Choosing between these Milwaukee M18 drill/drivers comes down to a straightforward tradeoff: do you want the compact model with stated torque and speed figures, or would you rather have the brushless model? Both are 18V, 1/2-inch, tool-only drills with no battery included, so the deciding points are motor type, the 2606-20's detailed work specs, and the $9 listed price spread.
Quick verdict
Pick the Milwaukee 2606-20 M18 18V Lithium-ion Cordless 1/2-inch Drill Driver when a compact 7-1/4-inch tool, stated 500 in-lbs of maximum torque, and up to 1,800 RPM fit the work you have in mind. Its listed price is the lower of the pair, and it has a keyless 1/2-inch metal chuck plus an all-metal gear case.
Choose the Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Brushless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver when the brushless motor is your main requirement. It costs more, but the difference is limited to $9, making motor preference a more useful deciding factor than price alone.
At-a-glance comparison
| Detail | Milwaukee 2606-20 M18 Drill Driver | Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Brushless Drill/Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 59.99 | USD 68.99 |
| Motor type | Brushed | Brushless |
| Battery included | No | No |
| Voltage | 18V in title | 18V |
| Notable listed details | 500 in-lbs maximum torque; up to 1,800 RPM; 7-1/4 in. length | Drill/driver type |
Where each drill/driver wins
Milwaukee 2606-20: detailed compact-work specifications
The 2606-20 has the clearer specification set for shoppers who want to match a drill to a particular task. Its 500 in-lbs maximum torque and up-to-1,800-RPM figures give you concrete performance numbers to weigh, while the 7-1/4-inch length targets tighter work areas. The keyless chuck also supports quicker bit changes without a chuck key. This is the stronger choice when compact dimensions and published torque and speed figures matter most.
Milwaukee 3601-20: brushless motor preference
The 3601-20 stands apart through its brushless motor. If you are specifically narrowing your search to a brushless M18 1/2-inch drill/driver, that attribute makes the decision simple. It remains an 18V tool-only option, so it suits a shopper focused on the drill itself rather than a bundled battery-and-charger package.
Product notes
Milwaukee 2606-20 M18 18V Lithium-ion Cordless 1/2-inch Drill Driver
This model makes sense for a shopper who wants tangible drill specifications rather than choosing only by motor type. The listed 500 in-lbs of maximum torque and up to 1,800 RPM provide a direct basis for selecting it, and its 7-1/4-inch length is a practical point for work in tighter spaces. Its all-metal gear case and 1/2-inch metal keyless chuck add further concrete hardware details. The USD 59.99 listed price is also the lower figure in this comparison. Its limitation is that it uses a brushed motor and arrives as a tool-only option, with no battery included.
Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Brushless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver
Choose the 3601-20 when a brushless drill/driver is the feature you do not want to compromise on. It is an 18V Milwaukee M18 tool with a 1/2-inch drill/driver format, and the brushless motor gives it a clear identity against the brushed 2606-20. With a USD 68.99 listed price, it sits only $9 above the other option, which may be reasonable when brushless construction is your priority. The tradeoff is simple: it is also tool only, and no battery is included. Shoppers seeking a battery-inclusive package should keep that requirement separate from this choice.
Final choice by use case
For tight-space work, shoppers who want stated torque and RPM, or those who prefer the lower listed price, choose the Milwaukee 2606-20. For a brushless 18V M18 drill/driver, choose the Milwaukee 3601-20. Since both are open-box, tool-only options without batteries, the best final choice is the one whose motor type and stated drill details align with your priorities.
