The Quantum Computing Stock Smart Investors Are Buying for 2026 - The Motley Fool

By Adria Cimino – Jan 23, 2026 at 4:10AM EST KEY POINTS Quantum computing may be the next big growth area in the world of technology. Investors may buy shares of pure play quantum companies or tech giants involved in the field. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a major investing theme in recent years -- but it isn't the only high-growth area advancing at a rapid pace. Quantum computing also has grabbed investors' attention as it could result in game-changing developments. This type of computing, relying on the rules of quantum mechanics, could solve problems that are out of reach today. To get in on this hot technology, you could invest in pure play companies that specialize in this area, or you could go for a well-known tech giant that's added this technology to its repertoire. Either way, you could score a major win over the long term. And your choice should depend, in part, on your investment strategy. If you're an aggressive investor, you might buy shares of a pure play quantum company, but if you're cautious, an established tech powerhouse might be the best choice. Now, let's take a look at the quantum computing stock smart investors are buying for 2026. Image source: Getty Images. Many possible winners As mentioned, there may be many winners in the field of quantum computing. But today, the smartest investors will include the following company in their portfolios for 2026 because this player offers them innovation as well as a great deal of security. I'm talking about Alphabet ( GOOG +0.98% ) ( GOOGL +1.11% ). You probably recognize this name for something that isn't linked to quantum computing. And that's Google Search. Alphabet is the owner of this, the world's most popular search engine, as well as web browser Google Chrome. This, through advertising across the platform, represents the company's primary source of revenue. And that's followed by Google Cloud, its cloud computing unit, which is seeing significant growth. All of this means you can count on Alphabet to deliver enormous levels of revenue and profit -- well into the billions of dollars -- every year. It has the track record and long-term prospects to support this. 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% Addressing a major challenge And in recent years, Alphabet has also put a focus on quantum computing. The company has developed its own chip, called Willow, and has even made significant progress. In late 2024, it introduced the chip and said Willow addressed the key challenge of errors in quantum computing. The chip reduces errors exponentially as quantum systems scale up. Then, late last year, Alphabet demonstrated that quantum hardware could run an algorithm, with data verified to ensure that it's correct, and surpass the performance of a supercomputer. As Alphabet continues to work on the goal of making quantum computers generally useful, we may expect more milestones to be reached in the quarters to come. And eventually, a victory in this area could result in a major new revenue driver. This, along with Alphabet's earnings-generating businesses, makes it a smart buy today. Read Next Mar 14, 2026 By Daniel Sparks Alphabet vs. American Express: Which Warren Buffett Stock Is a Better Buy? Mar 14, 2026 By James Hires Jensen Huang Says the "Agentic AI Inflection Point Has Arrived." Here Are 2 Stocks to Buy for 2026. Mar 12, 2026 By Keithen Drury 3 Reasons Why Alphabet Stock Is a Smart Buy Mar 11, 2026 By Keithen Drury 2 Stocks That Will Be Worth More Than Apple by 2028 Mar 9, 2026 By Prosper Junior Bakiny Billionaire David Tepper Sold Nvidia Stock and Piled Into This AI Stock That's Up Nearly 200% in the Past 5 Years Mar 8, 2026 By James Hires Want to Make a Bet? Skip Polymarket and Buy This AI Stock Instead. 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 Alphabet NASDAQ: GOOG $304.46 (+1.00%) +$3.00 Alphabet NASDAQ: GOOGL $305.65 (+1.11%) +$3.37 *Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.