Quantum Computing ETFs Compared: QTUM vs WQTM vs ARTY in 2026

Six Quantum Computing ETFs, Side by Side

TL;DR QTUM is the most liquid and established but has low pure-quantum exposure. WQTM concentrates 40%+ in pure quantum stocks for maximum upside. ARTY and WTI blend AI with quantum. International investors get the highest pure-quantum exposure through UCITS ETFs (QT, Q&M).

QTUM: The Most Established Quantum ETF

The Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) is the most cited and liquid quantum ETF available. It tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, with an average annual return of about 25% since inception roughly 8 years ago. Over the past year alone, it's up 80%.

Metric	Value
Holdings	86
Expense ratio	0.40%
1-year return	+80%
Weighting	Modified equal-weight

The issue is that despite the "quantum" label, the top holdings are Intel, Micron, and AMD. Pure quantum companies like IonQ and D-Wave sit much further down the list. There's significant overlap with broad tech ETFs like QQQ and SCHG.

The modified equal-weight approach does prevent mega-caps like Google or IBM from drowning out smaller quantum stocks. But it feels more like a broad tech ETF than a genuine quantum computing bet.

WQTM: All-In on Pure Quantum

The WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund (WQTM) uses a proprietary framework co-developed with Classiq, a leader in quantum software. It's up 26% year-to-date.

Metric	Value
Holdings	41
Expense ratio	0.45%
YTD return	+26%
Top 10 weight	40%+

IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave dominate its top 10 holdings. When pure-play quantum stocks move, WQTM captures that movement far more intensely than its diversified competitors.

It's been around for less than a year — a legitimate concern. But the technology itself is nascent, so a short track record comes with the territory. The major upside: virtually zero overlap with existing tech ETFs like VGT, QQQM, or SCHG.

UCITS ETFs: The International Investor's Advantage

European and international investors have access to two UCITS-domiciled options:

• QT (iShares Quantum Computing UCITS ETF)
• Q&M (VanEck Quantum Computing UCITS ETF)

Both carry heavy allocations to IonQ, D-Wave, Rigetti, IBM, and Intel — making them the closest thing to true quantum computing ETFs. US residents would need brokerages like Interactive Brokers or Saxo Bank for access, and there are tax complications to consider.

I expect US-domiciled ETFs with similar compositions will appear before long.

ARTY: The AI-Quantum Hybrid

The iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY) has returned roughly 100% over the past year, with a 0.47% expense ratio.

Its weighting skews heavily toward AI over quantum. IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia form the core, while pure quantum names like IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti each carry about 1% weight individually.

If going all-in on quantum feels too aggressive, ARTY is a reasonable middle ground. The AI portion provides proven performance as a safety net. But if quantum breaks out dramatically, you won't fully capture that move.

WTI: Global AI Innovation Plus Quantum

WisdomTree AI & Innovation Fund (WTI) has returned over 90% in the past year, with a 0.45% expense ratio. It's WQTM's sibling fund, but focuses on the broader AI value chain rather than pure quantum.

What stands out is significant exposure to Samsung and SK Hynix — companies you rarely get in US-domiciled ETFs. The semiconductor heavyweight tilt means lower volatility than a pure quantum fund, but you'll miss the moonshot potential if a company like D-Wave has a massive breakout.

Side-by-Side Comparison

ETF	Pure Quantum Weight	Expense Ratio	1Y Return	Key Feature
QTUM	Low	0.40%	+80%	Most established, highest liquidity
WQTM	Very high	0.45%	N/A (<1 yr)	Pure quantum concentration, IonQ·D-Wave·Rigetti heavy
QT/Q&M	Very high	—	—	UCITS, for international investors
ARTY	Low	0.47%	+100%	AI + quantum hybrid, mega-cap heavy
WTI	Low	0.45%	+90%	AI-focused, Samsung & SK Hynix exposure

Choosing the Right ETF for Your Portfolio

If you already hold QQQ or VGT, adding QTUM gives limited additional value due to overlapping holdings. For a genuine quantum bet, WQTM offers the purest exposure available. If you want to maintain AI exposure while adding quantum, ARTY provides a balanced approach.

Regardless of your choice, treat this as a high-risk satellite position — not a portfolio core holding.