How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

So far, it's mostly hype cycles and volatility. It's a different story in the long term, though. Quantum could revolutionize finance through faster risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and cracking current encryption. But it's not there yet. Today, it's a speculative bet on tomorrow's infrastructure.

Does Warren Buffett invest in quantum computing?

Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio does not include any pure-play quantum computing companies, such as IonQ or D-Wave. Berkshire does hold a large stake in Alphabet, though it's unclear how important the company's quantum computing operations are to this investment thesis. Furthermore, Warren Buffett is largely a private investor these days. Buffett retired as Berkshire's CEO in 2025, so his future influence on the company's investments is unclear. During his tenure, he generally avoided early-stage technology with unproven business models. So far, quantum computing falls in that category.

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

IBM is the front-runner, with more than 2,500 quantum computing patent filings. Runner-up Alphabet has some catching up to do, having filed 1,500 quantum patents as of January 2026.

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Yes, but only a small handful of quantum computing pure plays exist at this point, and they all lose money. However, investors seeking a more balanced bet on the future of quantum computing can invest in the shares of tech giants with an interest in the field.

Are quantum computing stocks risky?

Quantum systems are slowly becoming more usable for solving real-world computing problems. However, it will still take many years to meaningfully commercialize this industry. Tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Nvidia offer possibilities for this exciting field, while smaller specialists such as D-Wave and IonQ are more direct bets on this technology. The big names are safer, while the small ones carry greater financial risks.

Is there a quantum computing ETF?

Yes. The Defiance Quantum ETF has been around since 2018 and mirrors the components of the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index. The equal-weighted stock list includes tech titans and quantum computing specialists. The fund was a strong performer in 2025, reflecting the surging market interest in quantum computing stocks.

9 Best Quantum Computing Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

An in-depth look at the best quantum computing stocks in the U.S. stock market this year.

By Anders Bylund – Updated Sep 9, 2026 at 6:39 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

Quantum computing stocks are speculative but present growth opportunities, focusing on three main types.
IonQ, a pure-play in quantum computing, reported a $470 million order backlog, indicating rising interest.
Tech giants like Microsoft and Alphabet are exploring quantum computing, which impacts their long-term strategies.

Quantum computing and the companies' related stocks 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.

Loading paragraph...

Someone writing a complex mathematical equation on a chalkboard. — Image source: Getty Images.

Loading image...

For investors, the long-term promise of quantum computing 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.

Loading paragraph...

7 top quantum computing stocks for 2026

Quantum computing stocks come in three flavors, and knowing which one is in the glass matters more than any ranking.

First, the pure plays. IonQ and D-Wave Quantum have bet everything on qubits. They post minimal revenue, substantial losses, and share prices that respond to research papers more reliably than to earnings reports. Here, more than $21 billion in combined market value is based on revenue you could count in tens of millions.

Second, the unique hybrid. Quantinuum (QNT +4.79%) was a Honeywell subsidiary for years before its 2026 IPO, and Honeywell International (HON -0.56%) still holds a controlling stake. It has the focus of a start-up, but the balance sheet of an industrial conglomerate.

Finally, the giants. Microsoft (MSFT +1.52%), Alphabet's (GOOG +1.27%) (GOOGL +1.30%), Nvidia(NVDA +2.54%), and IBM (IBM +0.11%) run serious quantum labs, and not one of them will notice if the whole field takes another decade. Quantum computing is a side project for these four, funded by businesses that already work.

Loading paragraph...

Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Dividend yield	Industry
IonQ (NYSE:IONQ)	$16.3 billion	0.00%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment
D-Wave Quantum (NASDAQ:QBTS)	$6.6 billion	0.00%	Software
Quantinuum (NASDAQ:QNT)	$2.0 billion	0.00%	IT Services
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)	$5.3 trillion	0.24%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)	$224.0 billion	2.83%	IT Services
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)	$3.7 trillion	0.73%	Software
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)	$4.2 trillion	0.25%	Interactive Media and Services

Data as of Sep 18, 2026. Showing 7 of 7 total entries.

Loading ticker_table...

1. IonQ

IonQ (IONQ +9.50%) 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 to become publicly traded.

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: IONQ

IonQ

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

63/100

Today's Change

(9.50%) $3.50

Current Price

$40.34

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$16B

Day's Range

$38.09 - $40.78

52wk Range

$25.89 - $84.64

Volume

707.1K

Avg Vol

20.5M

Gross Margin

-3317.96%

Loading company_card...

IonQ develops quantum computing hardware and is the first to have its systems available across all major public cloud services. It plans to build a network of quantum computers accessible via the cloud and targets rapid near-term growth as researchers begin using its hardware on a larger scale.

The company partners with Microsoft, Amazon (AMZN +2.13%) Web Services (AWS), and Alphabet's Google Cloud. Japanese telecommunications company and tech investor SoftBank Group (SFTBF +1.92%) has also invested in IonQ.

IonQ has generated 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. However, it reported a $470 million backlog of orders in the first quarter of 2026. That's a substantial start, up 550% from the year-ago period.

Investing in this start-up is still a speculative play, despite its improving financial prospects. 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.

Loading paragraph...

2. D-Wave Quantum

D-Wave (NYSE:QBTS) offers a different approach to quantum computing.

Instead of separate ions, D-Wave's solution relies on superconducting loops with strong magnetic fields. These annealing circuits work together in groups, drawing on the interactions among their energy states to find patterns.

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: QBTS

D-Wave Quantum

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

68/100

Today's Change

(8.73%) $1.42

Current Price

$17.69

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$6.6B

Day's Range

$16.64 - $17.88

52wk Range

$12.75 - $46.75

Volume

339.1K

Avg Vol

18.7M

Gross Margin

-730.78%

Loading company_card...

This method 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.

Loading paragraph...

3. Quantinuum

Honeywell International produces everything from automated building management systems to industrial field controllers. Its diverse work also includes quantum computing. The company spun out its quantum computing operations as a separate company in June 2026. Now you can invest in Quantinuum as a stand-alone stock.

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: QNT

Quantinuum

Today's Change

(4.79%) $2.49

Current Price

$54.50

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$2.0B

Day's Range

$52.45 - $55.72

52wk Range

$46.54 - $86.79

Volume

17.4K

Avg Vol

Loading company_card...

Honeywell's quantum computing division has a longer history than the recent spinoff suggests. The unit merged with Cambridge Quantum Computing in 2021 to form Quantinuum, which operated as a Honeywell subsidiary until the 2026 IPO. The company builds trapped-ion quantum computers and the software stack that runs on them.

Honeywell remains the controlling shareholder and continues to supply hardware and infrastructure to the company. The financials tell an early-stage business story, though. Quantinuum generated $30.9 million in revenue for 2025 against a $192.6 million net loss. Looking at Q2 of 2026, the company reported $8 million in net revenue against a GAAP net loss of $597 million. The company had $2.1 billion in cash as of June 30, 2026.

4. Nvidia

Loading paragraph...

Nvidia 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 develop quantum computers using its GPUs, retaining its leadership in sophisticated circuit design. The company is also a leader in AI machine learning.

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

94/100

Today's Change

(2.54%) $5.44

Current Price

$219.34

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$5.3T

Day's Range

$217.15 - $219.91

52wk Range

$164.27 - $236.54

Volume

1.7M

Avg Vol

130.1M

Gross Margin

74.67%

Dividend Yield

0.24%

Loading company_card...

Nvidia is leveraging its GPU software 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, thereby simplifying the transition from one computing era to the next.

On the hardware side, Nvidia has the DGX Quantum architecture. 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.

Loading paragraph...

5. IBM

IBM (IBM +0.11%) has its own quantum computing chips and systems available for commercial use through its IBM Quantum business unit. More than 200 research organizations and companies, ranging from financial services businesses to automakers to energy producers, use IBM's quantum computing services.

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: IBM

International Business Machines

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

73/100

Today's Change

(0.11%) $0.26

Current Price

$237.75

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$224B

Day's Range

$237.35 - $243.37

52wk Range

$199.19 - $332.46

Volume

32.1K

Avg Vol

8.8M

Gross Margin

57.56%

Dividend Yield

2.83%

Loading company_card...

In 2021, the company struck a deal with government contractor RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) (RTX -1.67%) 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.

6. Microsoft

The software titan researches and develops a wide range of technologies, and quantum computing is no exception. Quantum computers require specialized refrigeration, superconducting chips, and highly specialized 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.

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: MSFT

Microsoft

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

93/100

Today's Change

(1.52%) $7.45

Current Price

$497.75

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$3.7T

Day's Range

$493.17 - $501.47

52wk Range

$349.20 - $553.72

Volume

116.7K

Avg Vol

34.4M

Gross Margin

67.94%

Dividend Yield

0.73%

Loading company_card...

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 software technology will persist for a very long time.

7. Alphabet

Alphabet 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. It has spun off its quantum computing software unit into an independent start-up called SandboxAQ.

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: GOOGL

Alphabet

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

93/100

Today's Change

(1.30%) $4.46

Current Price

$347.33

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.2T

Day's Range

$343.89 - $349.50

52wk Range

$235.84 - $408.61

Volume

1.1M

Avg Vol

29.7M

Gross Margin

60.94%

Dividend Yield

0.25%

Loading company_card...

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.

How to buy quantum computing stocks

Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the quantum computing stock: Enter the ticker 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.

Loading paragraph...

Benefits and risks of investing in quantum computing stocks

Benefits:

Quantum computing is approaching an inflection point, with multiple companies making measurable technical progress (Alphabet's experimental Willow chip, D-Wave's quantum supremacy demonstration, IonQ's roadmap acceleration)
Near-term commercial value is emerging in optimization and materials simulation
IBM and others are targeting fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2029, suggesting concrete milestones rather than open-ended timelines
Infrastructure is maturing; Nvidia's CUDA-Q platform is building the bridge between quantum and classical systems
Players like IonQ and Quantinuum are already signing serious contracts

Risks:

It's early in the history of quantum-based business operations; nobody knows the real long-term winners yet
The sector seems ready for a shake-up, removing shaky technology and underfunded research projects from the race
Long development timelines favor companies with deep pockets, putting smaller players at a disadvantage
No established leader exists; smaller quantum specialists face significant risks without a financial safety net

Loading paragraph...

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

Three filters produced this list of seven quantum computing stocks.

The first is direct involvement. Each company either builds quantum processors, operates systems that outside researchers can access, or develops the software layer that makes those systems usable. A research budget line item and an enthusiastic press release were not enough to qualify.

The second is public availability. Every name here trades on a major U.S. exchange, which rules out privately held specialists such as PsiQuantum and Atom Computing, as well as quantum divisions housed within foreign conglomerates.

The third is disclosure. Audited financials, named customers, and published technical roadmaps make a company possible to evaluate; several quantum hopefuls offer none of the three.

Those filters excluded some familiar tickers. Arqit Quantum (ARQQ +2.68%) sells post-quantum encryption, which defends against quantum computers rather than building them. Quantum Computing (QUBT +5.50%) builds photonic hardware but discloses little revenue. The Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM +2.43%) is a multi-stock fund, not a company.

The seven stocks listed earlier are grouped by business model, not ranked. Nobody has enough operating history in this field to support confident ordering, and any list claiming otherwise is guessing with extra steps.

Loading paragraph...

Should you invest in quantum computing stocks?

At this point, there is no established leader in quantum computing. Dozens of companies, including several tech giants, are researching its potential and experimenting with real-world uses. Developing quantum hardware that accurately performs computations and meets reasonable return-on-investment thresholds is still ongoing.

So, there are no clear long-term winners to invest in at this point, apart from the established tech giants who can treat quantum computing as a promising side gig. Smaller quantum computing experts such as D-Wave and IonQ might deliver great long-term returns -- but they also face significant risks without a financial safety net.

All things considered, quantum computing is best approached with care. Established winners and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can limit your risks, and direct bets on the smaller experts in this field should be fairly small. Those are high-risk, high-reward long-term bets.

Loading paragraph...

Investing in quantum computing stocks: FAQ

Loading faq...

About the Author

Anders 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.

TMFZahrim

@TMFZahrim

Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, International Business Machines, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Honeywell Technologies, International Business Machines, IonQ, Microsoft, Nvidia, and RTX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

7 Best Quantum Computing Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

An in-depth look at the best quantum computing stocks in the U.S. stock market this year.

Key Points

7 top quantum computing stocks for 2026

1. IonQ

Key Data Points

2. D-Wave Quantum

Key Data Points

3. Quantinuum

Key Data Points

4. Nvidia

Key Data Points

5. IBM

Key Data Points

6. Microsoft

Key Data Points

7. Alphabet

Key Data Points

How to buy quantum computing stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in quantum computing stocks

Benefits:

Risks:

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

Should you invest in quantum computing stocks?

Related investing topics

Best Quantum Glass Battery Stocks to Buy in 2026

3 Best Quantum Computing ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

FAANG Stocks: What They Are and How to Invest

3 Best Tech Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest

Investing in quantum computing stocks: FAQ

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

Does Warren Buffett invest in quantum computing?

Does Warren Buffett invest in quantum computing?

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Are quantum computing stocks risky?

Are quantum computing stocks risky?

Is there a quantum computing ETF?

Is there a quantum computing ETF?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest Pick

Premium Investing Services

7 top quantum computing stocks for 2026

1. IonQ

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

3. Quantinuum

Key Data Points

4. Nvidia

Key Data Points

5. IBM

Key Data Points

6. Microsoft

Key Data Points

7. Alphabet

Key Data Points

How to buy quantum computing stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in quantum computing stocks

Benefits:

Risks:

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

Should you invest in quantum computing stocks?

Best Quantum Glass Battery Stocks to Buy in 2026

3 Best Quantum Computing ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

FAANG Stocks: What They Are and How to Invest

3 Best Tech Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest

Investing in quantum computing stocks: FAQ

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

How does quantum computing affect the stock market?

Does Warren Buffett invest in quantum computing?

Does Warren Buffett invest in quantum computing?

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

What company has the most quantum computing patents?

Can I invest in quantum computing?

Can I invest in quantum computing?