IonQ vs. D-Wave: Which Quantum Computing Stock Will Outperform in 2026?

Core Viewpoint - D-Wave Quantum has significantly outperformed IonQ in stock performance this year, with a 200% increase compared to IonQ's 10% gain, raising questions about which company will excel by 2026 [2] D-Wave Quantum - D-Wave employs quantum annealing technology, a specialized process for optimization, contrasting with the more general-purpose gate-based systems used by most competitors [3] - The company has transitioned from proof-of-concept to commercial viability with its Advantage2 quantum computer, achieving a revenue of $3.7 million in Q3, doubling from the previous year, and securing $2.4 million in bookings [4] - D-Wave has over 100 paying customers, including more than 20 from the Forbes Global 2000, and recently signed a 10 million euro deal for the Advantage2 system in Europe [4] - In addition to annealing, D-Wave is developing a gate-based system using flux-based qubits, providing investors with multiple avenues for growth [5] IonQ - IonQ utilizes a gate-based approach with trapped-ion technology, employing stable ytterbium and barium atoms, which enhances the reliability of its systems [6] - The company has achieved a remarkable 99.99% gate fidelity, making it one of the most accurate quantum computing technologies available [7] - IonQ's focus on trapped-ion technology positions it uniquely within the quantum computing landscape, despite the speculative nature of both companies [8]