optimally tuned by using the AGWO algorithm. This proposed scheme with the combination of the FTNCL and AGWO has been realized in an actual high-efficiency power inverter operated by a digitized signal processor. Simulations and experiments in a feedback system have revealed that the proposed scheme brings the advantages of fast dynamical reaction, less steady-state error, lessened total harmonic distortion, and relieved jitter.