Top Quantum Computing Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest - The Motley Fool

Quantum computing could become one of the most disruptive technologies of the next decade, with potential applications in artificial intelligence, 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.For investors, that long-term promise comes with significant uncertainty. Most quantum computers remain in the research and development phase heading into 2026, and truly commercial systems are likely years away. Still, steady technical progress, increased cloud access, and growing interest from large technology companies have brought quantum computing stocks into sharper focus.While timelines remain uncertain, early investors are positioning for a future where quantum computing plays a meaningful role alongside classical and AI-driven systems. Here are the top quantum computing stocks to consider for 2026—and what to know before investing in this emerging technology. Best quantum computing stocks in 2026There are only a few quantum computing pure-play companies. Some very tiny, high-risk businesses, like D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +1.78%) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI -0.99%), went public early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Their stocks soared in 2024 as the basic quantum computing technology took an important step forward. Further tech breakthroughs in 2025 kept the momentum going, lifting the quantum specialists to new highs in October.A number of companies creating software for quantum computers also exist, such as security software start-up Arqit Quantum (ARQQ -1.16%) and integrated hardware and software company Quantum Computing (QUBT -1.27%). A quantum computing exchange-traded fund (ETF), Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM +0.72%), is also available, providing broader exposure to this nascent industry.Many larger tech businesses and semiconductor designers are also increasing their activity in the quantum realm. Here are some top companies with a hand in the actual development of quantum computers and related technologies:Ticker Information TableName and tickerMarket capDividend yieldIndustryIonQ (NYSE:IONQ)$16.1 billion0.00%Technology Hardware, Storage and PeripheralsRigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI)$7.4 billion0.00%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentD-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS)$9.2 billion0.00%SoftwareNvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)$4.6 trillion0.02%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentMicrosoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)$3.6 trillion0.71%SoftwareHoneywell International (NASDAQ:HON)$140.3 billion1.98%Industrial ConglomeratesInternational Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)$274.7 billion2.28%IT ServicesIntel (NASDAQ:INTC)$219.4 billion0.00%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentData as of Jan 28, 2026. Showing 8 of 8 tickers.1. IonQCollapseIONQNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(1.56%) $0.71Current Price$46.20IONQYTD1w1m3m6m1y5yPriceVS S&PKey Data PointsMarket Cap$16BDay's Range$45.00 - $46.9052wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume671KAvg Vol21MGross Margin-747.41%IonQ (IONQ +1.56%) went public via a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) dMY Technology Group III in 2021. IonQ is a start-up-stage quantum computing company and the first quantum computing pure-play (i.e., all it does is quantum computing development) to become publicly traded.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, Amazon (AMZN -0.68%) Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud. Japanese telecommunications company and tech investor SoftBank Group (SFTBF +1.54%) 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.2. MicrosoftExpandNASDAQ: MSFTMicrosoftToday's Change(-0.12%) $-0.59Current Price$479.99Key Data PointsMarket Cap$3.6TDay's Range$478.00 - $483.5152wk Range$344.79 - $555.45Volume808KAvg Vol25MGross Margin68.76%Dividend Yield0.71%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 special software, all of which Microsoft (MSFT -0.12%) is developing in its labs. Microsoft also offers researchers access to quantum computing services via its massive cloud platform, Azure.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. AlphabetExpandNASDAQ: GOOGAlphabetToday's Change(0.54%) $1.81Current Price$336.81Key Data PointsMarket Cap$4.0TDay's Range$332.15 - $337.5852wk Range$142.66 - $341.20Volume472KAvg Vol23MGross Margin59.18%Dividend Yield0.25%Alphabet (GOOG +0.54%)(GOOGL +0.65%)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.Google's interest in better, faster, and smarter methods of computing stems from its leading role in internet search. The company is responsible for organizing massive amounts of digital data, and it can profit significantly by helping all types of organizations leverage the power of that information.Quantum computing coupled with AI may provide a way for Google to improve the efficiency of large computing systems. This technology is central to the company's efforts to innovate.4. NvidiaExpandNASDAQ: NVDANvidiaToday's Change(1.71%) $3.23Current Price$191.75Key Data PointsMarket Cap$4.6TDay's Range$189.84 - $192.3552wk Range$86.62 - $212.19Volume3.3MAvg Vol186MGross Margin70.05%Dividend Yield0.02%Nvidia (NVDA +1.71%) has emerged as the global leader in advanced semiconductor designs, powering next-gen tech with its graphics processing units (GPUs) that accelerate computing power. Nvidia is helping to develop quantum computers using its GPUs, retaining its leadership role in developing sophisticated circuitry design. The company is also a leader in AI and machine learning.Definition IconSemiconductorA semiconductor is a basic element or compound substance that conducts electricity in certain situations.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. IntelExpandNASDAQ: INTCIntelToday's Change(11.47%) $5.04Current Price$48.97Key Data PointsMarket Cap$219BDay's Range$46.32 - $49.2852wk Range$17.66 - $54.60Volume5MAvg Vol98MGross Margin34.77%Intel (INTC +11.47%) lost its lead in the semiconductor industry. Third-party foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +1.51%) 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.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 plan 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. 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 950% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% 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 January 26, 20266. HoneywellExpandNASDAQ: HONHoneywell InternationalToday's Change(-1.25%) $-2.75Current Price$218.16Key Data PointsMarket Cap$140BDay's Range$217.79 - $221.2752wk Range$168.99 - $227.74Volume118KAvg Vol4.2MGross Margin38.07%Dividend Yield1.98%Honeywell (HON -1.25%) 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.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.7. IBMExpandNYSE: IBMInternational Business MachinesToday's Change(0.45%) $1.33Current Price$295.19Key Data PointsMarket Cap$275BDay's Range$291.29 - $295.8852wk Range$214.50 - $324.90Volume149KAvg Vol4.2MGross Margin57.22%Dividend Yield2.28%IBM (IBM +0.45%) is a legacy technology firm that is refocusing on cloud computing opportunities. It also has its own quantum computing chips and systems available for commercial use via the company's IBM Quantum business unit. More than 210 research organizations and companies, ranging from financial services businesses to automakers to energy producers, use IBM's quantum computing services.In 2021, the company struck a deal with government contractor Raytheon Technologies (RTX -0.43%) 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 ComputingExpandRGTINASDAQ: RGTIRigetti ComputingToday's Change(-0.99%) $-0.22Current Price$22.09Key Data PointsMarket Cap$7.4BDay's Range$21.66 - $22.5252wk Range$6.86 - $58.15Volume19MAvg Vol41MGross Margin-6849.48%Rigetti (IBM +0.45%) 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.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 looks overheated in the fall of 2025.9. D-Wave QuantumExpandQBTSNYSE: QBTSD-Wave QuantumToday's Change(1.88%) $0.47Current Price$25.16Key Data PointsMarket Cap$9.2BDay's Range$24.53 - $25.6852wk Range$4.45 - $46.75Volume605KAvg Vol37MGross Margin82.82%Instead of separate ions, D-Wave's (QBTS +1.78%) 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.This approach still needs extreme cooling, and it's a messy system that only works under sophisticated error correction setups. But the annealing systems can also grow incredibly powerful under the right circumstances.So D-Wave's quantum computers could outshine rival solutions for certain tasks, but it's also a more complicated technology that might turn out to be a dead end. That's saying something in an industry full of risky, complicated technologies.And of course, D-Wave's stock is richly valued despite lackluster revenues and negative profit margins. Be careful with these financially unstable specialists, dear investor.How to invest in quantum computing stocksOpen your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.Related investing topicsTop Quantum Glass Battery Stocks for 2026 and How to InvestBatteries are essential for the energy transition. Quantum glass battery companies may make a rocky road much smoother.Top Quantum Computing ETF for 2026 and How to InvestQuantum computing is becoming increasingly affordable and effective to the point that there's now a quantum computing ETF.FAANG Stocks: What They Are and How to InvestThese acronyms symbolize five prominent tech companies essential to the S&P 500.Best Tech Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in ThemThis vast sector is composed of some of the most valuable companies in the world. Should you buy stock in IonQ right now? Before you buy stock in IonQ, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and IonQ wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $461,527!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,155,666!* Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 950% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks › *Stock Advisor returns as of January 28, 2026. FAQQuantum computing FAQAre quantum stocks a good buy?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?About the AuthorAnders 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.TMFZahrimX@TMFZahrimAnders 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.

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