The race to rule the world of quantum is heating up. Every week, there’s a new development in the quantum industry, making me wonder whether the industry is moving faster than the exponential rate suggested. Not long ago, we pitted the smaller quantum computing companies against each other to see who had the upper hand. Now, it’s time for the big dogs to compete.
Big tech firms are in a fierce fight to build the first practical quantum system, a machine that will easily crush old-school computers. As of early 2025, four big names – Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOGL), and IBM (IBM) – showed up with bold plans, fresh chips, and big claims. Each of them wants to win the game and set the rules for what could be the next tech gold rush.
Let’s examine each firm’s technology approach, roadmap, and other factors to decide which company has (currently) the upper hand in the quantum race valued at an estimated $100 billion by 2040, which is a conservative estimate.
If you wish to understand the basics of quantum computing better, I recommend reading our beginner’s guide.
Microsoft: The Big Bet on Topology
Microsoft has gone all in on a bold, high-risk plan. Instead of tweaking old quantum models, they returned to square one and built a new way to make qubits. Its Majorana 1 chip, rolled out in Feb. 2025, is built on a “topoconductor.” The idea is that this tech could help make qubits that last longer and are less prone to glitches.
Microsoft claims its approach will lead to a million qubits on one chip. That’s a wild number, far beyond anyone else’s. If pulled off successfully, it could leap past the pack. But that’s a big “if.” Nevertheless, DARPA seems to think it has a shot, as it backed Microsoft’s tech in its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
Microsoft’s roadmap aims for a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum machine by 2030. In the meantime, it works on intermediate milestones, like proving its topological qubits can reduce errors far more than other approaches.
Amazon: Late to the Party, but Fast on its Feet
Amazon was the last to show up with its quantum chip, but it’s making waves nonetheless. In Feb. 2025, it dropped Ocelot, a nine-qubit prototype that claims to be way more efficient at fixing errors than other quantum setups. The big selling point? Amazon says it can cut error-correction costs by 90%. That’s huge since errors are the biggest roadblock to making quantum computers work at scale.
Amazon’s play is classic Amazon: it watches, waits, and then jumps in with a lean, cost-cutting model. If Ocelot works as promised, Amazon could have an edge in building cheaper quantum tech. In addition, with AWS as a cloud powerhouse, it has the best setup to push quantum as a service, giving businesses easy access to quantum tools without meaningful upfront costs.
Amazon’s roadmap is focused on integrating quantum computing into AWS over the next five years. It aims to scale its quantum systems steadily and deliver fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2035.
Google (GOOGL): About Speed to Market
Google has been in the game for a while. In 2019, it made a splash when it claimed to reach “quantum supremacy,” a fancy way of saying its quantum chip solved a problem that classical computers could not solve in a fair time. Now, it’s back with the Willow chip, which is part of its push to bring quantum computing to real-world use in the next five years.
Google’s strategy is clear: get quantum tech into the hands of businesses as soon as possible. It’s not as flashy as Microsoft’s grand plan or as cost-focused as Amazon’s, but it has a practical edge. Google has set a target to have working commercial quantum applications by 2029. It predicts that by the early 2030s, they will have a fully scalable quantum computer that can outperform classical machines in solving real-world business challenges.
IBM: The Steady Old Guard
IBM has been at this longer than anyone. It has already made real cash from quantum – about $1 billion in revenue so far. Unlike the others, IBM is all about open access. It lets anyone use its quantum computers through the cloud and has built a huge network of partners and researchers. The Qiskit framework has become the go-to tool for quantum developers.
IBM’s tech is solid, with a 127-qubit machine up and running, which is more significant than most others. It also has a clear goal: by 2028, it wants to roll out an error-free quantum computer. With a steady path and proven wins, IBM looks like the safest bet for anyone who wants a piece of the quantum future.
IBM’s roadmap includes achieving a 1000+ qubit system by 2026 and complete fault tolerance by 2028, making it the first company likely to have a practical quantum computer available for enterprise use.
So, Who’s Got the Edge?
Each of these four giants has a different take on how to win the quantum race. Microsoft is shooting for the moon with a wild new approach that could change everything or go nowhere. Amazon is playing it smart and lean, aiming to solve quantum’s biggest problem – errors – while keeping costs down. Google wants to bring quantum to businesses ASAP, betting that early wins will set it up as the leader. The wise old veteran, IBM, plays the long game with a clear plan and a working product that already makes money.
If you’re looking for the best long-term bet, IBM seems to have the steadiest hand. It has a revenue stream, clear goals, and working quantum tech.
One thing’s for sure: this race is just getting started, and whoever comes out on top will be set to own one of the most powerful technologies of the next era. Strap in because the quantum rumble is far from over.
Tipranks’ Comparison Tool
Using Tipranks’ comparison tool helps one adopt a broader perspective on each stock and different industries. Here, we can examine how our four tech giants discussed in the article compare in various parameters, such as analysts’ sentiments, price targets, smart scores, and other key factors.
