For shooters seeking a small, concealable firearm they can carry for low-key self-defense, subcompacts are the obvious choice. These tiny semi-auto pistols are a relatively new category of handgun. But they’ve quickly become one of the most popular types of firearms available today.

That’s great for consumers, who now have more choices in subcompacts than ever before. However, for shooters who are new to the genre, navigating the world of subcompacts can be intimidating. Never fear — we’re here to break down our top 15 subcompact pistols chambered in 9x19mm.

Top 15 Picks for Subcompact 9mm

Curious about what firearm is best for you? Take our handgun quiz and find out.

There are a lot of great subcompact 9mm handguns out there. But for this list, we focused on three categories to select our top 15: features, ergonomics, and price. These weapons aren’t in any specific order — but if it’s on this list, we consider it viable for self-defense.

Let’s take a look at the best subcompact 9mm handguns on the market today.

(Source: www.taurususa.com)

Taurus G3C

The G3C is a striker-fired polymer pistol, putting it in the same genre as Glocks and other “tupperware guns.” These are some of the most reliable firearms in existence, and you can always trust the G3C to go “bang” when you pull the trigger.

Taurus’ subcompact offering comes with some extra features. Each G3C includes a standard 3x 12-round magazine. It also has an accessory rail for mounting weapon lights or aiming lasers.

The Taurus also includes safety-focused ergonomic additions. One is a thumb safety — which is a bit of a rarity among striker-fired polymer guns. For added protection, the gun has an integrated trigger safety as well (just like you’d find on a Glock).

But what really makes the G3C stand out above the competition is its price. In a world of “Gucci Guns,” the G3C is democratizing self-defense. Coming in at an MSRP of just $340.99, almost anyone can fit the GC3 into their budget. For defending yourself without having to open a new line of credit, the G3C is an attractive option.

(Springfield Hellcat OSP — Source: Springfield Armory)

Springfield Hellcat

In the world of concealed carry (or “EDC”) pistols, size and weight are king. With the Hellcat, Springfield Armory takes this philosophy to heart by packing the most firepower into the smallest possible package.

They started with enhanced capacity. The more bullets you can sling into a threat, the better your chance of surviving a self-defense scenario. So Springfield made the Hellcat capable of carrying 13+1 rounds with an extended mag (that comes standard with the gun).

ammo

Sellier & Bellot 9Mm Luger 115 Grain Fmj + 30 Cal Ammo Can

$73.60
Sellier & Bellot

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

Springfield pulled out all the stops with the Hellcat’s ergonomics, too. Its adaptive grip texture employs a matrix of staggered pyramid shapes to help you lock in a secure grip. Add in a reversible mag release, and the Hellcat is a great option for right- and left-handed shooters alike.

Like many other entries on this list, the Hellcat has an accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights. Springfield makes Hellcats with an extra feature, too. The Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) model has a milled slide that can accept many popular red dot sights like the HEX Wasp, JP Enterprises JPoint, and Shield RMSc.

(Source: www.ruger.com)

Ruger EC9s

Looking for the ultimate concealed carry gun? The Ruger EC9s definitely belongs on your short list. It’s one of the thinnest guns we’ve included here — at less than an inch in thickness.

Its tiny size does limit this gun’s firepower to 7+1 capacity. Since it only comes with a single magazine, you’ll need to source extras yourself.

That’s where the EC9s’ shortcomings end, though. One of the coolest features about the EC9s is that its sights are milled into the slide itself. This means that you won’t need to worry about adjusting your sights or zeroing your gun — just point and shoot.

At the same time, this does come with a small trade-off. Since the sights are milled directly into the slide, that means you can’t adjust them. But that won’t really matter for the range this gun is intended for (within 10-15 meters).

If you weren’t convinced on the EC9s yet, here’s a tidbit that might push you over the edge. You can get this gun for $349 MSRP. The only firearm that slightly beats that price is the Taurus G3C.

(Source: www.sigsauer.com)

Sig Sauer P365

You can’t have a conversation about subcompact pistols without mentioning the Sig Sauer P365. It’s one of the most popular pistols in the world today, for several reasons.

For one, the P365 is the most modular subcompact pistol out there — full stop. The pistol features a removable fire control unit, which you can replace into any P365 grip and slide. This means the P365 has nearly unlimited customization options. If you like to tinker with your toys, the P365 is a great choice.

ammo

Sig Sauer Elite Performance V-Crown Ammunition 9Mm 115Gr Jhp- 50 Rounds

$39.99
Sig Sauer

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

That said, the P365 is still a solid pistol out of the box. Sig’s polymer striker-fired pistols have some of the best triggers out of any handgun. Shooters experienced with Sigs and Glocks, for example, will tell you on no uncertain terms that the Sig’s trigger is better than the Glock’s.

The P365 isn’t perfect, though. For one, it only comes with two magazines, while nearly every other gun on this list comes with three. The standard magazines are only 10 rounds, too, so the P365 has less firepower than some other entries on this list (unless you use extended magazines).

(Source: us.glock.com)

Glock 43

Glock invented the striker-fired polymer pistol (aka the “Wonder 9s”) in the 1980s, so it’sno surprise they’ve perfected the design. With the Glock 43, the company takes its wildly successful weapon system and shrinks it down into a subcompact package.

The Glock 43 isn’t just smaller than other Glocks. It’s thinner, too. Part of Glock’s “Slimline” series of pistols, the Glock 43 is about half as thick as a Glock 19. That means people with smaller hands will find this gun easier to control than standard Glocks. The thinner profile also makes the gun easier to conceal under clothing.

The Glock 43 includes ergonomic enhancements over its thicker siblings, too. One of the biggest is a shorter trigger pull that makes it easier for you to pop off multiple shots quickly and accurately.

One of the Glock 43’s only limiting factors is its capacity. Since it’s such a thin gun, the Glock 43 can only hold six rounds standard. Intrepid shooters can use an extension plate to expand the gun’s capacity by another two rounds, but that’s still not a lot of firepower.

Fortunately, Glock fixed that issue with the next entry on our list.

(Source: us.glock.com)

Glock 43X

The Glock 43X is essentially an “enhanced” version of the Glock 43. While not as concealable (due to its longer grip), it boasts a higher capacity, giving you 10+1 rounds standard (12+1 with a mag extension).

That extended grip also helps shooters (especially those with larger hands) control the gun. While a few extra inches of grip space may not seem like a big deal at first, it makes a big difference in the gun’s shootability.

The 43X comes with some extra enhancements, too. The biggest one is its milled slide, which can accept many popular micro red dots like the Holosun SCS MOS. Glock also makes several other mounting plates that allow you to attach optics with a different footprint to your Glock 43X.

(Source: us.glock.com)

Glock 26

We’ll close out our section on Glocks with a subcompact that often gets overlooked: the Glock 26. The Glock 26 actually predates the 43 and 43x, but with its thicker grip and longer slide, it hasn’t achieved the popularity of its slimmer counterparts.

That’s a shame, since the Glock 26 is a great subcompact handgun in its own right.

One aspect of the Glock 26 that many shooters overlook is its weight. Clocking in at 19.4 ounces, it’s about a full ounce heavier than the 43x and more than three ounces heavier than a standard 43. This extra weight helps the gun absorb more recoil than its smaller brethren, making it less “snappy” and easier to shoot.

However, the ergos on the Glock 26 aren’t perfect. Like the GLock 43, it has a fairly stubby grip. This means shooters with larger hands may find the grip doesn’t have enough real estate for all of their fingers. Fortunately, these shooters can use magazine extensions to add some extra purchase to the gun’s grip.

In fact, the Glock 26 can actually accept all standard double-stack Glock magazines. This means you can even use one of Glock’s massive 33-round extended (“stendo”) magazines. They’re perfect for when you need to carry a concealed gun in a warzone like Chicago.

(Source: www.smith-wesson.com)

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield

Smith & Wesson is one of the biggest gun companies in the world. Since the M&P 9 Shield is their base micro-compact pistol, you might expect it to come loaded with features — and you’d be right!

The M&P 9 Shield boasts a slim profile for maximum concealability. In addition, its corrosion-resistant finish stands up to rust. That’s important in an EDC gun, since sweat can build up and cause corrosion on the finish. All standard Shields come with hi-vis sights, too.

The M&P 9 Shield also comes with two magazines. That’s fewer than some of the entries on this list, but still enough for a concealed carry piece.

Smith & Wesson didn’t skimp on ergos with the M&P 9 Shield, either. Its 18-degree grip angle helps you achieve a natural point of aim. Its striker-fired design means you have a consistent trigger pull with every shot.

This pistol does lack some enhanced features, like the ability to mount optics. But it’s a solid base-level gun if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.

Check out our review of the base M&P 9 model.

(Source: www.smith-wesson.com)

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus

If you do want an M&P 9 Shield with all the bells and whistles, you’re still in luck. Smith & Wesson’s M&P 9 Shield Plus builds on the precedent set by the standard Shield with added features.

The Shield Plus’ 10-round magazines (13 round extended magazines) dwarf the normal Shield’s. It’s lighter than the Shield, too, by about two ounces. Also, while the M&P 9 Shield Plus doesn’t come with a standard optic cut, some models do — which you won’t find on a standard Shield.

The Shield Plus is slightly bigger than the standard Shield, which knocks off a few points in terms of concealability. But the difference is so negligible you might not even notice it.

We saved the best part about the M&P 9 Shield Plus for last. Its price is $50 lower than the standard Shield. If you’re seeking one of the best budget EDC pistol options, definitely keep the Shield Plus on your radar.

(Source: www.springfield-armory.com)

Springfield XD-S Mod.2 OSP

The Hellcat isn’t Springfield Armory’s only subcompact pistol. The XD-S Mod.2 is another offering from the Illinois-based company, and in some categories, it actually out-classes the Hellcat.

What really sets the XD-S Mod.2 apart from many of the other entries on here is its optic-readiness. Most of the others only offer an optic-ready slide as an extra feature (like the Hellcat). Utilizing the Springfield Micro footprint, the XD-S can accept optics like the HEX Wasp and Shield RMSc.

The XD-S does fall short of the Hellcat in capacity. Springfield crammed three more rounds into the Hellcat’s magazines, giving it more firepower than the XD-S. For more firepower, choose the Hellcat. For more features, grab the XD-S.

(Source: waltherarms.com)

Walther PPS M2

The Walther pistol is, of course, James Bond’s choice for a concealed carry handgun. But Walther hasn’t simply rested on the laurels of a fictional character established in the 1960s. They’ve even updated their EDC gun for modern times with the PPS M2.

While Bond’s Walther pistol was hammer-fired, the PPS M2 utilizes current striker-fired technology. This gives it a consistent trigger pull with a little bit of pickup before its break.

The PPS does fall short in capacity. It comes with three different magazines, with a six-, seven-, and eight-round capacity, respectively. That gives it a noticeably lower capacity than some of the other entries on this list.

ammo

Hornady Critical Duty 9Mm 135Gr Box Of 25

$28.90
Hornady

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

The PPS M2 really excels in its ergonomic design. Its grip features the highest surface area of any subcompact pistol. This gives you plenty of purchase, making the PPS M2 an accurate and effective self-defense instrument.

(Source: www.beretta.com)

Beretta APX Carry

The iconic Beretta 92 cemented its place in the collective consciousness through movies and as the military’s M9 pistol. But the APX Carry is a subcompact, striker-fired gun that has more in common with a Glock than the Beretta 92.

The APX Carry has some great ergonomic features, too. For one, its trigger pull is feather-light, allowing you to achieve pinpoint accuracy. It also has a quick, crisp reset for follow-up shots. Its aggressive slide serrations also give you the grip you need to rack the slide while under pressure.

Beretta is also optic-ready, and can accept different plates to mount any microdot on the market today. It’s also highly modular, allowing you to swap out its grip, slide, and more to customize to your heart’s content. So go ahead and build that pink carry gun you’ve been secretly craving.

(Source: www.canikusa.com)

Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact

The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a standout in the world of subcompact 9mm pistols for the incredible value it provides. It’s affordable, reliable, and packed with features. Though it’s a little thicker than some other micro-compacts at 1.45 inches wide, this size gives you a better grip, which helps with control and accuracy. It also comes with two magazines — a 12-round with a pinky extension (for easier carry) and a 15-round extended mag (for more rounds).

The TP9 Elite SC comes out of the box with an optic-ready slide, well-suited for red dots. In case your optic fails (or if you prefer iron sights), it also has blackout rear sights and a phosphorus front dot to help with aiming in low light.

The trigger breaks at around 4 pounds, offering a short, crisp reset that’s better than what you usually get at this price. For $439.99 MSRP, you also get a Kydex holster, magazine loader, and interchangeable backstraps.

When it comes to shooting, the TP9 Elite SC performs better than most other subcompacts. Thanks to the longer sight radius, it boasts top-notch accuracy, a good trigger, and a full grip. While it’s not the slimmest option for concealed carry, it offers a smooth and comfortable shooting experience.

(Source: hk-usa.com)

Heckler & Koch VP9SK

The Heckler & Koch VP9SK is a smaller version of the popular VP9 pistol, known for its precision and reliability. While it's called a subcompact, it’s actually a bit bigger than some other guns in this category. At 23.07 ounces unloaded and 1.31 inches wide, it's heavier than some compact pistols like the Glock 19, even though it’s smaller in size and holds fewer rounds. At the same time, the extra weight helps reduce recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot.

One of the best features of the VP9SK is its customizable grip. It comes with interchangeable backstraps and grip panels, so you can adjust it to fit your hand perfectly. The trigger is also highly praised, with a light, crisp pull between 4.5-5.5 pounds and a short reset. It also comes with useful features like luminescent three-dot sights, ambidextrous controls, and special "wings" on the slide to make it easier to rack the gun. (Don’t worry, if you don't like the wings, you can remove them.)

The VP9SK comes standard with 10-round magazines, but it’s designed so you can use larger magazines from the full-size VP9 for more capacity. However, its size might make it harder to conceal for some people, and the paddle-style magazine release can take some getting used to. With a price of around $720 (though it can often be found for less), it's not the cheapest option, but for those who want comfort, accuracy, and customization, the VP9SK is a solid choice.

(Source: https://www.mossberg.com/mc2sc-89025.html)

Mossberg MC2sc

We’re closing out our list of the best subcompact 9mm handguns with an entry you might not expect: the Mossberg MC2sc. Mossberg is a company known more for its affordable and reliable shotguns. Now, the company is taking that same ethos into the world of subcompacts.

One great thing about the MC2sc is that every model comes optic-ready. The slides come pre-cut for microdots with the Shield RMSc footprint, just like the Hellcat.

Another feature of the MC2sc that may appeal particularly to newer shooters is its takedown system. With many striker-fired subcompacts, you will need to pull the trigger to take the gun apart. But even with an abundance of caution, this can sometimes lead to accidental discharges.

With the MC2sc, that’s not a problem. You don’t need to pull the trigger to disassemble the pistol for maintenance and cleaning. Instead, you can take your gun apart comfortably knowing you’re not going to send a 9mm bullet careening into your drywall. That doesn't give you an excuse to be lazy when clearing your pistol, though! ALWAYS exercise gun safety as a top priority.

Bottom Line

That’s quite the list of subcompact pistols we’ve just covered. If you’re still spinning from all the options, take a deep breath. The best part about gun shopping is trying them and seeing how they work for you.

Ultimately, all of these pistols will make suitable self-defense weapons. Just keep three main factors in mind when you make your final decision: functionality, ergonomics, and price. The better balance you find between each of these factors in relation to your own shooting goals, the closer you’ll get to finding your ideal firearm.

Curious about what firearm is best for you? Take our handgun quiz and find out.

After you decide on your pistol, you’ll need to hit the range to train with it. To do that, you’ll need quality ammo from reputable manufacturers. At ProArmory, we stock some of the best ammo available at prices you can’t miss.

Check out our full selection of 9mm ammo and optics to keep your guns fed and happy.