Chop perfectly proportioned logs with the best axe for splitting wood

From 375-year-old Finnish blade brand Fiskars, the X25 is a strong contender for the best overall axe for splitting wood. It is backed up by a 4.8-star Amazon review rating from nearly 3,000 satisfied customers. We like this splitting axe for its very robust design, which makes the axe head and handle absolutely inseparable.

The head is forged from hardened steel with non-stick coating, while the handle is made from weather- and impact-resistant reinforced fibreglass plastic. Fiskars promises this axe offers the perfect balance between axe head and handle to ensure effortless splitting, and reviewers agree, with one stating using this axe makes you feel like you have a superpower.

This handsome splitting maul from Roughneck is a traditional choice with a wooden handle. The handle is crafted from solid American hickory wood that's been sourced from FSC-certified suppliers. This axe's head is made from steel that's been drop forged, heated treated, and then given a polished finish that provides anti-rust protection.

The shape of this axe's head is notable. It has a dual-wedge design that prevents jamming, making your log splitting sessions more efficient. It comes complete with a canvas sheath cover for the axe head for both storage and safety.

Boasting the quality you'd expect from tool brand Draper, this splitting maul is a great choice for anyone who prefers a longer handle. It measures just over 93cm long. The head is forged from fine-grained carbon steel that's been hardened and tempered with a polished finish. The fibreglass shaft handle features a comfortable, shock-absorbing rubber grip.

This maul weighs 2.7 kilograms, which one reviewer says is heavy enough to drive through a log but light enough to swing around all day. Another states it is capable of splitting wood measuring as much as 60cm in diameter.

Part of Spear & Jacksons' "Razorsharp" tool range, this splitting maul will appeal to traditionalists who prefer an axe with a classic wooden handle. This is notable for being heavyweight, weighing in at 3.4 kilograms. One reviewer shares that this weight means that although the blade is relatively small, loads of force on a small area means it works very well.

That wooden handle is made from hickory and treated for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Some reviewers advise soaking the head overnight before first use to allow any shrinkage of the hickory to swell so that the head and handle join firmly.

Another Fiskars product, this high-end option has some great features, including the fact that the handle is moulded directly onto the tool head for greater security, giving you greater confidence when using it. The handle itself is notable for being made of weather-resistant and impact-resistant fibreglass reinforced plastic and features a non-slip grip.

This axe is designed for splitting larger logs of 30cm or more, so it's a good option for anyone who regularly chops wood for stoves, wood burners, or fireplaces. The axe head is made of coated, hardened steel and is protected by a sturdy case. The case is designed to be hung for handy and safe storage.

As the name might suggest, Roughneck's Gorilla splitting maul is a heavy-duty option designed to break through tough logs. Thanks to its anti-jamming design, with the dual-wedge head, this can tackle knotty wood which standard splitting axes might struggle with.

That powerful maul head is drop forged and heat treated, boasting induction-hardened striking faces for what Roughneck states is extreme strength and durability. The handle has a solid fibreglass core that makes for a shock-absorbing grip to avoid fatigue.

The only short-handled axe we're including, this hatchet-style splitting axe from Rolson is ideal for occasional use, for making kindling from smaller logs, and for campers and outdoor types who want a portable axe to use in the wild. It has a solid forged, one-piece design weighing in at 760 grams and measuring in at 36.5cm.

As well as offering lightweight axe functionality, this tool has two more useful features: there's an integrated nail puller divot in the axe's blade, and the top of the axe head boasts a 13mm nut driver. The ergonomically designed handle has a textured, non-slip grip for comfortable and confident use.