The global software market has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few decades, emerging as a key driver of productivity, economic expansion, and technological advancement. Software, in its broadest sense, includes a diverse range of programs and applications that power computers and other digital devices, enabling them to perform specialized tasks. These range from basic operating systems to sophisticated enterprise solutions and even cutting-edge quantum computing technologies.

The rapid expansion of the software industry is driven by increasing digital transformation, the widespread adoption of mobile technology, and continuous innovations in fields like artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, with cyber threats and data breaches becoming more frequent and sophisticated, businesses are placing greater emphasis on data security and privacy. This has fuelled the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions, including encryption technologies, compliance tools, and advanced security applications, as the software sector continues to evolve to address these critical concerns.

According to an August 2024 report by Precedence Research, the global software market was valued at approximately $737 billion in 2024. Their projections suggest that it will surge to $2.25 trillion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. The U.S. software market, one of the largest globally, is expected to reach $676 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 12% between 2024 and 2034.

To put the current software market in perspective, Michael Wilson, CIO & Chief U.S. Equity Strategist at Morgan Stanley, shared his insights in a February 11 CNBC interview, discussing the near- to mid-term equity market outlook. While he anticipates market volatility over the next 3–6 months, he highlighted that software stocks have recently outperformed semiconductors. He attributes this shift to the growing diffusion of AI and the expansion of the application layer, which have driven greater investor interest in software. Although the semiconductor sector has experienced a temporary slowdown, Wilson emphasizes that it remains a cyclical industry rather than one in permanent decline. He also noted that advancements such as the DeepSeek AI-model announcement could renew excitement in AI and shift the focus back to software infrastructure.

With AI and machine learning becoming integral to various industries, the software market presents a compelling investment opportunity. Companies that demonstrate strong innovation in AI applications and have the potential to disrupt traditional industries are particularly well-positioned for long-term success.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best-performing software stocks to buy according to analysts.

Our Methodology

To determine the 10 best-performing software stocks to buy according to analysts, we began by screening all U.S.-listed software companies with a market capitalization above $300 million and a stock price over $10, eliminating smaller and more volatile stocks. Next, we identified companies with year-to-date (YTD) returns of at least 20%, refining the selection further to include only stocks with a potential upside of 10% or more. Finally, we ranked the top 10 stocks based on YTD returns, placing the highest-performing ones at the top. Additionally, we also included data on hedge fund holdings in these companies as of Q4 2024 to provide further insight into investor interest.

Note: All pricing data is as of market close on February 25.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

10 Best Performing Software Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

10. Amplitude Inc. (NASDAQ:AMPL)

YTD returns: 22%

Potential Upside: 25%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

Amplitude Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPL) is a digital analytics company that provides a Digital Analytics Platform designed to analyze behavioral data and deliver real-time, actionable insights to help businesses enhance their products and digital experiences.

Amplitude Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPL)’s stock has climbed ~22% YTD, reaching a 52-week high of $14.4 on February 20, 2025. Shares surged 22% following its Q4 2024 earnings report on February 19, which exceeded expectations. Additionally, company’s 2025 revenue and EPS guidance of $324.8–$330.8 million and $0.05–$0.10, respectively, came in ahead of analyst forecasts.

Analysts responded positively to the results and the guidance, leading to multiple upgrades and price target increases. One notable upgrade came from Baird analysts, who raised their rating from Neutral to Outperform and increased their price target from $12 to $17. They highlighted strong Q4 results, an encouraging 2025 outlook, and the company’s product and platform improvements as key factors driving potential growth acceleration. Additionally, they pointed to strategic go-to-market shifts and stronger execution as catalysts. With rising enterprise spending on analytics, analysts see Amplitude Inc. (NASDAQ:AMPL) well-positioned for growth and believe an improved valuation multiple is possible as momentum continues.

9. Asure Software Inc. (NASDAQ:ASUR)

YTD returns: 22%

Potential Upside: 13%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 8

Asure Software Inc. (NASDAQ:ASUR) is a provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions designed to help businesses manage payroll, time tracking, benefits administration, and workforce management. The company’s Software platform is particularly focused on serving small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), providing them with cost-effective HR solutions that improve efficiency and compliance.

Asure Software Inc. (NASDAQ: ASUR) experienced a lackluster performance in 2024, with its stock declining by 1.2%. However, in 2025, the stock has rebounded sharply, delivering a 22% year-to-date return. This surge has been driven largely by increasing optimism from analysts.

On January 6, analysts at Barrington included Asure Software Inc. (NASDAQ:ASUR) among their top stock picks for 2025. The following day, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy, raising his price target from $9 to $13. His revised valuation was influenced by reports that Paychex (NASDAQ: PAYX) might acquire Paycor HCM (NASDAQ:PYCR), a development that strengthened his bullish outlook on Asure Software Inc. (NASDAQ: ASUR). Additionally, the analyst noted that the resilience of the U.S. job market could mean company’s 2025 guidance is overly conservative, further bolstering investor confidence.