Rigetti Computing vs. SoundHound AI: Which Technology Stock Is a Better Buy for 2027?

Investors often weigh the long-term potential of futuristic hardware against the more immediate scaling of software. Comparing Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) and SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:SOUN) highlights the choice between quantum hardware and conversational intelligence.

Rigetti is a pioneer in quantum computing, aiming to solve problems current computers cannot touch. SoundHound AI focuses on voice-enabled artificial intelligence, powering natural conversations in situations such as in-car commands and restaurant drive-through ordering. While both companies operate in the high-stakes world of emerging technology, their paths to commercial success follow very different trajectories.

The case for Rigetti Computing

Rigetti Computing builds superconducting quantum computers and operates them through its proprietary Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company sells access to its hardware to global enterprise and research clients, including partners like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). Nearly 90.2% of its revenue last year came from U.S. government contracts. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.

In the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025, revenue reached nearly $7.1 million, which represented a decrease of 34.3% from the previous year. The company reported a net loss of $216.2 million, highlighting the high costs associated with developing its advanced technology roadmap.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the current ratio stood at 37.4x. The current ratio measures a company's ability to cover short-term debts with short-term assets, with a higher number suggesting more financial flexibility. Rigetti Computing carried a debt-to-equity ratio of zero at the end of last year, meaning it has essentially no total debt relative to its equity, though it reported free cash flow of negative $77.2 million for the year.

The case for SoundHound AI

SoundHound AI operates in the rapidly expanding market for voice-enabled tech stocks, serving major automotive manufacturers and diverse customer service sectors. It develops voice and agentic artificial intelligence software that powers natural conversational experiences for industries like automotive, retail, and hospitality. Following its acquisition of LivePerson, the business has integrated digital messaging and automation tools to broaden its customer reach.

In the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025, revenue reached $168.9 million, marking a significant increase of 99.4% compared to the prior twelve-month period. This rapid growth was accompanied by a net loss of $14.0 million, which narrowed significantly from the prior year. The narrowing loss suggests the business is scaling its revenue at a much faster rate than its operating expenses.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the current ratio stood at 4.6x, indicating a solid buffer for meeting short-term obligations. SoundHound AI maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of zero at the end of 2025, illustrating that total liabilities do not outweigh its shareholder equity. Free cash flow for the period was negative $103.1 million, as the company continues to invest heavily in acquisitions and platform development.

Risk profile comparison

Rigetti Computing faces significant hurdles related to its status as an early-stage hardware developer with a history of substantial operating losses. The business depends heavily on a small group of government customers, making it vulnerable to shifts in federal research budgets or policy changes. Furthermore, the company competes against massive, well-capitalized rivals such as IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) and D-Wave Quantum (NASDAQ:QBTS) in an industry where achieving quantum advantage -- the point when a quantum computer performs a computational task more efficiently and at lower cost than a classical computer -- is not guaranteed.

SoundHound AI deals with a history of substantial net losses and negative cash flow from operations. The company operates in a crowded market where incumbents like Microsoft and Amazon have vast resources to develop competing voice technologies. Additionally, SoundHound faces the complex task of integrating several major acquisitions while navigating evolving global regulations regarding artificial intelligence and data privacy.

Valuation comparison

On a P/S ratio basis, which measures market capitalization relative to sales over the past twelve months, SoundHound AI appears more reasonably valued than its peer.

Valuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy for 2027?

Between Rigetti's potent quantum computers and SoundHound's artificial intelligence capabilities, I would invest in SoundHound for 2027. Several factors are key to that decision, the most important being the current state of quantum technology versus AI.

Quantum computers are still struggling to reach commercial viability. Rigetti management predicts quantum advantage is at least three years away. Moreover, the company's tech requires special cryogenic equipment that keeps its quantum particles at a state colder than outer space. That's expensive, adding a hurdle to broad adoption of its quantum computing tech. Rivals are producing quantum machines that can operate at room temperature, adding to Rigetti's competitive pressures.

SoundHound AI has been unprofitable for years, but that may change in 2027. In this year's third quarter report, the company announced it expects to reach adjusted EBITDA profitability by the second half of 2027.

Also, SoundHound has grown revenue consistently for years as it scales up customers, while Rigetti's sales are inconsistent due to the experimental nature of its technology, which does not lend itself to steady client adoption. SoundHound's Q3 revenue was $62.4 million, a 49% year-over-year increase, and it anticipates sales to hit at least $250 million in 2026, growing to a minimum of $350 million in 2027. The consistent revenue expansion, move to profitability, and superior share price valuation make SoundHound the better investment going into 2027.

Robert Izquierdo has positions in Amazon, IonQ, Microsoft, and SoundHound AI. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, IonQ, Microsoft, and SoundHound AI. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.