Most multi-level inverters generate different levels of voltage through the front stage structure, and the rear stage is connected to the H-bridge arm to change the polarity of the output voltage. Due to the high harmonic content and increased cost of H-bridge, a differential symmetric five-level inverter is proposed. The inverter topology structure is symmetrical, easy to control, and has low harmonics. It does not require additional bridge arms to change the polarity of the output voltage, and the topology itself can generate multiple levels while also changing the polarity of the output voltage. In addition, the inverter has only one mode of discharge for each capacitor in one operating cycle, so the charging time of the capacitor is greater than the discharge time, and there is sufficient energy to supply the load. The proposed inverter was simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and a prototype was built for experimental verification. The simulation and experimental results were consistent with theoretical analysis, proving the effectiveness of the proposed inverter.