We recently published a list of 11 Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) stands against other best quantum computing stocks to buy right now.
Quantum computing continues to advance rapidly, which has been helping businesses get new opportunities related to security, AI, optimization, and scientific discovery. As per PwC, the increasing recognition of quantum computing’s potential to revolutionize numerous industries has placed the momentum for significant breakthroughs. For example, quantum simulations in healthcare enable scientists to model complex molecular interactions, which helps in ramping up the discovery of new drugs and materials.
Therefore, quantum has the potential to advance complex problem-solving, speed up the scientific discovery, and lead to the development of entirely new technologies. PwC believes that quantum possesses numerous implications for operational, R&D, and security and controls.
What Lies Ahead for Quantum Computing Industry?
As per Stellar Market Research, quantum computing use cases are expected to have a hybrid operating model, representing a blend of quantum and traditional high-performance computing until around 2032. For instance, a quantum-inspired algorithm can result in improvements in traditional high-performance computers. Fortune Business Insights believes that the quantum computing market growth is expected to be fueled by advanced problem-solving, AI advancements, and global investments.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) mentioned that the United Nations has designated 2025 to be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Over the upcoming years, quantum chips are expected to scale up. Furthermore, the next generation of quantum processors are expected to be supported by logical qubits. Through the use of quantum simulations on normal computers, the researchers continue to develop and test numerous quantum algorithms. When the quantum hardware catches up, this can make quantum computing ready for useful applications, says the firm.
READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In.
Our Methodology
To list the 11 Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now, we sifted through several online rankings to shortlist the companies catering to the broader quantum computing sector. Next, we chose the ones that are popular among the hedge funds. Finally, the stocks are ranked in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiments, as of Q4 2024.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

A computer programmer working on a holographic digital twin technology software solution.
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) is engaged in developing quantum computers and networks. The company has announced that it reached a definitive agreement with each of SK Telecom and ID Quantique (IDQ), a leader in quantum safe networking and sensing, to acquire a controlling stake in IDQ. Along with the transaction, IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) expects to enter into a strategic partnership focused on quantum with SK Telecom, which is the largest wireless telecommunications operator in South Korea.
Additionally, IDQ’s patent portfolio of ~300 patents and patent applications would result in the total count of granted and pending patents that IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) owns or controls to ~900. The strategic transaction and the expertise of ID Quantique strengthens IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)’s role as a global leader in next generation secure communications. IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) also anticipates that the intended strategic partnership with SK Telecom significantly enhances the distribution of IonQ quantum technology, resulting in several commercial and technical opportunities.
In early January 2025, the company announced that it has completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Qubitekk, Inc. The acquisition will bring Qubitekk’s advanced technology, and extensive patent portfolio into IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)’s operations, cementing its position at the forefront of quantum networking and computing. These strategic moves form part of the company’s efforts to develop a strong foothold in the quantum networking market.
Overall, IONQ ranks 6th on our list of best quantum computing stocks to buy right now. While we acknowledge the potential of IONQ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than IONQ but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.