2 No-Brainer Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist for 2026

By Catie Hogan – Jan 15, 2026 at 1:36PM ESTKey PointsIonQ achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025, and that's a great thing.Google Quantum AI is focusing on potential applications ranging from cleaner fertilization to battery technology to drug development.These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›NYSE: IONQIonQMarket Cap$18BToday's Changeangle-down(-1.57%) $0.80Current Price$50.08Price as of January 15, 2026 at 2:17 PM ETIonQ and Alphabet are taking different approaches in quantum computing, and both could be long-term supercomputer stars.Quantum computing is moving from theoretical to commercialization. There are two stocks to buy hand over fist now to take advantage. One is a pure-play, higher-risk, higher-potential-reward option. The other is a tech giant. The two no-brainers are IonQ (IONQ 1.57%) and Alphabet (GOOGL 0.71%) (GOOG 0.73%). IonQ has momentum and high fidelity IonQ has a lot of folks excited. The company recently set a world record in two-qubit gate fidelity, achieving the elusive "four nines" of 99.99% two-qubit gate performance. Fidelity is a measure of accuracy. “Reaching four-nines fidelity is a watershed moment for IonQ’s quantum leadership,” said CEO Niccolo de Masi. IonQ utilizes trapped-ion technology, which is preferred for its accuracy and scalability. Image source: Getty Images. The company has partnerships with government agencies, as well as Amazon, Microsoft, and other notable brands. IonQ is experiencing strong growth in its backlog, a bullish signal indicating that demand for its quantum computing services is increasing. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-1.57%) $-0.80Current Price$50.08Key Data PointsMarket Cap$18BDay's Range$48.34 - $51.5552wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume691KAvg Vol23MGross Margin-747.41% IonQ's stock is expensive, with a price-to-sales ratio of 158 as of Jan. 12. However, IonQ's revenue was up 222% year-over-year in the third quarter 2025. The quantum computing market could reach $100 billion in a decade, according to some estimates, and if IonQ can capture a fraction of the future market share, investors won't be sorry they bought in 2026. Google Quantum AI has every advantage Alphabet's Google Quantum AI division is a global leader in research. The company's quantum roadmap includes six "milestones" -- it has hit two of them so far -- that it says will "lead us toward top-quality quantum computing hardware and software for meaningful applications." Alphabet isn't a pure-play quantum investment, but it's hard not to include the mega-cap company in the conversation. Advertisement ExpandNASDAQ: GOOGLAlphabetToday's Change(-0.71%) $-2.38Current Price$333.46Key Data PointsMarket Cap$4.1TDay's Range$330.75 - $337.6752wk Range$140.53 - $340.49Volume782KAvg Vol36MGross Margin59.18%Dividend Yield0.25% Alphabet has deep pockets and elite talent. Its AI team can also leverage its other businesses for important breakthroughs in a way that smaller competitors cannot. Alphabet's stock offers a piece of the future of quantum computing, plus every other Alphabet business. Trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just under 30 and price-to-sales of around 10, Google is an attractive buy for long-term investors. The potential upside of IonQ, combined with the stability of Google, makes these two no-brainer buys in 2026.Read NextJan 15, 2026 •By Adam SpataccoPrediction: IonQ Stock Will Be Worth This Much by Year-End 2026Jan 14, 2026 •By Keithen DruryIonQ's Biggest Advantage in Quantum Computing Could Be Its Biggest WeaknessJan 14, 2026 •By Sean WilliamsQuantum Computing Stocks IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc.

Have Served Up an $840 Million Warning for Wall StreetJan 13, 2026 •By Catie Hogan1 Quantum Computing Stock to Buy that Could Soar in 2026Jan 12, 2026 •By Geoffrey Seiler2 Millionaire-Maker Quantum Computing StocksJan 11, 2026 •By Chris NeigerUp 1,200%, Should You Buy IonQ Right Now?About the AuthorCatie is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering technology, consumer goods, transportation, industrials, materials, and energy. She's the founder of the family finances newsletter, Cents of Humor. Catie was formerly the Head of Advice & Coaching at Parthean and an advisor at Element Financial Group. She's the writer and a producer of the hit off-Broadway show, Vape!

The Grease Parody. Catie has a degree in journalism from Emerson College.TMFCatieHoganStocks MentionedIonQNYSE: IONQ$50.08 (0.02%) $0.80AlphabetNASDAQ: GOOGL$333.46 (0.01%) $2.38AlphabetNASDAQ: GOOG$333.86 (0.01%) $2.45*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.Advertisement