Are quantum stocks a good buy?

At this point, there is no established leader in quantum computing. Dozens of companies, including several tech giants, are researching its potential and experimenting with real-world uses. Developing quantum hardware that accurately performs computations and meets reasonable return on investment thresholds is still ongoing. So, there are no clear long-term winners to invest in at this point, apart from the established tech giants who can treat quantum computing as a promising side gig. Smaller quantum computing experts such as D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ might deliver great long-term returns -- but they also face significant risks without a financial safety net. All things considered, quantum computing is best explored very carefully. Established winners and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can limit your risks, and direct bets on the smaller experts in this field should be fairly small. Those are high-risk, high-reward long-term bets.

Are quantum computing stocks the next big thing?

Quantum computing is real and progressing fast. Experts like IonQ and D-Wave are pushing toward commercial viability, while Alphabet, IBM, and Nvidia are pouring serious R&D dollars into the space. But useful applications are still many years out, and the pure plays are volatile and speculative. If you're patient and can stomach the risk, there's potential here. If you need returns in the near term, the tech titans offer quantum exposure without betting the farm. Quantum computing may not be the next big thing, but it's lining up to eventually make a big splash.

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

So far, it's mostly a bunch of hype cycles and volatility. It's a different story in the long term, though. Quantum could revolutionize finance through faster risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and cracking current encryption. But it's not there yet. Today, it's a speculative bet on tomorrow's infrastructure.

Which company is leading in quantum computing?

Well-established tech giants like Alphabet and IBM appear to be making the most headway in quantum computing. This will likely remain the case, given the billions of dollars needed to fund research into this emerging technology.

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

IBM is the front-runner, with more than 2,500 patent filings in the field of quantum computing. Runner-up Alphabet has some catching up to do, having filed 1,500 quantum patents as of January 2026.

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Yes, but only a small handful of quantum computing pure plays exist at this point, and they all lose money. However, investors who want a more balanced bet on the future of quantum computing can invest in the shares of tech giants with an interest in the space.

Are quantum computing stocks risky?

Quantum systems are slowly becoming more usable for solving real-world computing problems. However, it will still take many years to commercialize this industry in a meaningful way. Tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Nvidia offer possibilities for this exciting field, while smaller specialists such as D-Wave and IonQ are more direct bets on this technology. The big names are safer, and the small ones come with greater financial risks.

Is there a quantum computing ETF?

Yes. The Defiance Quantum Computing ETF has been around since 2018, mirroring the components of the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. The equal-weighted stock list includes tech titans and quantum computing specialists. The fund was a strong performer in 2025, reflecting the surging market interest in quantum computing stocks.

Bars

An in-depth look at the best quantum computing stocks in the U.S. stock market this year.

By Anders Bylund – Updated Apr 29, 2026 at 1:17 AM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Invest in top quantum computing stocks like IonQ and Microsoft, leveraging cloud and AI technologies.
Consider ETFs like Defiance Quantum ETF for diversified exposure to the quantum computing sector.
Be cautious with high-risk pure-play companies; established tech giants offer safer investment opportunities.

Quantum computing could become one of the most disruptive technologies of the next decade, with potential applications in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and drug discovery. Unlike traditional computers, quantum systems use the laws of quantum mechanics to solve certain problems far faster than today's machines can.

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Someone writing a complex mathematical equation on a chalkboard. — Image source: Getty Images.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market cap	Dividend yield	Industry
IonQ (NYSE:IONQ)	$16.5 billion	0.00%	Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI)	$5.8 billion	0.00%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment
D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS)	$7.5 billion	0.00%	Software
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)	$4.8 trillion	0.02%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)	$3.0 trillion	0.85%	Software
Honeywell International (NASDAQ:HON)	$135.8 billion	2.10%	Industrial Conglomerates
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)	$217.1 billion	2.91%	IT Services
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)	$474.9 billion	0.00%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment

Data as of May 1, 2026. Showing 8 of 8 tickers.

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NYSE: IONQ

IonQ

Today's Change

(2.31%) $1.04

Current Price

$46.16

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$17B

Day's Range

$43.81 - $46.30

52wk Range

$25.89 - $84.64

Volume

976K

Avg Vol

25M

Gross Margin

-2267.11%

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IonQ develops quantum computing hardware and is the first to have its computing systems available via all the major public cloud services. It plans to build a network of quantum computers accessible via the cloud and is targeting rapid growth in 2026 as researchers begin using its hardware at a greater scale.

IonQ's orientation toward cloud computing is illustrated by its partnerships with Microsoft (MSFT +1.62%), Amazon (AMZN +1.25%) Web Services (AWS), and Alphabet's (GOOG +0.34%) (GOOGL +0.20%) Google Cloud. Japanese telecommunications company and tech investor SoftBank Group (SFTBF +4.79%) has also invested in IonQ.

SoftBank is partnering with IonQ to bring quantum computing power to the many other tech companies in its portfolio. IonQ's most powerful computer, Aria, has been available since May 2023 via an AWS service.

IonQ generates minimal revenue so far and is not yet profitable. It will need to continue spending heavily to develop its products and business for at least a few more years.

Investing in this start-up is a speculative play. If IonQ's research efforts are successful, the stock could be a profitable way to invest in quantum computing, but investors should act with prudence. This is still a start-up business, and its valuation is often sky-high.

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2. Microsoft

The software titan researches and develops all sorts of technology, and quantum computing technology is no exception. Quantum computers need special refrigeration, hardware designed at microscopic levels, and specific software, all of which Microsoft is developing in its labs. Microsoft also offers researchers access to quantum computing services via its massive cloud platform, Azure.

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NASDAQ: MSFT

Microsoft

Today's Change

(1.62%) $6.62

Current Price

$414.40

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$3.0T

Day's Range

$410.45 - $417.09

52wk Range

$356.28 - $555.45

Volume

1.5M

Avg Vol

36M

Gross Margin

68.31%

Dividend Yield

0.85%

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Quantum computing tech probably won't be a significant driver of Microsoft's financial performance anytime soon. However, the company is helping to develop the next generation of computing technology. Microsoft stock has been a winning investment for decades, and its importance in the software technology field will persist for a very long time.

3. Alphabet

Alphabet subsidiary Google, the third-largest public cloud computing platform, has developed its own quantum computing chips, branded Sycamore. The tech behemoth is using quantum computing to advance its AI software systems. In March 2022, it spun off its quantum computing software unit into an independent start-up called SandboxAQ.

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NASDAQ: GOOG

Alphabet

Today's Change

(0.27%) $1.02

Current Price

$382.96

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.6T

Day's Range

$375.32 - $383.24

52wk Range

$149.49 - $383.24

Volume

1.5M

Avg Vol

21M

Gross Margin

60.43%

Dividend Yield

0.22%

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NASDAQ: GOOGL

Alphabet

Today's Change

(0.20%) $0.78

Current Price

$385.58

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.7T

Day's Range

$379.09 - $386.76

52wk Range

$147.84 - $386.76

Volume

1.4M

Avg Vol

33M

Gross Margin

60.43%

Dividend Yield

0.22%

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NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia

Today's Change

(-0.48%) $-0.96

Current Price

$198.61

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.8T

Day's Range

$197.13 - $202.95

52wk Range

$110.82 - $216.82

Volume

4.5M

Avg Vol

176M

Gross Margin

71.07%

Dividend Yield

0.02%

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Nvidia is leveraging its software developed for GPUs to support the development of quantum computing. It has released cuQuantum, a software development kit designed to help software developers build workflows on quantum computing. The idea is to control next-generation quantum systems with a digital toolkit, simplifying the move from one computing era to another.

On the hardware side, Nvidia announced DGX Quantum in early 2023. The system pairs Nvidia's most advanced GPUs with quantum hardware developed by start-up Quantum Machines. It is made for researchers advancing quantum computing technology. Nvidia's quantum work has wide-ranging uses, from breakthroughs in jet engine efficiency to rapid drug and healthcare development.

5. Intel

Intel (INTC +5.42%) lost its lead in the semiconductor industry. Third-party foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +0.42%) passed Intel up a few years ago, and numerous companies (including Nvidia) are valued far higher owing to their greater exposure to growth markets like GPUs for AI.

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NASDAQ: INTC

Intel

Today's Change

(5.44%) $5.14

Current Price

$99.62

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$475B

Day's Range

$92.61 - $100.45

52wk Range

$18.96 - $100.45

Volume

158M

Avg Vol

105M

Gross Margin

35.90%

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But Intel is mounting a comeback. One of its initiatives includes Tunnel Falls, a quantum computing chip. The silicon-based chip uses Intel's most advanced manufacturing processes and is now available to the research community. Intel says it has partnered with numerous government and university research departments to test Tunnel Falls.

Quantum computing is not central to Intel's plans to regain its dominance in the semiconductor industry. Still, if research yields positive results, it could become an important segment for the integrated chip design and manufacturing giant.

6. Honeywell

Honeywell (HON -0.85%) is best known as an industrial manufacturer that produces everything from aerospace equipment to advanced construction materials to medical devices. However, Honeywell is also a technology firm whose diverse work includes quantum computing.

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NASDAQ: HON

Honeywell International

Today's Change

(-0.85%) $-1.83

Current Price

$212.50

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$136B

Day's Range

$212.01 - $215.56

52wk Range

$186.76 - $248.18

Volume

Avg Vol

3.9M

Gross Margin

38.06%

Dividend Yield

2.10%

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Honeywell built its own quantum computer unit, which it spun off as a separate business and merged with start-up Cambridge Quantum Computing in January 2024. The new stand-alone entity is called Quantinuum (which is now on its second-gen quantum computer).

Honeywell remains a majority shareholder with a 54% ownership stake. It also supplies Quantinuum with hardware and software as it develops its quantum computing technology. Quantinuum has been particularly focused on developing new cybersecurity services and chemistry.

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NYSE: IBM

International Business Machines

Today's Change

(0.58%) $1.34

Current Price

$232.32

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$217B

Day's Range

$231.69 - $235.88

52wk Range

$220.72 - $324.90

Volume

145K

Avg Vol

6.5M

Gross Margin

57.80%

Dividend Yield

2.91%

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In 2021, the company struck a deal with government contractor Raytheon Technologies (RTX -1.06%) to develop AI and quantum computing for the aerospace, defense, and intelligence industries. The U.S. government will be a top customer of the research collaboration. IBM combines an innovative product portfolio with modest stock gains compared to other quantum computing and AI experts.

8. Rigetti Computing

Rigetti (RGTI +0.29%) wants to be a one-stop shop for your quantum computing needs. It designs and manufactures its own superconducting quantum chips, integrates them with digital control systems, and offers a platform that blends quantum processors with classical computing to run practical, hybrid workloads.

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NASDAQ: RGTI

Rigetti Computing

Today's Change

(0.29%) $0.05

Current Price

$17.50

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$5.8B

Day's Range

$16.80 - $17.64

52wk Range

$9.14 - $58.15

Volume

17M

Avg Vol

29M

Gross Margin

-8613.15%

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Like its quantum-specialist peers, Rigetti runs its business on stock sale funds rather than revenue streams. With promising research projects but minimal business operations, the stock often looks overheated.

9. D-Wave Quantum

Instead of separate ions, D-Wave's (QBTS +1.04%) systems rely on superconducting loops with strong magnetic fields. These annealing circuits work together in groups, gaining pattern-finding power from the way their energy states interact with each other.

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NYSE: QBTS

D-Wave Quantum

Today's Change

(1.04%) $0.21

Current Price

$20.49

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$7.5B

Day's Range

$19.57 - $20.67

52wk Range

$6.82 - $46.75

Volume

20M

Avg Vol

27M

Gross Margin

82.59%

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Quantum computing FAQ

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About the Author

Anders Bylund is a contributing Motley Fool media and technology analyst covering semiconductors, cloud computing, internet infrastructure, quantum computing, and streaming media. Previously, Anders was a systems administrator for Nielsen Technology and CSX, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-class systems. He was also a freelance writer for Ars Technica, TIME, USA Today, CNN, WIRED, and AOL's Daily Finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in library and information sciences from Florida State University. He believes in coyotes and time as an abstract.

TMFZahrim

@TMFZahrim

Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Intel, International Business Machines, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Honeywell International, Intel, International Business Machines, IonQ, Microsoft, Nvidia, RTX, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

An in-depth look at the best quantum computing stocks in the U.S. stock market this year.

Key Points

Key Data Points

2. Microsoft

Key Data Points

3. Alphabet

Key Data Points

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5. Intel

Key Data Points

6. Honeywell

Key Data Points

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8. Rigetti Computing

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9. D-Wave Quantum

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Stocks Mentioned

Premium Investing Services

Quantum computing FAQ

Are quantum stocks a good buy?

Are quantum computing stocks the next big thing?

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

Which company is leading in quantum computing?

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Are quantum computing stocks risky?

Is there a quantum computing ETF?

2. Microsoft

3. Alphabet

How to invest in quantum computing stocks

Future outlook for quantum computing stocks

Related investing topics

FAQ

9. D-Wave Quantum

Top quantum computing stocks to consider

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

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Key Data Points

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1. IonQ

4. Nvidia

5. Intel

6. Honeywell

8. Rigetti Computing

7. IBM