Whether you want to cut your own firewood, you like working with wood, or you want to clear your yard, chopping down trees and cutting them into logs is only part of the equation. You also have to turn them into smaller pieces that are easier to manage. That’s where a log splitter comes in.
A log splitter a tool that is specifically designed to simplify the task of cutting logs into smaller pieces, including halves and quarters. The end result is smaller and lighter chunks of wood that you can easily transport and use for woodworking projects, to build roaring fires in your fireplace or fire pit, or simply to discard of (or possibly even sell).
In this guide, you will find an overview of our top picks for each category, as well as a buyer’s guide that highlights important factors that you should take into consideration when you’re shopping for a log splitter.
We also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that consumers have about log splitters.
Once you have finished reading through this review, you should have plenty of information to select the right log splitter for your specific needs; whether it’s one of the models we suggest or a different model entirely.
Our Top Picks
In this section of our guide, we provide an overview of our top picks for the best, premium, and budget log splitters that are currently available on the market.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
- The Runner-Up Pick: Champion 7-Ton Log Splitter
- The Budget Pick: Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
Log Splitter Reviews
Read on for our detailed reviews of our picks for the best log splitters.
Best Pick: Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter
If you’re serious about log splitting – you’re a professional woodworker, you cut lumber for a living, or you’re a landscaper (or you just dabble in log splitting and you want the best machine possible to do the job for you) – then we highly recommend the Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter.
Thanks to the powerful motor, the durable design, the advanced features, and the ease of use, this is one of the most top-of-the-line log splitters on the market. In fact, you’ll be hard hard-pressed to find a log splitter that’s better than this one from Boss.
If you’re looking for a powerful log splitter, the Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter certainly won’t disappoint. Outfitted with a 2 horsepower electrical motor and offering 7 tons of splitting force, this log splitter means business.
This machine will have no trouble cutting through even the densest woods. In no time, you’ll have perfectly halved or quartered logs that will be ready to use in any way you intend on using them. And because of the incredible power it delivers, it doesn’t have to work as hard, which means it will last a long time.
In addition to addressing the need for power, Boss Industrial also paid close attention to safety when they designed this log splitter. Log splitting can be dangerous, which is why the manufacturer added built-in side rails. This feature secures the logs in place while they’re being split, so you won’t have to worry about any renegade piece of wood jumping or bouncing off of the machine.
- Split Logs Effortlessly: Log splitter has a single-handed operation and allows you to split logs in your backyard with high-powered hydraulics that help the machine slice through logs with ease
- Easy to Use and Transport: Electric design allows you to use the log splitter in your garage or outdoors while the rubber wheels help you take this lightweight firewood splitter with you on the go
- Power Log Splitters: Features a splitting force of 7 tons and 3700 PSI hydraulic pressure, this hydraulic log splitter has a motor power of 2 horsepower and 14 seconds cycle time with 4 quarts oil capacity
- Guaranteed Stability and Durability: Built-in side rails keep logs stable while splitting, and the front handle allows for easy maneuvering: Steel construction makes this splitter last for years
- Electric Splitter Dimensions: Outdoor log splitter machine has 20.5 inches maximum log length and a maximum of 10 inches log diameter; Measures 39.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 20 inches tall
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The side rails also help to ensure that your wood is split perfectly so that you can easily use it in your fireplace, fire pit, or even to work into a masterful wood creation. Plus, the handrails also give you an additional handhold, which will make moving the machine a lot easier.
This log splitter is super easy to move around from location to location. In addition to the hand rails, it also features pneumatic wheels and a handle, which means that instead of picking it up and carrying it from one site to the next, you can just use the handle, the hand rails and the pneumatic wheels to move it wherever you want to use it; similar to how you would move a handcart or a dolly.
Since the wheels are pneumatic, they’re extremely durable and you’ll never have to worry that they’ll deflate or pop, because they don’t need air. That’s a really practical design feature, considering the rugged terrain that you’ll probably be moving it over.
This Boss Industrial log features a patented hydraulic system and single-handed operation. Just load the log onto the machine and guide it in with one hand. It makes the task of splitting logs into smaller pieces so much easier and bearable. And, since it’s electric, you can use it indoors if you’d like, because you won’t have to deal with any fumes.
If you’re on the market for a powerful, durable, reliable, safe, and easy to use log splitter, the Boss Industrial ES7T20 Electric Log Splitter will tick off all of your boxes. With a 2 horsepower motor and a 7 ton splitting force, this machine can split through all types of wood with ease. The handrails provide increased safety. The one-handed operation makes for super easy use and the handle and wheels make transporting this log splitter a cinch.
- 2 horsepower engine is powerful enough to split the densest wood
- 7 ton splitting force
- Patented hydraulic system and one-handed operation makes for easy use
- Pneumatic wheels and an ergonomic handle allow for easy transport
- Can handle logs that measure up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches long
- Built-in side rails offer increased safety
- Can handle knotted and water-logged wood with ease
- The ram automatically returns back to its starting position
- Electric-powered, so it can be used indoors
- Weighing in at 117 pounds, it’s a bit heavy; however, with the pneumatic wheels and the ergonomic handle, you shouldn’t have any trouble transporting it.
- The price is on the high side and may be too costly for some
Runner-Up Pick: Champion 7-Ton Log Splitter
This one is powered by an electric 1.75 horsepower, 79cc engine and has an 20-second cycle time, so you’ll be able to split numerous logs in no time, making the job of log splitting highly efficient.
An integrated stroke limiter further improves efficiency, as you won’t have to worry about making any readjustments. Durably constructed, easy to use, and more affordably priced than our top pick, you’ll be able split logs for your fireplace, fire pit, and woodworking projects with ease with the Champion Log Splitter.
- The 79cc engine powers a 20-second cycle time and dependable auto-return valve, making this log splitter capable of 180 cycles per hour
- Smart low-profile design makes it easier to load heavier logs, while the integrated log cradle keeps them in place
- The skewed wedge improves splitting efficiency
- The compact design, comfortable handle and never-flat tires make this log splitter easy to move and easy to store
- Champion Support includes 2-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 79cc engine powers a 20-second cycle time and dependable auto-return valve, making this log splitter capable of 180 cycles per hour. The compact design, comfortable handle and never-flat tires make this log splitter easy to move and easy to store.
- Powered by a 79cc engine
- Delivers 7 tons of driving force
- 20-second cycle time
- Auto-return valve
- 2 year limited warranty
- Free lifetime help desk
- Doesn’t deliver as much power as our top pick
- According to some users, the assembly can be difficult and time consuming
Budget Pick: Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter
If you’re looking for a log splitter that’s a little more economically friendly, yet still delivers plenty of power and is easy to use, the budget Pick: Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter is a great option to consider.
With an impressive level of force registering at 10 tons of horsepower and a hydraulic ram, you’ll have no trouble splitting dense piece of wood with this device; and, it’s more affordable than our top picks, so it won’t break the budget.
The Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter may be more basic than our top pick, but it certainly packs a punch. This log splitter features a hydraulic ram, which generates up to 10 tons of driving force; that’s even more force than the Boss Industrial, and for a fraction of the price! With that much force, you’ll be able to split through those super dense, hardy woods like butter.
- [POWERFUL]: Hydraulic RAM Builds up to 10 Tons of driving force
- [LARGE CAPACITY]: Splits logs up to 18 in. Long x 8 in. Wide
- [EFFICIENT]: RAM return spring for quick resets
- [DURABLE]: Steel frame construction with wheels for easy portability
- [EASY TO USE]: No gas, oil or cords. Wheel Size:2.48 inch
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It also offers a large capacity and can split logs that measure up to 18 inches long and 8 inches in diameter. The ram it outfitted with a returning spring, so it quickly resets, making this log splitter highly efficient.
With a steel frame construction, the Sun Joe Log Splitter is extremely durable, and it boasts wheels, so you can easily transport the device to any place you want to use it. Because there aren’t any cords, gas, or oil to deal with, there’s minimal setup and maintenance required; plus, you can use it inside without having to worry about being exposed to fumes and you don’t need to be located close to a power outlet or need to recharge batteries.
If you are looking for a reliable, durable, and easy to use log splitter that doesn’t require much maintenance or set up and is pretty easy on the budget, then we strongly recommend our budget Pick: Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter.
It delivers an incredible 10 ton driving force, which is even more powerful than our top choices; however, it doesn’t feature as many bells and whistles and it may take longer to get the job done.
- Incredible 10 ton splitting force
- Can handle large capacity logs that measure up to 10 inches long and 8 inches wide
- Return-spring on the ram allows for quick resets and more efficient splitting
- Steel frame construction for superior durability
- No gas, oil, batteries, or electrical cords to deal with, so setup, use, and maintenance is a breeze
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Low-profile wheels make for easy portability
- Affordably priced
- While the hydraulic system is powerful and easy to use and maintain, it isn’t as fast as a gas or electric powered log splitter
- Other log splitters can handle bigger logs
Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter
If you intend on splitting a large amount of logs and you have room in your budget, the Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter is definitely an option worth considering.
It packs a 3.5 horsepower, 2220 Watt horsepower engine that delivers 3500 RPMs, and with a 7 ton cutting splitting force, this device can spit a single large diameter log in around six minutes and up to 100 logs in just one hour. It also has a large cutting capacity and can accommodate logs that are up to 20.5 inches long and 12 inches in diameter. This log splitter has a ram travel distance of 15.7 inches and a diameter of 1.18 inches.
Since it has an electric powered hydraulic system, there’s no need to worry about refilling it with gas and oil and it will start up every time. Just plug it into a standard outlet and you’ll be able to start splitting.
- Motor: 4HP, 2900 Watts - no running out of gas and starts every time
- New patented hydraulic system increases torque by 45%
- Quiet, no fumes and no air compressor needed
- An be used on the ground or on the bench, outside and inside as there is no fumes!
- Very easy to use. No experience necessary
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An auto-retract ram system and a five second return cycle time makes the job of splitting logs a lot easier. It’s also outfitted with overload protection and a two-hand safety control, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be safe while you’re using this machine.
Constructed of high-quality welded steel and featuring an enclosed design, this log splitter can withstand wear and tear and will last for years to come. Two pneumatic wheels and a convenient carrying handle make transporting the Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter a breeze.
If you’re looking for a machine that can split a large amount of logs in a short period of time, the Powerhouse XM-380 Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter is a worthwhile investment. With a 3.5 horsepower, 2200 watt, 3500 RPM engine and a 7 ton splitting force, this machine can split up to 100 logs in an hour.
It has a cutting capacity of up to 20.5 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter and features an automatic hydraulic ram that returns to its original position in 5 seconds. With override protection and a two-hand safety control, you’ll have peace of mind while you’re using this log splitter.
- Features an electric powered motor and hydraulic system for easy and reliable operation
- The motor delivers 3.5 horsepower and 3,500 RPM
- Powerful 7 ton splitting force can split logs up to 20.5 inches long and 12 inches in diameter
- The hydraulic ram has a 15.7 inch travel distance and a diameter of 1.18 inches and returns to its original location within 5 seconds
- Can cut a single piece of wood in about 6 seconds and up to 100 logs in an hour
- Built-in two-hand safety control and override protection for increased safety
- Constructed of high-quality welded steel and can easily withstand wear and tear and will last for years
- Dual pneumatic wheels, a handle, and the lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store
- Backed by a 1 year warranty
- Some users said that the instruction manual was difficult to follow
- The cost is a bit high and may be too pricey for some shoppers
WEN 56207 6.5 Ton Electric Log Splitter
The WEN 56207 is a 6.5 ton electric log splitter that makes log splitting a much faster, easier, and safer task. Since its electric, it can be used indoors because it doesn’t generate fumes and you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel or the hassle of reloading it. Just plug it in and it’s ready to start using.
It boasts a 15A motor that delivers more than 6.5 pounds of cutting force and has the capacity to cut logs that measure up to 20.5 inches long and 10 inches in diameter with ease. A pull handle, 5.5 inch pneumatic wheels, and the lightweight design make this log cutter easy to transport. It also sits on a 34 inch stand, which eliminates the need to bend over; however, you can take the splitter off the stand if you choose.
- Powerful 15A motor provides over 13,000 pounds of log cracking pressure
- Use the log splitter with or without the 34-inch stand depending on user preferences
- Included pull handle and 5.5-inch never-flat wheels make for easy transportation between jobs
- Electric power means no gasoline, no carbon monoxide emissions, and limited maintenance
- Split logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A 16 square inch heavy duty steel push plate and a solid five inch wedge makes operating this log splitter a breeze. It offers a cylinder stroke of 14.76 inches and a full-cycle takes 20 seconds to complete. A two-hand safety feature keeps you protected while you’re splitting, as it prevents accidental startup. A circuit breaker also provides increased safety.
The WEN 56207 6.5 Ton Electric Log Splitter is a powerful, lightweight, easy to use, and thoughtfully designed electric log splitter. It delivers a 6.5 ton splitting force and has a cutting capacity of up to 20.5 inches long and 10 inches in diameter.
Since its electric, you’ll always have reliable operation and can use it both indoors and out. A removable stand makes log splitting more convenient, too. Overall, we think it’s a good-quality log splitter.
- Features a 15-am 2.5 horsepower motor and delivers a 6.5 ton splitting force
- Can cut logs that measure up to 20.5 inches long and 10 inches in diameter
- Boasts a heavy-duty 16 inch push place, a 5 inch wedge, and a 14.75 inch cylinder stroke
- 20 second cycle time makes the job of splitting logs a faster, easier process
- Comes with a stand that stands 34 inches high to prevent bending over
- Dual 5.5 inch never-flat wheels, a handle, and a lightweight design makes for easy transport
- Backed by a 2 year manufacturer warranty
- A few users said that their log splitter was defective when the received it
- Others said that it wasn’t as durable as they thought it would be
Yardmax YS3065 30 Ton Half Beam Gas Log Splitter, Briggs and Stratton
With a 30 ton cutting capacity, this gas log splitter is the most powerful option on our list; however, it’s also the most expensive, but the price is justifiable, given the incredible power this log splitter offers.
It features a patented U-beam design which is a lot more durable than the standard I-beam design. A patent pending log spinner foot place rotes logs with ease and minimizes stress put on the beam. With dual log cradles, this machine catches the wood after it’s split for even easier operation.
- Provides additional space for staging logs
- Table measures 34" L x 12.5" W
- Made of durable steel
- Fits YARDMAX Half Beam Model Gas Log Splitters
- Protects the engine from dropping logs
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Yardmax log splitter boasts a 2-way and 4-way splitting feature, so you can split logs into 2 or 4 pieces. The durable steel construction can take a real beating with ease and the compact design, complete with two wheels and a built-in handle makes it easy transporting the 515 pound machine a cinch. Oversized hydraulic components give this splitter the shortest cycle time in its class.
- Boasts a powerful 30 ton cutting force
- Patent-pending log spinner foot plate that rotates logs and reduces stress on the beam
- Patent-pending U-beam design provides increased durability
- Patent-pending 4-way wedge is easy to connect and offers jam-free operation
- 5 inch 2-way wedge splits large diameter logs with ease
- Shortest cycle time for a log splitter in this class
- Large log cradles catch the logs after they’re split
- Since it’s gas-powered, it should only be used outdoors
- The price tag is high and might be cost-prohibitive for some buyers
Log Splitters Buyer’s Guide
As with most tools these days, there seems to be an endless variety of log splitters to choose from. There are the tried-and-true kindling splitters and axes, as well as more high-tech gas- or electric-powered options.
With so much variety, trying to decide which log splitter will best meet your needs can be pretty overwhelming; especially if you’ve never purchased one before.
If you’re on the market for a log splitter and you aren’t quite sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you plan on purchasing one of the log splitters highlighted above or you are going to shop around for another model, there are some important factors that you’re going to want to take into consideration to help you choose the best machine for your needs.

Power
First and foremost, you’re going to want to consider the power of the log splitter. The more powerful the machine, the more efficiently it will work. The power of a log splitter is determined by the driving force.
The driving force of a log splitter can vary. We recommend choosing nothing lower than a 5 ton driving force; anything lower, you’ll have a hard time cutting through wet and knotted wood.
Type
Log splitters can be gas-powered, electric-powered, hydraulic, or manual. Gas log splitters usually offer more power than electric, but should only be used outdoors, as they generate fumes while running.
Electric splitters can be used indoors and outdoors, but for the flexibility, you will have to sacrifice some power. Hydraulic log splitters can be used both indoors and outdoors, and while they can be even more powerful than both gas and electric machines, usually, they are slower at getting the job done.
Manual splitters are exactly what they sound like; they require manual labor to split logs, but they make the job easier than splitting with an ax alone, as the provide guidance and improve precision. The type of log splitter you choose really depends on your goals and your specific needs.
Portability
Most log splitters are quite heavy. Therefore, it’s important to consider the portability of the machine, otherwise you could have a hard time moving it from location to location.
The best log splitters are designed for easy transport and feature wheels and handles that allow you to cart them from spot to spot. Look for pneumatic wheels so you don’t have to worry about popping or filling them with air.
Splitting Range
You should also consider what size logs the splitter can accommodate; the length and width of the logs. Larger splitting ranges mean less chopping before use; however, it also means slower splitting. We recommend choosing a log splitter that has a splitting range of no less than 10 inches.

Cycle Times
Cycle time refers to the amount of time it will take the machine to split a log. The faster the cycle time, the faster the device will split through logs. For maximum efficiency, opt for a log splitter that has a cycle time of no more than 20 seconds.
Durability
You want a log splitter that is durably constructed. The last thing you want to do is purchase a log splitter that’s going to break down. These machines take a real beating and need to be able to withstand wear and tear.
The best log splitters are made of steel, as this material can easily stand up to the constant force that the machine is under. The more durable the log splitter is, the more reliable it will be and the longer it will last.
Where You Intend on Using It
Where you plan on using the log splitter is also an important factor to consider. If you plan on using it indoors, a gas-powered splitter isn’t an option, as this type of device generates fumes, which can create a hazardous situation if used indoors.
In order to use safely, gas powered log splitters require proper ventilation, and therefore, they should be used outside. If you intend on using it inside, you can opt for an electric or hydraulic device, as neither one generates fumes and can safely be used indoors.

Where You Will be Storing It
Before you shop, consider where you’ll be storing your log splitter. You want to be sure that you will be able to fit the device in the location where you intend on storing it. We recommend measuring the area and referencing the size when you’re shopping to avoid purchasing something that won’t fit into the space where you plan on keeping it.
The Price
Lastly, you should consider the price of the log splitter. These machines can range in price from thousands of dollars to under a hundred dollars. Obviously, larger, more powerful log splitters are going to cost more.
Typically, hydraulic and manual splitters have the lowest price tags, but they aren’t as efficient and they require more work. Before you start shopping, consider your budget so that you don’t spend more than you can comfortably afford.

Log Splitter FAQs
If you have never purchased a log splitter before, you probably have some questions about these machines. In this portion of our guide, we provide answers to some of most frequently asked questions that consumers have regarding log splitters.
How is a log splitter used?
Operation depends on the type of log splitter you choose. With gas, electric, and hydraulic splitters, you usually place the log on the beam at the end of the ram and the ram pushes the log forward toward the blade and splits it.
Most splitters feature a ram that has an auto return, which means the ram is programmed to return to its original location after the log has been split.
There are some models that don’t feature an auto return, however. In this case, you will have to pull a handle in order to return the ram back to the starting position. With a manual log splitter, you place the log on the device to hold it in place and use a mallet or hammer to drive it through the blade and split it.
How do log splitters work?
Log splitters are usually comprised of a ram and a metal blade. The ram pushes the log down along a beam and applies a tremendous amount of pressure on the wood so that it drives through the blade.
The pressure and driving force applies allows the log to split in half along the center. If you’re using a manual log splitter, the same principle applies, but instead of a ram and a beam, the log is placed on the device to center it in place and then you use use a hammer or mallet to drive it into the blade split it down the middle.
How much power do I need?
The amount of power you’ll need depends on the type of wood you plan on cutting. The denser and larger the wood, the more power you’re going to need to split it.
Additionally, if you plan on splitting wet or knotty wood, you’ll need to have more power to get the job done. We recommend choosing a splitter that has a driving force of no less than 5 tons.
Why should I purchase a log splitter? Are they a sound investment?
Splitting logs the old fashioned way is a labor-intensive task. It requires a lot of muscle and power, and given the motion and force that needs to be used in order to split the wood, it can be quite tiring and painful work.
Plus, there’s a chance that you could sustain an injury when you split logs with nothing more than an ax. With a log splitter, the job of splitting logs is a lot easier, faster, and safer; especially if you choose a gas, electric, or hydraulic splitter, as they’re designed to provide deliver high levels of force and can drive through all types of wood with ease.
While a manual log splitter does still require manual labor, using one is safer than splitting logs with nothing more than an ax.
So, is a log splitter a worthwhile investment? Given the fact that they maximize efficiency, make the job go much faster, and increase your safety, yes, we think that they are definitely a sound investment.
Summing It Up
If you plan on cutting your own firewood, you enjoy doing woodworking projects, or you are a landscaper who wants to turn any trees that you cut down into more manageable pieces that can be used for other purposes, a log splitter is a handy device that you should consider purchasing.
With a log splitter, you will be able to split your logs into halves or quarters a lot faster, easier, and safer than you would be able to do with an ax alone. There are several types of log splitters on the market. The three models we mentioned in our review are all top-of-the-line, durable, and reliable products; however, if you’re going to opt for a different model, consider the factors that were mentioned in the buyer’s guide so that you can choose the right device for your specific needs.