Battle Royale: IonQ vs. Rigetti. Only One Can Make You Rich.

Quantum computing stocks exploded in 2025, and two of the most popular pure-play options are IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) and Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI). Over the last year, IonQ has increased by 83%, and Rigetti has seen an even more impressive 325% growth.

But which one is more likely to generate outsize returns going forward? While both are risky, one appears to be a stronger investment.

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Precision beats speed

IonQ and Rigetti take very different approaches to quantum computing. Rigetti utilizes the popular superconducting technique, which involves cooling qubits to near absolute zero. IonQ opts for trapped-ion technology, which holds qubits in specific positions using electromagnetic fields.

This results in a few key differences. Rigetti's quantum systems are much faster, reportedly achieving gate speeds 10,000 times faster than those of trapped-ion systems. However, IonQ has the edge in accuracy, having achieved 99.99% fidelity. Rigetti has achieved 99.5% fidelity and aims to build a quantum system with 99.7% fidelity by late 2026.

Quantum computing is an industry where 0.49% matters. For quantum systems to be commercially viable, they need near 100% fidelity. Otherwise, they're just calculating the incorrect answer more quickly.

Higher fidelity is one reason why IonQ has much higher earnings than Rigetti. It has reported $80 million in revenue over the trailing 12 months (TTM), while Rigetti has made $7 million. IonQ's trailing revenue has also been on the rise, growing 493% over the last three years. Rigetti's revenue has declined 43% over the same time period.

If you're bullish on quantum computing, you may want to pick up shares of both companies, as there's no way to be certain which will do better. However, between the two, I'd rank IonQ well ahead of Rigetti for its greater accuracy and revenue growth.

Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.