{
  "id": 16148104,
  "title": "IonQ vs. Rigetti Computing: Which Quantum Computing Stock Is the Better Buy?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/ionq-vs-rigetti-computing-which-quantum-computing-stock-is-the-better",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-23T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motley Fool",
    "slug": "motley-fool",
    "url": "https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/10/23/ionq-vs-rigetti-computing-which-quantum-computing/?source=iedfolrf0000001"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the world of quantum computing, two prominent companies, IonQ and Rigetti Computing, are making waves with their distinct approaches. IonQ, which develops ion-based quantum devices, has recently captured my attention. To provide a comprehensive analysis, I evaluated both companies, starting with Rigetti Computing.\n\nRigetti Computing stands out as a vertically integrated, pure-play quantum computer company, specialized in superconducting machines, which dominate the industry alongside tech giants like IBM. This focus on end-to-end quantum computer construction, from chip design to software, sets Rigetti apart. The company's revenue grew significantly in Q2, reaching $5.1 million, up from $1.8 million in Q2 2025. However, this growth comes with a substantial operating loss of $28.1 million, indicating rising costs. Despite this, Rigetti's substantial cash reserve of $541.3 million and a $100 million government award provide a safety net for its short-term operations.\n\nOn the other hand, IonQ's ion-based quantum computers, though slower than Rigetti's superconducting approach, boast a world-record fidelity in quantum calculations. This accuracy is crucial as it determines the reliability of quantum computations, making IonQ's platform highly valuable to customers. IonQ's Q2 revenue reached $80.1 million, more than doubling the combined sales of all other pure-play quantum computer companies. The company has also grown its revenue every year since becoming a public entity in 2021. IonQ's platform has further strengthened with its acquisition of SkyWater Technology, providing a foundry for chip construction, and its recent acquisition of cybersecurity business Elisity to bolster its quantum cryptography capabilities.\n\nWhile both companies present intriguing prospects, IonQ appears to be the better investment. IonQ's consistent revenue growth indicates customer value for its technology, while Rigetti's share price remains high compared to IonQ's, despite a declining price-to-sales ratio. Additionally, IonQ's larger revenue, robust platform, and a hoard of cash and investments totaling $3 billion position it for long-term success. Rigetti's sales, even though growing, remain significantly lower than IonQ's, and its superconducting technology may face competition from deeper-pocketed rivals like IBM. Therefore, I believe IonQ is the better investment at this time.",
  "summary": "Both companies are experiencing sales growth but also substantial losses.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rigetti Computing focuses on superconducting quantum machines, dominating the industry with IBM.",
    "IonQ's ion-based quantum computers achieve world-record fidelity in quantum calculations."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}