A well-lit and brightly colored sign on your property is the best method to draw attention to your business and draw people in. Humans are visual because of their nature, and if your sign can capture their eye you are much more likely to win their attention to your business. While neon signs have always been the leading choice when it comes to marketing for businesses but the market for LED neon signs is becoming more popular. We’ve seen numerous LED neon signs that are marketed as neon sign products when in fact they’re completely different. This article will help you to understand the distinctions between LED and neon so that you can make the best choice.

How are they different?

Neon sign

The most obvious difference between neon lighting and LED is the fact that neon lighting is in a glass tube. The light is created from reactions that occur with an inert gas, which produces the color of a fluorescent due to the energy released. Neon tubes are exquisitely designed but they are very fragile, and there is the possibility of damaging the tube if it is handled improperly. If the tube does become damaged, the sign should have an open circuit safety feature, which means that if the tube is damaged then the current will cease flowing to prevent any unwanted accidents. Neon sign signs are a popular choice for companies of all sizes due to their attractive display and safety features that protect.

LED sign

LED neon signs and lights are produced by using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They are strung so that the light they release coincides with one another and provides a continuous source of light. LED neon signs are typically smaller and less protected than neon light bulbs as LEDs are typically covered in a polymer jacket to protect each diode from damage from the outside. However, they are complicated to repair when they break because each LED has to be manually fixed to the base, where only the glass tube requires to be replaced on neon signs. The downside is that LEDs are not able to be fixed in all places. This makes the appearance of letters unappealing and unwieldy. The colors that they emit are not as varied as neon glows, and appear solid.

Energy efficiency

An LED light uses less power in the secondary circuit than neon lights and can provide energy-efficient lighting and signs. Very large neon displays can occasionally require 15,000 volts to run (although this isn’t common at present) while LEDs need just 24 volts. LED displays can help you save dollars if you’re thinking of a big outdoor display. For a business sign or a small light display the cost of running LED and neon lighting is very similar so there’s not much difference between the two. It’s also important to consider that it is the amperage that determines energy efficiency, and the typical neon sign will draw less than 1 amp. Consider comparing the cost of running your sign to how attractive it is to your customers. A neon sign will be more appealing to the eyes than a LED neon sign.

Cost

The price difference between LED and neon signs will be based on the size of the sign. Outdoor displays that are large LED works out around 10% cheaper than neon signs, however again, you should think about whether the savings are worth the cost. Neon signs have an extended life as compared to LED neon signs and are less likely to be repaired or replaced. This should be considered when weighing costs. This may tip the balance in favor of LED in the case of huge-scale costs. For indoor signage, the price difference between LED and neon is minimal.

Curb Appeal

Due to their warm and welcoming lighting, neon signs are still extremely popular with businesses across the globe. The neon light evokes old-school glamour and places like Tokyo as well as Las Vegas. It is an indication of trust and nostalgia. LED lights are, however, bright, but can look cold, stiff, and harsh to the eye. They’re modern and so throw out an edgier look, but not always in a positive way, so it is important to look for the ones that have the most aesthetic appeal.

Summary

It comes down to individual preference on which neon or LED neon signs are more suitable for your business. Additionally, consider the main advantages of each to make a well-informed choice, but ultimately, you are the sole judge of which one is the best. If you purchase a sign and you’re not even attracted by it, then it’s probably not going to offer your customers anything either. It’s more beneficial to consider the design aspect of a sign than focus on cost or efficiency.