Quantum Computing Stocks: Separating Hype From Reality in 2026 - The Motley Fool

By Adria Cimino – Jan 21, 2026 at 6:15PM EST KEY POINTS Certain quantum computing stocks have soared in the quadruple digits over the past three years. Investors are betting that quantum computing will be the next major area of growth. The technology space has a long history of game-changing innovations: from the world's first computers to the internet and smartphones. And over the past few years, another area of great potential has emerged. I'm talking about quantum computing. Shares of pure play quantum companies such as D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and IonQ have soared in the quadruple digits over the past three years as investors scrambled to get in on possible winners. But it's important to note that this technology is complicated, so companies in the space aren't likely to see revenue reach incredibly high levels right away. So, should you invest in quantum computing stocks in 2026? Yes -- if you separate hype from reality. Let's do just that. Image source: Getty Images. Building quantum systems First, a quick note on quantum computing. The technology relies on the behavior of subatomic particles for calculations, and these particles can scale up exponentially -- allowing them to handle problems that aren't possible for today's classical computers, even the most powerful supercomputer. The problem is that building quantum systems is complex, the particles -- known as qubits -- are fragile, and challenges are many. One key challenge is error generation, a problem that must be solved in order for quantum computers to be generally useful. Today, pure play companies such as those I mentioned above offer access to their quantum hardware through cloud service providers and are generating revenue. And even certain tech giants like Microsoft and Alphabet ( GOOG +0.98% ) ( GOOGL +1.11% ) are developing their own quantum chips. But it may take years for quantum computers to become generally useful. Jensen Huang comments on quantum Last year, Nvidia ( NVDA +1.65% ) chief Jensen Huang suggested it may take 20 years for that to happen, then a few months later, he became more bullish on the pace of development. Alphabet chief Sundar Pichai said we may be five to 10 years away, according to a Bloomberg report about a year ago. Expand NASDAQ: GOOGL Alphabet Today's Change (1.11%) $3.37 Current Price $305.65 KEY DATA POINTS Market Cap $3.7T Day's Range $303.03 - $306.48 52wk Range $140.53 - $349.00 Volume 1.1M Avg Vol 33M Gross Margin 59.68% Dividend Yield 0.28% Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, quantum computing stocks have skyrocketed over the past few years as investors aimed to bet on the next big thing in technology. So, what should we expect moving forward? Quantum computing may be a game changer in the years to come, and it isn't too early to invest in potential winners. Now is a great time to buy these stocks -- but be prepared to hold on for a number of years. While it's likely that quantum companies will report breakthroughs and milestones reached this year and over the next few years, it will take time for these platforms to become a part of our daily lives. This means investors may have to be patient, but rewards over the long run could be huge. Read Next Mar 16, 2026 By Neil Patel What Is 1 of the Best AI Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years? Mar 16, 2026 By Johnny Rice Why Nvidia Stock Just Dropped After Jumping Nearly 5% Mar 16, 2026 By Danny Vena, CPA Nvidia Investors Just Got Incredible News from CEO Jensen Huang: 2 Highlights from GTC Mar 16, 2026 By Geoffrey Seiler What Are 3 Great Tech Stocks to Buy Right Now? Mar 16, 2026 By Keithen Drury The Smartest Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock to Buy Before March Ends Mar 16, 2026 By Trevor Jennewine Nvidia Stock Investors Just Got Great News From CEO Jensen Huang. It's Time to Buy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adria Cimino is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering healthcare, technology, and consumer goods sectors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Adria covered the European stock market and U.S. stocks pre-market trading for Bloomberg News, Bloomberg TV, and Bloomberg Radio for more than a decade. Earlier in her career, she wrote about biotech, medtech, and technology companies in Boston for Mass High Tech, an American City Business Journals publication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida. TMFAdriaCimino @adria_in_paris STOCKS MENTIONED Nvidia NASDAQ: NVDA $183.19 (+1.63%) +$2.94 Alphabet NASDAQ: GOOGL $305.65 (+1.11%) +$3.37 Microsoft NASDAQ: MSFT $399.84 (+1.08%) +$4.29 Alphabet NASDAQ: GOOG $304.42 (+0.98%) +$2.96 IonQ NYSE: IONQ $33.29 (+0.94%) +$0.31 Rigetti Computing NASDAQ: RGTI $16.15 (-0.12%) -$0.02 D-Wave Quantum NYSE: QBTS $17.46 (-0.51%) -$0.09 *Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.