Quantum computing is no longer a science fiction fantasy; it is a growing industry with the potential to revolutionize everything from medical research to cybersecurity. Didn’t we all hear that by 2025, the industry will be thriving with innovations, government funding, and investor excitement, making it a popular location for risk-tolerant investors. It truly happened However, with immense promise comes great volatility, especially in pure-play quantum stocks. In this article, we’ll look at the best seven quantum computing stocks to watch in 2025, analyzing their technology, market performance, and why they’re worth considering. Whether you’re a short-term trader or a long-term investor, these firms are shaping the quantum future. Let’s plunge in!
Read this before you continue: We are not financial advisors nor we encourage ANYONE to invest in the stocks mentioned below we advise you to have in-depth statistics and knowledge before you invest. We are not responsible for any losses made from the stocks listed! Current market statistics may be change from the ones listed here due to extreme volatility in the market.
The Quantum Computing Stocks Boom: Why 2025 Matters
Quantum computing uses qubits unlike classical bits, which are either 0 or 1, qubits can be both simultaneously, thanks to superposition and entanglement. We have already talked about superposition and entanglement with great depth in our series of Tech and Development you can head HERE to visit the Quantum Computing series. This allows quantum computers to tackle complex problems exponentially faster than classical systems. In 2025, the industry is at a tipping point: venture capital investments hit $2 billion, governments are funding quantum initiatives, and companies are signing real contracts for applications like molecular modeling and optimization.
The global quantum market, valued at around $800 million in 2023, is projected to grow to $90–$170 billion by 2040, with a compound annual growth rate of 31–37%. But it’s a risky bet most pure-play companies are unprofitable, and practical applications are years away. Here’s our curated list of seven stocks to watch, blending established giants with speculative upstarts.
1. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ)
Tech Approach: IonQ is a pure-play quantum company specializing in trapped-ion technology, which uses charged atoms for stable, high-fidelity qubits that can operate at room temperature a potential scalability advantage over superconducting systems. Its Forte and Tempo systems aim for #AQ 64 (algorithmic qubits) in 2025.
Market Performance: IonQ’s stock has been a rollercoaster, surging over 400% in the past year but cooling off in early 2025 after industry skepticism about timelines. It’s up 77.4% in the last three months, trading around $50, with a $1.1 billion market cap. Recent acquisitions, like Oxford Ionics for $1.1 billion, bolster its trapped-ion expertise.
Why Watch?: IonQ’s partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google Cloud make its systems accessible via cloud platforms, driving adoption. A $54.5 million U.S. government contract and a Texas quantum initiative add credibility. Analysts, like Needham, rate it a “Buy” with a $60 price target, but its $37.5 million revenue and high cash burn signal volatility. Ideal for traders eyeing momentum or long-term believers in trapped-ion tech.
2. D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS)
Tech Approach: D-Wave uses quantum annealing, a technique optimized for solving complex optimization problems in fields like logistics and machine learning. Its systems are available via cloud or on-premises, with 132 customers, including 27 Forbes Global 2000 companies.
Market Performance: QBTS stock soared 590% over the past year but dipped 37% in 2025 due to an ongoing investigation. It’s up 104% in the last month, trading around $7, with a consensus “Strong Buy” rating and a $20 price target from analysts like Benchmark. Fiscal 2024 bookings grew 120% to $23 million.
Why Watch?: D-Wave’s commercial traction, including a system sale to Germany and a partnership with Carahsoft for U.S. government adoption, makes it a leader in practical quantum applications. With $178 million in cash, it’s well-funded, but legal risks and penny-stock volatility make it a high-risk, high-reward play.
3. Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI)
Tech Approach: Rigetti builds superconducting qubit systems, focusing on full-stack quantum solutions via its Quantum Cloud Services. Its 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system hit 99.5% gate fidelity, with a 108-qubit chip planned for late 2025.
Market Performance: RGTI’s stock exploded 1,086% over the past year but fell 20.7% year-to-date in 2025 after a $350 million equity offering diluted shares. It’s trading around $10, with a $225 million cash reserve and no debt. Needham rates it a “Buy” with an $18 target.
Why Watch?: Rigetti’s partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft, plus its in-house quantum foundry, position it for growth. However, falling revenue and competition from bigger players like IBM make it a speculative bet. Traders should watch for short-term spikes, while long-term investors may like its roadmap.
4. Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL)
Tech Approach: Alphabet’s Google Quantum AI team leads with superconducting qubits, achieving a milestone with the Willow chip in December 2024, which solved a benchmark task in minutes impossible for classical supercomputers. It’s pushing error correction for fault-tolerant systems.
Market Performance: GOOGL is down 7% in 2025 but up 5.3% in the last month, trading at $151.11 with a $200 price target from Bank of America. Quantum is a small part of its $350 billion revenue, driven mostly by advertising and cloud.
Why Watch?: Alphabet’s $95.7 billion liquidity and $19 billion free cash flow let it fund quantum R&D without breaking a sweat. Willow’s success sparked a sector-wide rally, but quantum’s impact on Alphabet’s bottom line is years away. It’s a low-risk way to gain quantum exposure with AI and cloud upside.
5. IBM (NYSE: IBM)
Tech Approach: IBM, a quantum pioneer, uses superconducting qubits and offers cloud-based quantum access via Qiskit, an open-source software kit. Its Condor chip hit 1,000+ qubits in 2023, with a fault-tolerant “Starling” system planned for 2029.
Market Performance: IBM’s stock trades at a forward P/E of 24, with nearly $1 billion in quantum revenue since 2017. Analysts expect modest sales growth by 2026. It’s a stable player with strong enterprise traction.
Why Watch?: IBM’s comprehensive approach hardware, software, and cloud gives it real commercial momentum. Its $40.5 million federal funding via Colorado’s Elevate Quantum adds tailwinds. For investors seeking stability in a volatile sector, IBM is a top pick.
6. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)
Tech Approach: Microsoft’s Azure Quantum platform integrates classical and quantum computing, using topological qubits via its Majorana 1 chip. It aims for a million-qubit system for enterprise-scale solutions.
Market Performance: MSFT’s stock is up 17.1% annualized over five years, with analysts forecasting double-digit sales growth through 2026. Quantum is a small but growing part of its cloud empire.
Why Watch?: Microsoft’s deep pockets and cloud dominance make it a low-risk quantum play. Its hybrid solutions appeal to enterprises, and CEO Satya Nadella’s focus on quantum as a “cloud accelerator” signals long-term commitment. Perfect for cautious investors wanting quantum upside.
7. Arqit Quantum (NASDAQ: ARQQ)
Tech Approach: Arqit focuses on quantum-safe encryption, protecting data from quantum threats. Its SKA-Platform and NetworkSecure products secure VPNs and communications, targeting government and enterprise clients.
Market Performance: ARQQ soared 320% over the past year but remains unprofitable, with just $67,000 in revenue in H1 2025. Trading at $26.77, it has a $52 price target, implying 94% upside, but its $518 million market cap reflects speculative hype.
Why Watch?: Arqit’s niche in quantum-resistant cybersecurity is timely, given quantum’s threat to encryption. A multi-year government contract in EMEA signals growth, but cash burn and a recent reverse stock split raise red flags. Best for speculative traders.
Risks and Considerations
Quantum computing stocks are a high-risk, high-reward game. Pure-plays like IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti are volatile, with unproven business models and high cash burn. Even established players like Alphabet and Microsoft face long timelines experts estimate game-changing quantum systems may not arrive until the 2030s or 2040s. Speculative hype, driven by breakthroughs like Google’s Willow, can lead to sharp pullbacks, as seen in early 2025. Diversification is key consider a quantum ETF like Defiance Quantum (QTUM), which returned 60.4% last year, for broader exposure. Always research partnerships, revenue traction, and technological edge before diving in.
Getting In on the Action
Want to ride the quantum wave? Start by tracking these stocks on platforms like X, where traders share real-time insights (search #QuantumComputing). For pure-plays, watch for government contracts or partnerships with tech giants as catalysts. For safer bets, Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft offer quantum exposure with diversified revenue streams. Use tools like TipRanks to check analyst ratings IONQ, QBTS, and RGTI all have “Strong Buy” consensus. But tread carefully: set stop-losses for volatile names and consider long-term holds for established players. The quantum gold rush is here, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Wrapping Up
Quantum computing is at a crossroads in 2025, with breakthroughs fueling optimism and risks keeping investors on edge. IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti offer high-upside bets for risk-tolerant traders, while Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft provide stability with quantum potential. Arqit’s focus on quantum-safe encryption taps a critical niche. Whether you’re chasing short-term spikes or betting on a decades-long revolution, these seven stocks are leading the charge. Keep an eye on partnerships, funding, and tech milestones 2025 could be the year quantum computing starts to deliver. Which stock’s on your radar? Dive in, but don’t forget your risk management!
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