Better Quantum Computing Stock: Rigetti Computing vs. IonQ
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By Keithen Drury – Mar 15, 2026 at 6:35AM ESTKey PointsRigetti Computing is using the same approach as many of the larger tech companies.IonQ's unique approach is already paying off.IonQ is rapidly growing, while Rigetti is struggling. IonQ (IONQ 0.15%) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI +0.59%) are two of the most popular quantum computing investment options available on the market. Both companies are racing toward providing a commercially viable quantum computer -- a market that McKinsey & Company believes could be worth up to $72 billion annually by 2035. That's a huge market that doesn't exist right now, and picking the right stock could make investors a ton of money, while choosing the wrong one could lead to a position going to $0. So, which one is the better stock pick? Let's take a look. Image source: The Motley Fool. IonQ and Rigetti are approaching quantum computing from two different perspectives There is no established way to do quantum computing because it's an emerging technology. IonQ and Rigetti each use different techniques, and both have their advantages. IonQ uses a trapped-ion approach, which yields better computing accuracy than other approaches. Rigetti Computing utilizes superconducting, which yields faster processing speeds. ExpandNASDAQ: RGTIRigetti ComputingToday's Change(0.59%) $0.10Current Price$16.16Key Data PointsMarket Cap$5.4BDay's Range$15.90 - $17.2552wk Range$6.86 - $58.15Volume753KAvg Vol31MGross Margin-8613.15% The current roadblock to widespread quantum computing usage is the accuracy of quantum computing platforms, so backing a company like IonQ over Rigetti makes sense right now. However, should Rigetti close the accuracy gap, then its faster processing speeds will become a reason to invest in the stock. Another factor to consider is what other competitors are doing. Some of the largest tech companies in the world are also using a superconducting approach, and they have a lot more resources than Rigetti. So, Rigetti may not even be the best stock pick in its respective technological approach. This potential issue is showing up in its financials as well. During the fourth quarter, Rigetti recognized revenue of $1.9 million, with an operating loss of $22.6 million. IonQ's revenue was far more impressive, with $61.9 million in revenue, but it posted a massive operating loss of $229 million. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-0.15%) $-0.05Current Price$32.98Key Data PointsMarket Cap$12BDay's Range$32.84 - $34.5852wk Range$18.81 - $84.64Volume15MAvg Vol21MGross Margin-2267.11% However, with IonQ's leadership position in the quantum computing realm, countless investors are willing to step in to continue funding IonQ's operations, where Rigetti may have a more difficult time. This may be the difference in surviving the early stages, making IonQ a far safer pick as well. I think IonQ is currently the much better investment pick between the two, but if Rigetti has a few breakthroughs, it could come roaring back. I need to see a bit more progress from Rigetti before I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt, which is why I'm far more bullish on IonQ's stock right now.Read NextMar 13, 2026 •By Keithen Drury2 Millionaire-Maker Quantum Computing StocksMar 11, 2026 •By Harsh ChauhanPrediction: IonQ Will Be the First Quantum Stock to Prove the Bears WrongMar 11, 2026 •By Geoffrey SeilerIs IonQ Stock Your Ticket to Becoming a Millionaire?Mar 10, 2026 •By Keithen DruryA Once-in-a-Generation Investment Opportunity: Is IonQ the Top Quantum Computing Stock to Buy Now?Mar 4, 2026 •By Robert Izquierdo2 Quantum Computing Stocks That Could Help Make You a FortuneMar 1, 2026 •By Geoffrey SeilerIs IonQ Stock a Buy as Revenue Growth Explodes Higher?About the AuthorKeithen Drury is a contributing Motley Fool technology analyst covering AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and SaaS stocks. In addition to The Motley Fool, Keithen is a mechanical engineer and has held roles at Honeywell and smaller industrial companies like Brand Hydraulics and Lincoln Industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Dordt University.TMFTripleOptionStocks MentionedIonQNYSE: IONQ$33.06(+0.09%)+$0.03Rigetti ComputingNASDAQ: RGTI$16.17(+0.59%)+$0.10*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.