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Neon vs LED Sign - Which is Better?

September 07, 2020 4 min read 0 Comments

Illuminating Question: Should You Choose a Neon or LED Sign?

Fun and quirky neon signs shaped like rainbows, ice cream, unicorns, clouds and flamingos aren't just for stars and influencers.

Signage is bigger, better and easier than ever! More and more people are discovering the fun of adding personalized, personality-filled lit signs to their homes, apartments, offices, game rooms, work spaces and outdoor entertainment areas.

Of course, it took a while for the trend of lit signs to catch on in the "mainstream" due to concerns about things like price, installation, maintenance and power consumption. That meant that people mostly just admired longingly as their favorite stars and social-media personalities showed off clever and adorable lit signs while partying and relaxing in their homes.

If you're ready to decorate your oasis with a glowing sign, you're probably stuck on one main question. Should you get a neon or LED sign? Let's break down the pros and cons of both!

What's the Big Difference Between a Neon Sign and LED Sign?

Bulb type is the defining difference between neon and LED signs. Neon signs actually use real glass tubing to create illumination. By contrast, LED signs derive light from a collection of overlapping Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

This seemingly small detail actually creates a large chasm in terms of performance, appearance and upkeep. How long do neon signs last? This is one category where both options come in at about even.

Generally, you can expect about a decade’s worth of beautiful glowing power from both neon and LED neon lights.

A Deeper Look at Neon Lights

It's no accident that you're dazzled by the vivid, colorful display that seems to illuminate the shadows around it with sprays of color whenever you pass by neon signage.

Neon bulbs utilize gas reactions to give off fluorescent colors that seem to buzz with lively energy. While beautiful, true neon lights are fragile.

There is always the potential for a high-voltage glass neon bulb to break or malfunction if it is handled improperly. However, all modern neon signs do typically feature circuit protection that will stop power flow if a bulb is damaged. It's still necessary to worry about shock hazards when a neon sign is placed in a high-traffic area.

A true neon sign is generally going to look more complicated to own and maintain when compared to an LED option. Let's cover the pros and cons of making a statement with a neon light!

Pros:

  • Beautiful, vivid display.
  • Emits a warm, welcoming light.
  • Offers a more "traditional" look.
  • Can last for a long time.
  • Built-in safety features to prevent accidents in case of bulb breakage.

Cons:

  • Very delicate.
  • Heavier and bulkier than LED.
  • Uses more energy than LED lights.
  • Higher upfront cost than LED lights.
  • Potential for "hot spots" on the signage.

A Deeper Look at LED Lights

If you're looking for a crisp and "futuristic" look, LED offers an easy way to make a bright statement!

The big benefit of going with LED right out of the gate is that LED signs are simply thinner and lighter than their neon counterparts. In fact, we're looking at products that are between 25 percent and 35 percent thinner for LED when deciding between glass neon vs led neon.

In addition, LED generally offers easy installation because the depth of an LED sign is typically just 1 inch. By contrast, you'll need to have enough room and reinforcement to support a depth of 3 to 5 inches when hanging a true neon sign.

The lightweight nature of LED signs makes them the better option when looking for home décor that can go up quickly without much preparation.

When deciding between neon vs led sign, many people ultimately settle on LED signs because they like the safety and peace of mind offered by LED lights.

In addition to being shock-proof and chemical-free, LED lights also emit very little heat. That makes them a much more comfortable option for anyone worried about risks of burns or shocks.

Of course, LED signs are also very "clean" because they don't use bulbs containing harsh, potentially toxic materials like many old-fashioned and vintage signs do.

The Department of Energy touts LED as being the safer and better alternative to nearly all other options because LEDs are cooler and more resistant to breakage.

Next, here's a rundown of the pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Good energy efficiency.
  • Glow brightly even when placed in direct sunlight.
  • Cheaper to ship and install than neon lights.
  • Can be seen from greater distances than neon due to increased brightness.
  • Come in many colors and shapes.
  • Can operate 24 hours per day without costing a lot.
  • More animation options due to the use of individual bulbs.
  • Easy to clean.

Cons:

  • Can appear rigid instead of warm.
  • Not effective at creating the "vintage" look.

Final Thoughts: Deciding Between Neon and LED Signs

When it comes to neon vs led sign, scale can make a big difference.

LED is typically preferred for home décor because it's so safe, simple, lightweight and affordable!

Modern LED neon signs actually do a good job of evoking the same authentic vibe of classic neon signs with a fraction of the price and hassle!

If you're seeking trendy, stylish LED signs for your home, office, bar or "hangout" spot, check out our selection of cool neon signs. Our signs bring the party to a space of any size with zero hassles or worries!


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