A low-cost towable splitter for several cords a year, from YARDMAX’s value brand.
Amazon $1,654.69A log splitter turns a pile of rounds into firewood without a maul and a sore back. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: how much force it has for the money, how fast the ram goes out and back, how long a log it takes and how long it’s covered.
There are two kinds. An electric splitter plugs into an outlet. It’s quiet, needs no fuel or oil changes, and can run in a garage, but most top out around 7 to 10 tons and a 20 second cycle: fine for a few cords of seasoned wood, slow for big knotty rounds. A gas splitter has an engine and usually 20 to 35 tons, with faster cycles and road tires for towing to the woodpile. It handles oak, elm and big rounds, at more cost, noise and upkeep.
As a rough guide, 5 to 7 tons splits most seasoned softwood and small hardwood rounds; 20 tons and up splits green, knotty or large hardwood.
Top Picks
For people who split a lot of wood and value speed above all; hydraulic splitters give more force per dollar.
Amazon $2,639Shop by Power Source
Electric
14 rankedQuiet plug-in splitters for a few cords a year, small enough to use in a garage or on a patio.
Top rated: BILT HARD 14-Ton Electric $699.99
Gas
16 rankedEngine-driven splitters with the force and speed for big rounds and many cords, and towable models that go to the woodpile.
Top rated: Full Boar H6038FB 38-Ton Gas $1,654.69
Narrow It Down
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Best Electric Log Splitters
- BILT HARD 14-Ton Electric#1 of 14Full review
For buyers who want gas-class force without an engine, accepting unknown speed and warranty.
Amazon $699.99$699.9914 tons-20 in - Forestwest 11110S 12-Ton Kinetic#2 of 14Full review
For quick splitting of small rounds at waist height, if the high price and missing specs are acceptable.
Amazon $1,159$1,15912 tons3 s- - SuperHandy 14-Ton Electric#3 of 14Full review
A strong electric for people who split a lot of hardwood near the house and want no engine.
Amazon $819.99$819.9914 tons16 s20 in - Forestwest 11097 18-Ton Kinetic#4 of 14Full review
For splitting a lot of short firewood quickly from an outlet; the speed costs a lot more than a hydraulic electric.
Amazon $1,489$1,48918 tons3 s16 in - YARDMAX YS0952 9-Ton Electric#5 of 14Full review
For homeowners who want electric quiet but split tougher hardwood than a 5 or 6 ton model can manage.
Amazon $499$4999 tons23 s20.5 in
Best Gas Log Splitters
- Full Boar H6038FB 38-Ton Gas#1 of 16Full review
A low-cost towable splitter for several cords a year, from YARDMAX’s value brand.
Amazon $1,654.69$1,654.6938 tons13.8 s24 in - Full Boar H6033FB 33-Ton Gas#2 of 16Full review
A low-cost towable splitter for several cords a year, from YARDMAX’s value brand.
Amazon $1,549$1,54933 tons14.3 s24 in - BILT HARD 40-Ton Gas#3 of 16Full review
Maximum force for the money for big hardwood, if an unproven brand and unknown warranty are acceptable.
Amazon $1,899.99$1,899.9940 tons16 s24 in - YARDMAX YU3666 35-Ton Gas#4 of 16Full review
A full beam splitter for people who burn several cords a year and want a Briggs & Stratton engine.
Amazon $1,739.99$1,739.9935 tons16.5 s26 in - YARDMAX YU4066 40-Ton Gas#5 of 16Full review
A full beam splitter for people who burn several cords a year and want a Briggs & Stratton engine.
Amazon $2,099$2,09940 tons15.2 s26.5 in
How We Rank
Each splitter is ranked against others of the same power source, and scored on its price per ton of splitting force, its force, its cycle time, the longest log it takes and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per ton of splitting force | 30% |
| Force | rated splitting force | 20% |
| Speed | cycle time | 15% |
| Capacity | longest log it takes | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.