LED Neon vs. Glass Neon:
the main differences
Neon tubes vs. LED – clash of the titans!
LED Neon is a member of the Sygns Neon family and has been gaining popularity for some time. But what is more suitable for your project: "classic" neon made of glass tubes or modern LED flex?
Sygns has been the platform for individual neon signs for years and supports you in choosing the right lighting technology for your sign.
Heart vs. head: the visual effect of neon and LED neon
There's a reason traditional neon signs have remained so popular with businesses around the world. The light they emit is warm and inviting. The neon light itself evokes a long-forgotten nostalgia in us. Neon signs have been shining in places like Las Vegas, Tokyo and New York for about a century now. So the effect of neon as opposed to LED is primarily an emotional one.
Terms often used for glass neon:
- classic
- traditional
- vintage
- retro
- old school
- industrial
LED light, on the other hand, is very bright and can quickly be perceived as cold. However, unlike neon, LED is a modern technology and therefore generates a futuristic feeling. In addition, LED signs are optimal for trade show booths or other flexible transportation. The brightness of both types of neon can be dimmed with the help of additional components.
Terms often used for LED neon:
- modern
- futuristic
- clean
- sleek
- practical
- robust
Technical differences between LED Neon and Glass Neon
While traditional neon signage remains the frontrunner in the advertising sign industry, LED-based lighting is also becoming increasingly popular. Yet the difference between neon and LED is not always immediately apparent.
The most obvious difference between LED and neon lighting is that neon lighting consists of handmade glass tubes. The light is produced by reactions with an inert gas that releases energy to give off a fluorescent color.
Read more: Gas & Glass: How do neon lights work? - Sygns Magazine
LED lights and signs are made using small diodes (LED = “light-emitting diode”), which are placed close together so that the light they emit overlaps and creates a uniform light source. In LED neon, the small diodes are enclosed in silicone tubes. These are formed into logos, motifs or words by fixing them to a stabilizing substructure made of PVC or acrylic.
Because glass neon is made of bent tubes, this technology is especially ideal for flowing shapes, cursive or handwritten fonts, and "soft" designs. For clean lines and angular designs, LED Neon is often a bit more suitable because the flex tubes can be cut and not everything is formed from connected tubes.
Read more: Best neon light quotes: ideas for neon sayings - Sygns Magazine
Caution, fragile!?
Dangers, repair and lifespan of Neon and LED Neon
Neon tubes are beautifully finished, but also very fragile. There is also an increased risk that the fluorescent tube will be damaged if handled incorrectly. If the tube is damaged, our power supplies are open-circuit protected. This means that if the tubes are damaged, the current automatically stops flowing to prevent unwanted accidents. Because of these protective safety features and their enticing display, neon sign products are a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
LED signs tend to be lighter and more durable than neon tubes, as LEDs are often wrapped in their own polymer casing to protect each diode from external damage. However, they can be difficult to repair if broken, as each LED must be manually attached to the base and thus must also be replaced individually. In the case of a neon sign, only the glass tube in question needs to be replaced, and replacement here is fairly straightforward. In addition, LEDs can only really be fixed in certain positions. This often results in the lettering looking less elegant than that of a neon sign.
The general lifetime of glass neon and LED neon is similar, but is affected by a number of factors.
Check, please!
Acquisition cost and operating cost of Neon and LED Neon
At first glance, LED neon should actually be much cheaper than glass neon. The profession of glassblower has become rare and neon production is a complex technique. In contrast, LED neon is just a collection of plastic parts, what's the big deal! ...right? Wrong!
Of course, you can now find cheaply machine-produced LED mass products from Asia everywhere for little money. However, this is neither visually nor qualitatively appealing and you usually do not enjoy it for very long.
High-quality, carefully manufactured LED illuminated advertising has its price, just like glass neon, because the production requires skill and practice and quality materials significantly improve the appearance, performance and durability.
Accordingly, the initial cost of LED neon and glass neon is often at a comparable level.
If you look at the cost difference between LED and neon signs, it again depends on the size of the display. For large illuminated signs designed for outdoor use, LED neon can be somewhat less expensive than traditional neon, especially since the electrical components (transformers) for glass neon are comparatively high-priced because they are very specialized, while traditional LED power supplies can be obtained at low cost.
However, for smaller signage, the cost difference between neon and LED neon is very small.
The same applies to the operating costs – here, too, the size of the logo or lettering is primarily the decisive factor. In principle, the power consumption of neon tubes is somewhat higher than that of LEDs, but the horror stories circulating about the power-guzzling glass tubes are greatly exaggerated. Often, the electricity costs for both neon variants are not higher than for standard household lamps.
Read more: Do neon signs use a lot of electricity? - Sygns Magazine
Neon or LED Neon – which is easier to install?
Admittedly, installing and wiring individual glass elements is a bit of a challenge. However, with the right instructions and a little skill and patience, even a layperson can do it in a few hours. For very large neon logos or outdoor advertising, it is advisable to call in a technician who has experience in neon installation.
Pre-mounted neon signs with a backplate, however, are just as easy and uncomplicated to hang as LED advertising.
Read more: How to hang a neon sign on the wall: installation tips & step-by-step guides - Sygns Magazine
LED vs. Neon: Which technology wins?
Since humans are visual creatures by nature, illuminated advertising is probably one of the most popular techniques for attracting customers' attention. Which illuminated advertising is advantageous and whether LED or glass neon is more suitable as a technology depends not only on the product variant, the installation or the underlying idea, but also on your personal preference. Your own feeling is just as decisive for whether the use of an illuminated sign made of LED or glass is better suited for your home or business.
More information and numerous reference projects can be found on our Neon product page.
Order LED Neon and Glass Neon online
If you are looking for a suitable illuminated sign for your company, we will be happy to help you choose the right technology. Now you are definitely one step further!