For good performance at a reasonable price, look at Fiskars.
They make several Axes/hatchets and one will most likely fit the bill for you.
They can be had for around $50.
They don't possess the esthetics of the European stuff, some of which could be considered works of art, but are quite functional and light weight.
I only have an x7 hatchet for chopping but have x25, and x27 splitting axes. All three are well made and perform as advertised.
Fiskars stuff isn't pretty but it's good quality and does what it's designed to do.
Good luck, whatever direction you decide to go.