3 Quantum Computing Stocks for Risk-Tolerant Investors

Quantum computing is the most speculative corner of public tech markets right now, and September 2026 offers a fresh chance to size up the three US-listed pure-plays that dominate the conversation. All three trade at nosebleed multiples relative to revenue, all three post enormous operating losses, and all three have delivered violent multi-hundred-percent swings in either direction over the past year. This is a category for risk-tolerant investors willing to underwrite pre-commercial technology in exchange for optionality on a computing paradigm shift.

Sentiment has cooled from last autumn’s mania, but the fundamental story is arguably stronger. Backlogs are exploding, government contracts are landing, and hardware roadmaps are advancing in months instead of years. Here is where the three leading names stand heading into September, with the bull case, one verified data point, and one risk for each.

IonQ (IONQ): The Vertically Integrated Bet

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ | IONQ Price Prediction) is the largest quantum pure-play by market cap, sitting at roughly $17 billion after closing at $42.05 on August 25. The stock has ripped 28.05% over the past month but remains down 6.28% year to date, illustrating why this is a name for investors who can stomach whipsaw action.