3 Top Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in March - AOL.com

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.Image source: Getty Images.For investors, that long-term promise comes with significant uncertainty. Most quantum computers remain in the research and development (R&D) phase as of 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 right now -- and what to know before investing in this emerging technology.Top quantum computing stocks to considerThere are only a few quantum computing pure-play companies. Some very tiny, high-risk businesses, like D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +0.80%) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI -0.29%), 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 -2.32%) and integrated hardware and software company Quantum Computing (QUBT +0.26%). A quantum computing exchange-traded fund (ETF), Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM +0.44%), 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)$12.6 billion0.00%Technology Hardware, Storage and PeripheralsRigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI)$5.6 billion0.00%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentD-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS)$7.0 billion0.00%SoftwareNvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)$4.5 trillion0.03%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentMicrosoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)$3.0 trillion0.86%SoftwareHoneywell International (NASDAQ:HON)$152.2 billion1.88%Industrial ConglomeratesInternational Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)$233.4 billion2.70%IT ServicesIntel (NASDAQ:INTC)$239.7 billion0.00%Semiconductors and Semiconductor EquipmentData as of Mar 12, 2026. Showing 8 of 8 tickers.1. IonQIonQ (IONQ -2.31%) 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.CollapseNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-2.31%) $-0.81Current Price$34.31IONQYTD1w1m3m6m1y5yPriceVS S&PKey Data PointsMarket Cap$13BDay's Range$33.69 - $35.8852wk Range$18.81 - $84.64Volume9.9KAvg Vol21MGross Margin-2267.11%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 -0.25%), Amazon (AMZN -0.78%) Web Services (AWS), and Alphabet's (GOOG +0.52%) (GOOGL +0.56%) Google Cloud. Japanese telecommunications company and tech investor SoftBank Group (SFTBF -0.07%) 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. MicrosoftThe 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.ExpandNASDAQ: MSFTMicrosoftToday's Change(-0.22%) $-0.88Current Price$404.88Key Data PointsMarket Cap$3.0TDay's Range$401.59 - $409.0152wk Range$344.79 - $555.45Volume68KAvg Vol34MGross Margin68.59%Dividend Yield0.86%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. AlphabetAlphabet 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.ExpandNASDAQ: GOOGAlphabetToday's Change(0.48%) $1.49Current Price$308.42Key Data PointsMarket Cap$3.7TDay's Range$305.84 - $311.0752wk Range$142.66 - $350.15Volume41KAvg Vol22MGross Margin59.68%Dividend Yield0.27%ExpandNASDAQ: GOOGLAlphabetToday's Change(0.54%) $1.66Current Price$308.70Key Data PointsMarket Cap$3.7TDay's Range$305.92 - $311.4252wk Range$140.53 - $349.00Volume59KAvg Vol34MGross Margin59.68%Dividend Yield0.27%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 Google can profit significantly by helping all types of organizations leverage the power of that information.Quantum computing, coupled with AI, may help Google to improve the efficiency of large computing systems. This technology is central to the company's efforts to innovate.4. NvidiaNvidia (NVDA +0.64%) 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.ExpandNASDAQ: NVDANvidiaToday's Change(0.64%) $1.18Current Price$185.94Key Data PointsMarket Cap$4.5TDay's Range$184.45 - $187.6252wk Range$86.62 - $212.19Volume20KAvg Vol176MGross Margin71.07%Dividend Yield0.03%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. IntelIntel (INTC +2.56%) lost its lead in the semiconductor industry. Third-party foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +2.05%) 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.ExpandNASDAQ: INTCIntelToday's Change(2.61%) $1.22Current Price$48.00Key Data PointsMarket Cap$240BDay's Range$46.66 - $48.8352wk Range$17.66 - $54.60Volume4.6KAvg Vol102MGross Margin35.24%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. HoneywellHoneywell (HON -0.45%) 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.ExpandNASDAQ: HONHoneywell InternationalToday's Change(-0.45%) $-1.09Current Price$239.52Key Data PointsMarket Cap$152BDay's Range$237.48 - $241.9452wk Range$168.99 - $248.18Volume100Avg Vol4.3MGross Margin37.99%Dividend Yield1.88%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. 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 952%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 191% 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 March 12, 2026. 7. IBMIBM (IBM -0.69%) 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.ExpandNYSE: IBMInternational Business MachinesToday's Change(-0.69%) $-1.74Current Price$248.46Key Data PointsMarket Cap$233BDay's Range$247.22 - $253.5552wk Range$214.50 - $324.90Volume272Avg Vol5.6MGross Margin57.59%Dividend Yield2.70%In 2021, the company struck a deal with government contractor Raytheon Technologies (RTX +0.07%) 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 ComputingRigetti (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.ExpandNASDAQ: RGTIRigetti ComputingToday's Change(-0.29%) $-0.05Current Price$16.94Key Data PointsMarket Cap$5.6BDay's Range$16.57 - $17.4852wk Range$6.86 - $58.15Volume212KAvg Vol31MGross Margin-8613.15%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 QuantumInstead of separate ions, D-Wave's (QBTS +0.80%) 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.ExpandNYSE: QBTSD-Wave QuantumToday's Change(0.80%) $0.15Current Price$18.91Key Data PointsMarket Cap$7.0BDay's Range$18.45 - $19.4852wk Range$5.77 - $46.75Volume3.1KAvg Vol32MGross Margin82.59%This approach still needs extreme cooling, and it's a messy system that works only under sophisticated error-correction setups. But the annealing systems can also grow incredibly powerful under the right circumstances. In particular, annealing circuits can provide a better starting point for quantum gate calculations.So, D-Wave's quantum computers could become a standard addition to more ambitious quantum gate systems. That's a unique strategy. 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.Future outlook for quantum computing stocksQuantum computing is at an inflection point, with pure-play specialists like IonQ and D-Wave racing to achieve commercial viability while tech titans provide crucial infrastructure and R&D firepower.IonQ is vertically integrating with strategic acquisitions and accelerating its road map toward millions of qubits by 2029, though it faces scrutiny from short sellers. D-Wave is the only company building both annealing and gate-model systems and recently demonstrated "quantum supremacy on a useful real-world problem."The titans are on the move, too. Alphabet's Willow chip is making breakthrough progress. IBM is on track for fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2029. Nvidia is positioning itself as the essential bridge between quantum and classical computing through its CUDA-Q platform.As of 2026, useful commercial applications are still five to 10 years out for most uses, but near-term value is emerging in optimization and materials simulation. The pure-play specialists offer higher risk/reward, while the established tech giants provide diversified exposure with deep pockets to weather the long development timeline.Quantum computing will surely shake up the information technology sector over time. It's up to you to decide how early you want to pick winners in this race, though. 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 $522,791!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,132,678!* Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 952% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 191% 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 March 12, 2026. Related investing topicsBest Quantum Glass Battery Stocks to Buy in 2026Batteries are essential for the energy transition. Quantum glass battery companies may make a rocky road much smoother.The Best Quantum Computing ETF to Buy in 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.FAQQuantum computing FAQAre 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?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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