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 2026
There are only a few quantum computing pure-play companies. Some very tiny, high-risk businesses, like D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +20.19%) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI +18.26%), 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 +15.63%) and integrated hardware and software company Quantum Computing (QUBT +20.74%). A quantum computing exchange-traded fund (ETF), Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM +5.15%), 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:
1. IonQ
NYSE: IONQ
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NASDAQ: MSFT
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NASDAQ: NVDA
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Semiconductor
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. Intel
6. Honeywell
NASDAQ: RGTI
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NYSE: QBTS
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Instead of separate ions, D-Wave's (QBTS +20.19%) 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 stocks
- Open 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.
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