Quantum Computing: Rigetti vs D-Wave - Best AI Investment?

Published Date : 25/05/2025 

Explore the potential of Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum in the quantum computing space. Both companies offer promising AI applications, but which one is the better investment for your portfolio? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the global economy, driving automation, productivity, and creativity. Quantum computers are poised to unlock the next generation of AI technology, tackling highly complex challenges and analyzing massive datasets far beyond the reach of classical computers.

Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum are two emerging leaders in this field, well-positioned to capitalize on a significant market opportunity. Shares of both companies have soared, and there are plenty of reasons to believe the rally can keep going. Let's explore which one of these quantum computing AI stocks is the better choice for your portfolio right now.

### The Case for Rigetti Computing

Quantum computers harness qubits, the fundamental units of information, which exploit quantum physics principles like superposition and entanglement to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This enables quantum computers to process calculations in parallel, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional binary-based computers.

While the technology is still being refined due to the enduring trade-off between qubit power and system stability, Rigetti Computing's superconducting gate-based technology is delivering an expanding number of real-world use cases. The company's 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system, launched in the first quarter of 2025, marks an industry milestone that could transform machine learning, optimization, simulations, cryptography, and AI. Optimism has powered Rigetti's stock to a spectacular 937% return over the past year.

An advantage to Rigetti's approach is its modular design, with the flexibility to combine multiple quantum processing units (QPUs) to scale performance. Compared to D-Wave Quantum, which specializes in a separate quantum annealing approach to leverage qubits, Rigetti's gate-based superconducting architecture may be more versatile and future-proof, particularly for AI applications.

Despite recurring financial losses and limited sales with first-quarter revenue of just $1.5 million for the period ended March 31, the Ankaa-3 system is expected to capture a wave of demand going forward. Wall Street estimates project Rigetti's revenue to accelerate from $8.8 million in 2025 to $23 million in 2026. Industry forecasts estimate that the quantum computing market could grow to $90 billion to $170 billion by 2040, highlighting a significant growth runway for Rigetti.

Investors with a long-term perspective who believe Rigetti Computing is just getting started and that its quantum technology will prove superior may find the stock a compelling option to buy and hold.

### The Case for D-Wave Quantum

As promising as Rigetti's potential may be, D-Wave Quantum has a commercial lead, generating stronger growth. In the company's first quarter (for the period ended March 31), revenue reached $15 million, climbing by 509% year over year. This was driven by the delivery of its first 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main difference between Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum?

A: Rigetti Computing focuses on superconducting gate-based quantum technology, which is more versatile and future-proof for AI applications. D-Wave Quantum specializes in quantum annealing, which has a commercial lead and is already being used by major companies.

Q: Which company has shown stronger revenue growth?

A: D-Wave Quantum has shown stronger revenue growth, with a 509% year-over-year increase in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $15 million.

Q: What is the projected growth of the quantum computing market?

A: Industry forecasts estimate that the quantum computing market could grow to $90 billion to $170 billion by 2040.

Q: Why is D-Wave Quantum considered a highly speculative investment?

A: D-Wave Quantum's high stock price, trading at a P/S ratio of 173, makes it a highly speculative investment due to the extreme premium investors are paying for its expected future growth.

Q: What is the long-term outlook for Rigetti Computing?

A: Rigetti Computing is expected to benefit from the growing quantum computing market, with projected revenue accelerating from $8.8 million in 2025 to $23 million in 2026. 

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