Bell Curve

The axe deals more damage for a single target so it is better for a 1v1 encounter, but if you are fighting multiple targets, the sword is better because of the sweeping attacks that can hit up to 5 targets at the same time, depending on how close are they to the sword / you / each other

It depends on the version, on Java it’s the axe, and on bedrock it’s the sword.

I personally prefer the axe because it has multiple uses, but sword is also goated

I play bedrock so sword is better

Mace users:

this meme was made before 1.21

they have they're ups and downs but neither are as good as the trident in bedrock

axeeeeeeee im that one guy that goes oit with a full inven of dims to kill mobs faraway from base