⚖️ QTUM vs WQTM Comparison · Free & No Signup

QTUM vs WQTM: Which Quantum Computing ETF Is Right for You?

QTUM is the established quantum ETF with $6B in assets and history back to 2018. WQTM is the newer, tighter-mandate alternative from WisdomTree. Same theme, different construction.

💰 QTUM is cheaper 🔬 Compare top 10 holdings → 💡 Plain-English verdict
🤝 BFF Take
QTUM for Track Record and Scale — WQTM for Focused Quantum Exposure

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) and WQTM (WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund) both target quantum computing, but they define the theme differently. QTUM tracks the NYSE Arca Future of Quantum Computing & Machine Learning Index, which includes companies enabling quantum computing alongside machine learning infrastructure, meaning it holds significant semiconductor and AI names alongside pure quantum players. With $6B in assets, 0.40% expense ratio, and a track record since 2018 that includes the full AI boom, QTUM is the default choice for most investors. WQTM launched in October 2025 and tracks the WisdomTree Classiq Quantum Computing Index, co-developed with Classiq (a quantum software company). Its mandate is tighter: companies with direct quantum hardware, software, and enabling technology exposure. At $250M in assets and 0.45% expense ratio, WQTM is smaller but more specifically focused. Investors who want concentrated exposure to companies with direct quantum operations, rather than the broader enabling technology ecosystem, should consider WQTM despite its shorter track record.

📋 Quick Takeaways
📊QTUM has $6B in assets vs WQTM's $250M. The liquidity difference matters for institutional and large-lot investors.
🔬WQTM's mandate is tighter: direct quantum hardware, software, and infrastructure only. QTUM includes broader machine learning enablers.
💰QTUM costs 0.40% vs WQTM's 0.45%, marginally cheaper, with 7 years of performance history vs under 1 year for WQTM
📊 Data-Based Take: QTUM has the lower fee

Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.

Reviewed by a CFA® Charterholder · Data updated Jun 2026 · Educational only, not financial advice
QTUM
Defiance Quantum ETF
Expense Ratio
0.40% ✓
1-Year Return
+38.4%
AUM
$6B
Holdings
82
WQTM
WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund
Expense Ratio
0.45%
1-Year Return
AUM
$250M
Holdings
45

📋 QTUM vs WQTM — Key Facts Side by Side

Metric QTUM WQTM
Fund Name Defiance Quantum ETF WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund
Issuer Defiance ETFs WisdomTree
Tracks Index NYSE Arca Future of Quantum Computing & ML WisdomTree Classiq Quantum Computing Index
Expense Ratio 0.40% ✓ 0.45%
Cost per $10K/yr $40.00 $45.00
AUM $6B $250M
Holdings 82 45
Inception 2018 2025
1-Year Return +38.40%
3-Year Return +14.20%
5-Year Return +22.80%
Avg Bid-Ask Spread 0.01% 0.03%

Data from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.

📊 QTUM vs WQTM — Annualised Returns

Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.

🎯 Should You Buy QTUM or WQTM?

Choose if...
QTUM
  • You want the lowest fees — saves ~$5/yr per $10K vs WQTM
  • You want broader diversification (82 holdings vs 45)
Choose if...
WQTM
  • You already use WisdomTree and prefer staying within their fund family

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❓ QTUM vs WQTM — Frequently Asked Questions

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) tracks the NYSE Arca Future of Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, a broader mandate that includes semiconductor and AI infrastructure companies alongside quantum-specific names. It has $6B in assets and launched in 2018. WQTM (WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund) tracks the WisdomTree Classiq Quantum Computing Index, developed with Classiq, a quantum software company. WQTM focuses more specifically on companies with direct quantum hardware, software, and enabling technology operations, with a tighter 45-stock portfolio versus QTUM's 82 holdings.
The US government committed $2 billion to quantum computing research and development in 2026, and major tech companies including IBM, Google, and Microsoft have announced significant quantum milestones. Search interest in quantum ETFs is up over 90% in the past 30 days. The theme is real and the investment is accelerating. The risk: practical quantum computing at commercial scale remains years away, and many companies in quantum ETFs derive most of their current revenue from classical computing, not quantum operations. This is a long-horizon, high-volatility thematic bet.
The NYSE Arca index that QTUM tracks uses a two-tier system: companies with significant direct quantum computing or machine learning operations are weighted more heavily, while companies that provide enabling infrastructure (certain semiconductors, high-performance computing) are included at lower weights. This broad definition means QTUM holds companies like Arm Holdings, Micron, and STMicroelectronics alongside pure quantum names. Investors wanting exclusively pure-play quantum companies may find WQTM's tighter Classiq-built index more aligned with their thesis.
No. WQTM launched in October 2025, giving it under one year of performance history. You cannot evaluate risk-adjusted returns, drawdown behavior, or index tracking quality from less than a year of data. The fund's WisdomTree backing and Classiq index construction are credible, and $250M in assets after less than a year suggests strong initial adoption. But investors who require performance history before committing capital should wait or use QTUM.
You can, but the overlap is meaningful. Both hold the major quantum computing names. Holding both primarily increases your weighting in the shared holdings while slightly tilting the combined portfolio toward WQTM's tighter quantum mandate. There is no meaningful diversification benefit. Pick the one that matches your thesis: QTUM for the broader enabling technology ecosystem, WQTM for tighter quantum-focused exposure.

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📄 QTUM & WQTM Fact Sheets

QTUM Fact Sheet WQTM Fact Sheet
ℹ️ Data shown is for educational purposes and may not reflect the most current figures. Returns are trailing price-based and exclude dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. ETF BFF is not a licensed financial advisor — this is not personalized financial advice.