DeWalt DCW600B vs Milwaukee 2723-20 Compact Router
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Both are brushless cordless compact routers that take 1/4 in bits. Fine Woodworking's Asa Christiana tested the Milwaukee 2723-20 and said it would have taken top honors in the magazine's cordless router test: its motor barely slowed in a heavy cut in hard maple, bit and depth changes were easy, and half the battery was left at the end. Milwaukee rates it at 31,000 RPM and the power of a corded 1.25 HP trim router. We found no accessible independent test of the DeWalt DCW600B, only DeWalt's feature list and an aggregator's summary that notes the battery makes it feel heavy on one side. The Milwaukee has the better evidence. If you own DeWalt 20V batteries, check the DeWalt's specs before you decide.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCW600B
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20
Side by side
| Spec | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCW600B | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Independent test found [1][3][4] | None accessible; a review summary only | Fine Woodworking tested it |
| Motor [2][3] | Brushless, variable-speed dial | POWERSTATE brushless; REDLINK PLUS electronics |
| Speed [2][3] | Variable speed; the top speed isn't stated in the sources we read | Up to 31,000 RPM |
| Power claim [3] | Not stated in the sources we read | The power of corded 1.25 HP trim routers, per Milwaukee |
| Depth adjustment [2][3] | Depth adjustment ring | Micro-adjust dial plus macro-adjust button |
| Lights [2][3] | Dual LEDs | LED light |
| Runtime [3] | Not stated in the sources we read | Up to 250 ft of 3/8 in roundovers in red oak on a 5.0 Ah battery, per Milwaukee |
| Fine Woodworking test result [1] | Not tested | Hard maple molding profile came out glassy smooth; motor barely slowed; half the battery left |
| Bit changes and accessories [1] | Not stated in the sources we read | Spindle lock and one wrench; two wrenches, a large accessory base, an edge guide and a dust port included |
| Balance [1][4] | A review summary says the battery makes it feel heavy on one side | Excellent on narrow edges, per Fine Woodworking |
| Warranty [2] | 3-year limited | Not stated in the sources we read |
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCW600B
- Variable-speed dial, dual LEDs and a depth adjustment ring, per DeWalt
- 3-year limited warranty
- Fits DeWalt 20V batteries you already own
- We found no accessible independent test
- A review summary says the battery makes it feel unbalanced
- Tool only, so you need a battery and charger
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20
- Fine Woodworking: would have taken top honors in its cordless router test
- Powerful in hard maple with half the battery left
- Easy bit and depth changes, with a large accessory base and edge guide included
- Tool only, so you need a battery and charger
- An optional plunge base costs extra
- Fine Woodworking's test is from 2020
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want the router with a woodworking test | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 | Fine Woodworking's hands-on results |
| Own DeWalt 20V batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCW600B | Your batteries fit |
| Own Milwaukee M18 batteries | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 | Your batteries fit, and the test is positive |
| Rout hard woods | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 | Barely slowed in hard maple |
| Want a longer warranty on the tool | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCW600B | DeWalt lists 3 years |
What to look for
Power in hard wood
Why it matters: A router that bogs down leaves burn marks and rough cuts.
How to check: Look for a test in hardwood.
Watch out: Fine Woodworking routed 60 ft of hard maple with the Milwaukee in a heavy single pass and the motor barely slowed.
Depth adjustment
Why it matters: Quick, precise depth changes save time.
How to check: Look for both coarse and fine adjustments.
Watch out: The Milwaukee has a micro-adjust dial and a macro button. The DeWalt has a depth adjustment ring.
Balance
Why it matters: A battery on one side can tip the router on narrow edges.
How to check: Try the router on a narrow board.
Watch out: Fine Woodworking found the Milwaukee well balanced on narrow edges. One summary says the DeWalt feels heavy on one side.
Battery platform
Why it matters: The battery is a big part of the cost.
How to check: Count your M18 and DeWalt 20V batteries.
Watch out: Both are tool only.
Included accessories
Why it matters: Bases and guides make a router more useful.
How to check: See which bases and guides are in the box.
Watch out: Fine Woodworking lists a large accessory base, an edge guide and a dust port with the Milwaukee. A plunge base is optional.
Traps and timing
- Fine Woodworking's Milwaukee review is from 2020. It is a hands-on test but not a head-to-head.
- We could not confirm the DCW600B's top speed or runtime from the sources we read.
- Both are tool only. Plan for a battery and charger.
- DeWalt's page also lists corded routers. Confirm that your listing is the cordless DCW600B.
- The ShopSavvy summary of DCW600B reviews is an aggregator, not a hands-on test.
Before you check out
- Count the batteries you already own.
- Decide whether you rout hard woods.
- Check which bases and guides you need.
- Confirm the model on the listing.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test routers in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which compact router did Fine Woodworking test?
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20. It said it would have taken top honors in its cordless router test.
How fast does the Milwaukee spin?
Up to 31,000 RPM, per Milwaukee.
Has the DeWalt DCW600B been independently tested?
We didn't find an accessible independent test, only DeWalt's specs and a review summary.
Do these include batteries?
No. Both listings are tool only.
Is there a plunge base?
An optional plunge base was available for the Milwaukee at $110 in Fine Woodworking's review.
Sources
- Tool Review: Cordless router by Milwaukee, Model 2723-20, Fine Woodworking
- 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router (DCW600B), DeWalt
- M18 FUEL Compact Router (2723-20), Milwaukee Tool
- TLDR Review: DEWALT DCW600B Router, ShopSavvy (review summary)