Splitting mauls are generally larger and have a head that can act as a hammer or be hammered once it’s wedged in a large round. Splitting axes typically have sharper heads and don’t have the maul head. They might have a flat back side for hammering and a shorter handle. A splitting axe offers more versatility if you need an axe for more than splitting. Hatchets are shorter than either splitting mauls or splitting axes. They’re a good choice if you only need to split occasionally because they’re easier to store and swing.