Top 10 Handguns for Everyday Carry in 2026

If you carry daily, you want a setup that’s reliable, comfortable, and easy to conceal—without feeling underpowered or hard to control. This 2026 list covers the most popular carry formats: micro-compacts (deep concealment), compacts (shootability), and one lightweight revolver (simplicity).

Safety & legal note: Always follow local laws, get qualified training, and prioritize safe storage. This page is educational and shopping-oriented—not legal advice.

Quick Jump

• 2026 EDC Comparison Table
• The Top 10 Picks (with who each is best for)
• How to Choose an EDC Handgun in 2026
• FAQ

2026 EDC Comparison Table (Fast Filter)

How to use this table: Start with your carry method (belt/IWB, appendix, pocket, etc.), then pick the size class. Optics-ready slides are a major “2026 default” for many carriers.

Rank	Model	Best For	Size Class	Optics-Ready?	Why It Made the List
1	SIG Sauer P365 XMacro	Capacity + shootability	Compact-slim	Yes (model dependent)	Big capacity in a thin package; fast follow-up potential
2	GLOCK 43X MOS	Slim carry + simplicity	Slim compact	Yes	Proven platform; easy to live with day to day
3	Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro	High-capacity micro-to-compact bridge	Micro/compact hybrid	Common on OSP variants	Strong capacity for the footprint
4	S&W M&P Shield Plus (Optics Ready)	Everyday comfort	Micro-compact	Yes (OR models)	Carry-friendly dimensions with modern capacity options
5	FN Reflex MRD	Refined trigger feel + deep concealment	Micro-compact	Yes (MRD)	Carry-tuned design with optics-ready option
6	Walther PDP F-Series 3.5″	Ergonomics + easier slide manipulation	Compact	Yes	Comfort-focused frame concept; strong handling
7	HK VP9SK	Premium feel + shootability	Subcompact	Variant dependent	Quality trigger/ergos reputation; durable choice
8	CZ P-10 S	Value + performance balance	Subcompact	Optics-ready variants exist	Comfortable ergonomics and a strong “bang-for-buck” lane
9	GLOCK 19 Gen5 MOS	“One gun” do-it-all	Compact	Yes (MOS)	Benchmark size: shootable, concealable, widely supported
10	S&W 642 Airweight	Low-maintenance simplicity	Small revolver	No	Lightweight, snag-resistant profile for grab-and-go carry

The Top 10 EDC Picks for 2026 (Shop-Style Breakdowns)

1) SIG Sauer P365 XMacro

Best for: People who want fuller capacity and compact-level control in a slim profile.

• Why it wins in 2026: Modern slim-compact approach with strong capacity potential and carry-friendly width.
• Great if you: carry IWB/AIWB and want something that shoots closer to a compact than a tiny micro.
• Watch-outs: Larger than true micro-compacts; choose holster/belt intentionally.

Shop P365 XMacro-compatible gear

2) GLOCK 43X MOS

Best for: Slim carry fans who want a proven, straightforward platform with optics capability.

• Why it wins in 2026: Slimline comfort with MOS slide options and broad ecosystem support.
• Great if you: want a lighter, slimmer daily setup without stepping into pocket-size compromises.
• Watch-outs: Grip length is comfortable but may print more than shorter micro options depending on wardrobe.

Shop 43X MOS-compatible gear

3) Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Best for: Carriers who want a “micro-to-compact bridge” with strong capacity for the footprint.

• Why it wins in 2026: Known for packing a lot of capacity into a slim, carryable package (variant dependent).
• Great if you: want a thinner setup but don’t want to feel under-equipped on capacity.
• Watch-outs: Confirm your exact SKU: optics-ready vs non, safety vs no-safety, etc.

Shop Hellcat Pro-compatible gear

4) Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus (Optics Ready models)

Best for: All-day comfort with a modern feature set (especially in OR configurations).

• Why it wins in 2026: A carry-first design that stays practical for daily wear.
• Great if you: want a straightforward EDC option with wide accessory support.
• Watch-outs: Choose the configuration that matches your preference (safety/no-safety, OR/non-OR).

Shop Shield Plus-compatible gear

5) FN Reflex MRD

Best for: Deep concealment with optics-ready capability and a carry-tuned feel.

• Why it wins in 2026: MRD variant makes it easy to run a micro-sized dot while staying slim.
• Great if you: prioritize concealment but still want modern aiming options.
• Watch-outs: Make sure your optic footprint and plate needs match your chosen setup.

Shop FN Reflex-compatible gear

6) Walther PDP F-Series 3.5″

Best for: Ergonomics-forward carriers who want a compact that handles beautifully.

• Why it wins in 2026: Comfort and controllability features (including the brand’s “F-Series” concept) make it a strong daily option.
• Great if you: want compact shootability but still plan to conceal IWB/AIWB with a quality belt.
• Watch-outs: Compact thickness can demand better holster selection than slimmer micro options.

Shop PDP F-Series-compatible gear

7) HK VP9SK

Best for: Premium feel, strong ergonomics, and shootability in a subcompact footprint.

• Why it wins in 2026: Known for its trigger/ergos reputation and “carryable but shootable” balance.
• Great if you: want a subcompact that doesn’t feel tiny during practice sessions.
• Watch-outs: Variant selection matters if optics-ready is a must for you.

Shop VP9SK-compatible gear

8) CZ P-10 S

Best for: People who want strong performance at a typically competitive price point.

• Why it wins in 2026: Subcompact sizing with features that appeal to practical daily carry.
• Great if you: want a value-focused EDC that still feels “serious” in the hand.
• Watch-outs: Confirm optics-ready status on your chosen model.

Shop CZ P-10 S-compatible gear

9) GLOCK 19 Gen5 MOS

Best for: If you want one platform that can handle almost everything: training, home readiness, and daily carry.

• Why it wins in 2026: The “benchmark” compact size—easy to shoot well, still concealable for many.
• Great if you: prioritize shootability and accessory ecosystem.
• Watch-outs: May feel thicker than slimline or micro options for some wardrobes.

Shop G19 MOS-compatible gear

10) Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight

Best for: Minimalist carry—simple manual of arms, snag-resistant profile, and lightweight convenience.

• Why it wins in 2026: A lightweight revolver can be a dependable “grab-and-go” option with straightforward operation.
• Great if you: want simplicity for close-range defensive readiness or backup carry.
• Watch-outs: Lower capacity and heavier trigger feel than many semi-auto options—practice matters.

Shop 642-compatible gear

Shop Carry Gear (Add Your Product Grid Here)

Paste your WooCommerce product shortcodes below (examples) to create a true “shop page” experience. Swap these placeholders for your actual categories/collections.

Conversion tip: Put your highest-margin “EDC essentials” first (belt/holster/storage), then add “nice-to-haves.”

How to Choose an EDC Handgun in 2026 (Simple Checklist)

1. Decide your carry method: AIWB, strong-side IWB, pocket, bag, etc.
2. Pick a size class: micro-compact for concealment, compact for control, revolver for simplicity.
3. Optics-ready or not: If you plan to run a dot, choose an optics-ready model now.
4. Comfort beats hype: The best choice is the one you’ll actually carry every day.
5. Plan for training: You’ll shoot better with what you practice with—budget for range time.

Pro tip: When two choices feel close, choose the one you can conceal comfortably in your most common daily outfit.

FAQ: Everyday Carry in 2026

What’s the best size for everyday carry?

Most people land in one of two camps: micro-compact for maximum concealment, or compact for easier shooting. Your wardrobe and carry method usually decide it.

Is optics-ready worth it in 2026?

If you think you’ll ever run a red dot, optics-ready is usually the smarter “future-proof” buy. Even if you start with irons, you’ll keep your options open.

How many rounds is “enough” for EDC?

There’s no universal number. Focus on what you can carry comfortably and shoot confidently. Capacity matters—but carry consistency and accuracy matter more.

What’s the most overlooked EDC upgrade?

A quality belt + holster combo. It affects concealment, comfort, draw consistency, and daily safety more than almost anything else.

Final Take

The best EDC choice in 2026 isn’t just “what’s popular”—it’s what fits your body, your daily clothing, and your habits. Use the table to narrow it down, then shop the right supporting gear so your carry setup is comfortable and consistent.