Quantum computing stocks have surged in 2024 as breakthroughs hint at a technological tipping point. Two pure-play quantum stocks offer contrasting paths to potentially massive returns. The next computing revolution may be closer than investors think.

Instead of using regular "bits" of data, quantum computers use qubits. Qubits can be 0, 1, or both at the same time, thanks to a property called superposition. This means a quantum computer can explore several solutions to a problem all at once.

Breakthroughs in quantum computing have shares of Alphabet and IonQ soaring as of late. One pocket of the artificial intelligence (AI) realm that is fetching a fair amount of attention right now is quantum computing. While there are many companies exploring quantum computing, only a finite number have made any measurable progress.

Amid all of the euphoria surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing has stayed largely out of the spotlight this year - despite ambitious forecasts for the market size to surge from $1.