Best Log Splitters Ranked

30 electric and gas log splitters scored on price per ton, splitting force, cycle time, log length and warranty.

Last updated: October 31, 2026

A 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

Shop by Power Source

Electric

14 ranked

Quiet 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 ranked

Engine-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

  1. BILT HARD 14-Ton Electric
    #1 of 143.7Full review

    For buyers who want gas-class force without an engine, accepting unknown speed and warranty.

    Amazon $699.99
    $699.99
    14 tons-20 in
  2. Forestwest 11110S 12-Ton Kinetic
    #2 of 143.4Full review

    For quick splitting of small rounds at waist height, if the high price and missing specs are acceptable.

    Amazon $1,159
    $1,159
    12 tons3 s-
  3. SuperHandy 14-Ton Electric
    #3 of 143.3Full review

    A strong electric for people who split a lot of hardwood near the house and want no engine.

    Amazon $819.99
    $819.99
    14 tons16 s20 in
  4. Forestwest 11097 18-Ton Kinetic
    #4 of 143.3Full 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
    $1,489
    18 tons3 s16 in
  5. YARDMAX YS0952 9-Ton Electric
    #5 of 143.2Full review

    For homeowners who want electric quiet but split tougher hardwood than a 5 or 6 ton model can manage.

    Amazon $499
    $499
    9 tons23 s20.5 in

See all 14 best electric log splitters

Best Gas Log Splitters

  1. Full Boar H6038FB 38-Ton Gas
    #1 of 164.3Full review

    A low-cost towable splitter for several cords a year, from YARDMAX’s value brand.

    Amazon $1,654.69
    $1,654.69
    38 tons13.8 s24 in
  2. Full Boar H6033FB 33-Ton Gas
    #2 of 164.2Full review

    A low-cost towable splitter for several cords a year, from YARDMAX’s value brand.

    Amazon $1,549
    $1,549
    33 tons14.3 s24 in
  3. BILT HARD 40-Ton Gas
    #3 of 164.2Full review

    Maximum force for the money for big hardwood, if an unproven brand and unknown warranty are acceptable.

    Amazon $1,899.99
    $1,899.99
    40 tons16 s24 in
  4. YARDMAX YU3666 35-Ton Gas
    #4 of 164.2Full review

    A full beam splitter for people who burn several cords a year and want a Briggs & Stratton engine.

    Amazon $1,739.99
    $1,739.99
    35 tons16.5 s26 in
  5. YARDMAX YU4066 40-Ton Gas
    #5 of 164.2Full review

    A full beam splitter for people who burn several cords a year and want a Briggs & Stratton engine.

    Amazon $2,099
    $2,099
    40 tons15.2 s26.5 in

See all 16 best gas log splitters

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.

FactorMeasuresWeight
Valueprice per ton of splitting force30%
Forcerated splitting force20%
Speedcycle time15%
Capacitylongest log it takes15%
Warrantywarranty length20%

How we rank explains each factor in full.