3 Top Quantum Computing Stocks To Buy In 2026 The Motley Fool

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Jan 7, 2026, 5:54 PM

3 top quantum computing stocks to buy in 2026 the motley fool

It's still early, but quantum computing appears to be another significant leap forward in technological innovation. Quantum computers utilize the laws of physics to perform complex calculations exponentially faster than even today's supercomputers can. Researchers at McKinsey & Company anticipate that quantum computing can grow to a $100 billion market over the next decade, and who knows where it will go from there. Investors have poured into several pure-play quantum computing stocks, but companies like IonQ and D-Wave Quantum currently generate little revenue and have already risen to sky-high valuations. However, investing in quantum computing doesn't need to be an all-or-nothing gamble. © All rights reserved.

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Alphabet is getting closer to useful quantum technology. Nvidia recently released a product that will enable hybrid quantum computing. IonQ's quantum computer is leading the pack for accuracy. Quantum computing isn't as popular a theme among investors now as it was just a couple of months ago, which means that this could be a good time to start considering some top-tier stocks... Stock prices in the industry are driven by hype at this stage, and when the hype cycle is low, it can offer opportunities to buy in. With experts not expecting quantum computing systems to deliver broad real-world advantages over classical computers any earlier than 2030, we have a long way to go before we find out which companies will be...

As a result, I think it's better for investors interested in getting exposure to the technology to spread their investments out across multiple companies -- some that have established businesses in other areas and... Quantum computing is an investing theme that has delivered massive returns for shareholders. In the last three years, the big four pure-play quantum stocks -- IonQ (IONQ +4.39%), Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT +5.32%), Rigetti Computing (RGTI +4.12%), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +7.75%) -- have all generated at least 500% cumulative stock returns. Catalyzed by an optimistic tone in the business world around quantum computing technology, these stocks have investors betting on a quantum revolution changing the world. Quantum computing is an investing theme that has delivered massive returns for shareholders.

In the last three years, the big four pure-play quantum stocks -- IonQ (IONQ +4.39%), Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT +5.32%), Rigetti Computing (RGTI +4.12%), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +7.75%) -- have all generated at least 500% cumulative stock returns. Catalyzed by an optimistic tone in the business world around quantum computing technology, these stocks have investors betting on a quantum revolution changing the world. With the stocks dipping from highs set in October of this year, should you buy quantum computing stocks as we get ready to flip the calendar to 2026? The answer is clear if you look at the underlying financials. CollapseIONQNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(4.39%) $2.04Current Price$48.48IONQYTD1w1m3m6m1y5yPriceVS S&PKey Data PointsMarket Cap$17BDay's Range$46.88 - $49.4452wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume30MAvg Vol28MGross Margin-747.41% Building for a quantum future?

When business leaders such as Nvidia founder Jensen Huang say quantum computing is reaching an inflection point, you can understand why these pure-play stocks are getting so much hype. Ad This Card Just Received a Rare 5-Star Rating Our team of credit card pros don’t just recommend this card—they actually use it. Motley Fool Money calls it a top pick for a reason. Apply in minutes > Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to exponentially improve processing power over traditional computers, promising users immense computing capabilities that are limited by even the most advanced computers today. These include technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).Advertisement Companies like IonQ have research labs dedicated to commercializing quantum computing, as it could be a game changer for the computing world (and society as a... It is building hardware and software for quantum computing projects.

Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 972%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 193% for the S&P 500. They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks › *Stock Advisor returns as of December 21, 2025. However, given that current quantum computers are highly unstable and can generally only operate in extreme cold and extremely clean environments, they are expensive and not reliable for everyday tasks. This has prevented the full commercialization of the technology and has remained a bottleneck for years.

Image source: Getty Images. A strong narrative, but lacking fundamentals Telling the story of disrupting the entire computing industry is enticing, which is why a stock like IonQ is up 1,000% in the last three years and has... But if you actually look at the underlying business, you will be greatly disappointed. Through the first nine months of 2024, IonQ generated $68 million in revenue. That is a tiny fraction of its current market value. On this revenue, it posted an operating loss of $405 million.

Just looking at stock-based compensation, the company had over $200 million in share-based employee expenses, or more than 200% of its revenue. Or, we can look at Quantum Computing, Inc., which generated just $384,000 in revenue last quarter. That's not a typo. The stock currently has a market cap of $2.9 billion, giving it a trailing price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of over 3,000. That is one expensive stock. These are horrendous financial figures.

This is why companies like IonQ are raising a boatload of funds through share offerings, which have grown their shares outstanding by 77% in the last three years, diluting existing shareholders. Quantum Computing stock has grown its shares outstanding by an astounding 300% in the last three years alone. IONQ PS Ratio data by YCharts Should you buy quantum computing stocks? The short answer: no. The longer answer combines these four stocks -- as well as any other quantum computing pure play -- and their huge shareholder dilution, massive premium valuations to current revenue levels, and uncertainties around commercialization... It may take decades for quantum computing to finally be commercialized.

Or, it may never happen; the technology is that complicated. As an investor, you do not want to ever bet on an unproven technology, no matter how exciting it sounds. Quantum computing is an overhyped investing theme that is bound to disappoint investors who buy these stocks in 2026. Google Willow: The secrets of the world’s most powerful quantum computer BBC Advancing single-cell omics and cell-based therapeutics with quantum computing Nature Could 2026 be the year we start using quantum computers for chemistry?

New Scientist Microsoft made a splash with a controversial quantum computer in 2025 New Scientist Several quantum computing stocks could be winners in 2026, including Microsoft and IonQ. However, Alphabet looks the most attractive. Alphabet should benefit from a continued AI tailwind this year. Some technologies reshape the world.

We've seen several of them rise to prominence in the last few decades, including the personal computer, the internet, and artificial intelligence (AI). Quantum computing could soon join the list. This technology holds the potential to transform climate modeling, cybersecurity, drug discovery, finance, logistics, and materials science. It could also turbocharge AI advances. Quantum computing continues to move from research labs into early commercial applications. Several companies are competing to develop viable quantum systems that can solve problems traditional computers cannot handle.

The technology remains complex and expensive. However, major tech firms and startups are making measurable progress in reducing error rates and building practical systems. IonQ leads the industry in quantum computing accuracy. The company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in October 2025. No other company has crossed the 99.9% threshold yet. This accuracy matters because error correction is the biggest challenge preventing quantum computers from widespread use.

IonQ uses trapped-ion technology, which provides good stability for qubits. The company reached the 99.9% fidelity mark in September 2024. Other companies following similar timelines would give IonQ roughly a one-year advantage. IonQ offers its systems through major cloud platforms, giving it access to early customers.

3 Top Quantum Computing Stocks To Buy In 2026 The Motley Fool

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