Quantum computing is on the verge of revolutionizing industries from AI to finance—that’s the line that investors are trading on anyway. While practical quantum computers are still many years away, the leaders in the space are igniting the financial markets with flimsy press releases.
Check out the AI penny stocks that these quantum stocks might one day be powering!
If you’re interested in stocks that have both short-term trading potential and long-term growth prospects, quantum computing plays could be worth watching. Some of these are established tech giants, while others are Nasdaq-listed startups aiming to disrupt the field… or at least get rich on press releases claiming to.
With market trends shifting quickly, I’m bringing you the stock picks and the information you need to know about the stock market’s once—and maybe future—hottest sector.
| Stock Ticker | Company | Sector Focus | Market Cap |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc. | AI & Quantum R&D | $1.9T+ |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp. | Cloud & Quantum | $3T+ |
| IONQ | IonQ Inc. | Pure-Play Quantum | $2B+ |
| RGTI | Rigetti Computing Inc. | Quantum Hardware | $500M+ |
| IBM | International Business Machines Corp. | Hybrid Quantum Systems | $235B+ |
Before you send in your orders, take note: I have NO plans to trade these stocks unless they fit my preferred setups. These are not recommendations. This is only a watchlist.
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The best traders watch more than they trade. That’s what I’m trying to model here. Pay attention to the work that goes in, not the picks that come out.
Let’s get to the picks…
Table of Contents
- 1 Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG, GOOGL)
- 2 Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)
- 3 IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ)
- 4 Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI)
- 5 International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM)
- 6 What Is The Best Quantum Computing Stock?
- 7 Where to Buy Quantum Computing Stocks
- 8 Why Invest in Quantum Computing Stocks?
- 9 Key Takeaways
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG, GOOGL)
Alphabet has long been a leader in cutting-edge technology trends, and its Google Quantum AI division is a major player in quantum research. The company is working on quantum bits (qubits) and advanced error correction, aiming to scale quantum computing for commercial use. Google’s partnerships with NVIDIA and other firms are accelerating its development of quantum computers that could outperform today’s supercomputers.
Alphabet’s S&P 500-ranked valuation and diversified business model make it one of the growth stocks with fewer risks than smaller pure-play quantum stocks. It also has the financial strength to weather the losses that will come with quantum R&D, something lower-equity companies may struggle with. For investors, GOOG offers exposure to AI (artificial intelligence), supercomputing, and quantum—three industries that could define the next decade.
In trading, market data shows Alphabet experiencing volatility around quantum computing announcements. For those watching momentum plays, this stock can see strong moves on earnings reports, new partnerships, or technological breakthroughs.
A smart way to trade higher-priced stocks like this is through buying options. Options trades give you the rights to buy stocks at a current price if they exceed the future price you specify—and vice versa in the other direction!
I don’t trade options — I leave it to pros like tech entrepreneur and trader Ben Sturgill. His smart-money webinars are the product of more than 2 decades of experience in the market and a unique technology, and they’re well worth checking out.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)
Microsoft is not just an AI leader—it’s also making major advances in quantum computing. The company recently unveiled a quantum chip built with exotic particles, claiming it could scale up to one million qubits. This would be a breakthrough, considering current quantum computers operate with only a few hundred qubits.
Beyond hardware, Microsoft’s Azure Quantum cloud allows developers to experiment with quantum algorithms, integrating quantum with classical computing. Unlike smaller firms, Microsoft has the infrastructure to commercialize quantum computing faster, giving it a competitive edge over pure-play quantum stocks like IonQ or Rigetti Computing.
Here’s a list of the other major players in quantum computing right now.
As a trader, I watch MSFT closely because it tends to react to NVIDIA’s AI announcements, earnings calls, and major tech conferences. While it’s a long-term investment play for many, it also has short-term trading opportunities when the quantum sector heats up.
IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ)
IonQ is one of the few publicly traded pure-play quantum computing stocks, making it a key stock for traders looking for volatility and sector momentum. While the company has yet to turn a profit, it has made progress in scaling its trapped-ion quantum computing technology, signing partnerships with firms like Google and Amazon.
The stock had a huge run in late 2024, rallying from $21 to $54, but after disappointing earnings, it pulled back sharply. Market analysis suggests that while long-term profitability is still years away, the stock remains a prime trading candidate for momentum players.
Here’s an in-depth look at whether IONQ is a smart buy right now.
I don’t invest in small-cap tech stocks like IONQ for the long term, but I do trade them when they move. Past spikers can spike again—especially if they’re comfortable putting out flimsy press releases for things like board of directors changes. IONQ is one to keep on watch for another run.
Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI)
Rigetti Computing is a smaller, more speculative play in the quantum computing sector. The company focuses on superconducting qubits, competing with Google, IBM, and D-Wave Quantum in the race to build scalable quantum computers.
This stock is known for its wild price swings. Earlier this year, it dropped sharply after IonQ’s earnings report disappointed investors. But traders should remember that sector sentiment can shift quickly. A new partnership or a technical breakthrough could send RGTI soaring again.
Get the latest news on RGTI here!
I’ve traded RGTI before and will watch it for breakout setups. It’s a classic case of a high-risk, high-reward momentum stock, not a long-term hold.
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM)
IBM has been in the quantum computing industry for over a decade, with one of the most developed quantum roadmaps among major tech firms. Its hybrid approach—integrating classical and quantum computing—gives it a solid commercial path, unlike many quantum startups that are still figuring out how to make money.
The company has already booked over $1 billion in quantum-related sales, proving that the industry is moving beyond research and into actual revenue generation. IBM’s strong presence in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions makes it a safer bet compared to more volatile quantum stocks.
For traders, IBM isn’t as volatile as IonQ or Rigetti, but it can still see strong price action around major tech events and earnings reports. Investors looking for a long-term quantum computing stock with a lower risk profile should consider IBM.
The major players in this space have trading importance outside their own stocks—just look at the ride NVIDIA sent SoundHound AI on when its investment in the smaller company was disclosed. These signs of confidence can catapult a stock from speculative territory to sound investment, which is a far better trading opportunity than can be found in a mega-cap stock.
What Is The Best Quantum Computing Stock?
The best quantum computing stock depends on your investment strategy. If you want a stable, long-term investment, Alphabet (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) are strong picks. For traders looking for high volatility and short-term gains, IonQ (IONQ) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI) offer better setups.
Where to Buy Quantum Computing Stocks
Most quantum computing stocks are traded on Nasdaq and NYSE, making them available through any legit broker—Robinhood, Schwab, and Interactive Brokers are popular choices. Stock advisors and smart portfolio services will skip the higher-performance penny stock shares—but with a good trading plan you won’t need to.
Traders should use stock screeners and technical analysis tools to identify key breakout points.
When it comes to trading platforms, StocksToTrade is first on my list. It’s a powerful day and swing trading platform with real-time data, dynamic charting, and a top-tier news scanner.
I use StocksToTrade to scan for news, tweets, earning reports, and more — all covered in its powerful news scanner. It also has a selection of add-on alerts services, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
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Why Invest in Quantum Computing Stocks?
Quantum computing has the potential to disrupt multiple industries, from finance to AI. While full-scale quantum adoption is still years away, early investors in AI stocks saw massive returns, and the same could happen with quantum.
For traders, the sector provides high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Less highly capitalized stocks like D-Wave Quantum (NASDAQ: QBTS), RGTI and IONQ have seen huge price spikes, and momentum traders can take advantage of the volatility.
Quantum computing is still in its early days, but the upside is huge—especially given its potential applications in AI. Here’s a list of stocks that have a hand in both the quantum and AI sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Quantum computing stocks range from tech giants (Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM) to pure-play startups (IonQ, Rigetti).
- High volatility makes some of these stocks better for trading than investing.
- Recent breakthroughs, including Nvidia’s quantum AI push, could drive another sector-wide rally.
Traders love volatility, but it’s a double-edged sword. The ones who make money in these types of markets aren’t the ones chasing hype—they’re the ones sticking to their plans and managing their risk.
If you want to improve your trading, join my free daily live trading sessions. I break down real-time trade plans and help traders navigate the market with confidence every day!
What future do you see in quantum innovation and trading? Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Quantum Computing Stocks Overvalued?
Some analysts believe quantum stocks are overpriced, especially pre-profit companies like IonQ. However, traders can still profit from sector momentum and short-term price spikes.
Should I Buy Quantum Computing Stocks or ETFs?
For broad exposure, ETFs like the Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ: QTUM) provide diversification. But if you’re a trader looking for volatility, individual stocks are better.
Are Quantum Computing Stocks a Good Retirement Investment?
For long-term portfolios, safer plays like Microsoft and IBM are better than speculative stocks. High-risk traders should focus on short-term strategies instead.