We have many customers often ask us, which do we recommend, LED or Glass Neon signs. As Neon Icons offers both, I believe I can provide an unbiased comparison between the two materials, in the hopes that it helps you decide which option is best for you.
Below, I will outline the distinct advantages each material offers, and which material wins for each respective category.
1. Cost: As you may have noticed, LED Neon Signs are a budget friendly alternative to traditional handblown Glass Neon. They create that Neon aesthetic without hurting your wallet. They are a popular choice amongst consumers and small businesses.
Winner: LED Neon
2. Applications: LED Neon is really meant for indoor use (despite what some other companies may have you believe). That means if you wish to have your sign installed outdoors where it may be exposed to rain, Glass Neon is the ideal solution. It is naturally waterproof, and will not experience any issues if soaked. LED Neon can be coated with a water resistant coating if it placed outside for short periods of time or if it is placed undercover, but that does not make it waterproof.
Winner: Glass Neon
3. Installation: Glass Neon Signs are not a simple plug-and-play installation like LED Signs are. They will most likely require an electrician to connect the wiring and install the sign. LED Neon Signs on the other hand can be installed in under 5 minutes using a couple screws or double sided tape. You can find our videos showing the installation process for both LED and Glass Neon signs by clicking here.
Winner: LED Neon
4. Brightness: Although our LED Signs are the brightest in the industry due to the industrial LED's we use, some colours (primarily Red & Blue) are not as bright as their Glass counterparts. If you plan on having your sign in direct sunlight or in a brightly lit environment, Glass Neon may be the better option.
Winner: Glass Neon
5. Durability: This is where LED Neon wins out. As they are made from Silicone rather than Glass, they can be easily transported, bumped into, or carried around without much risk. Although Glass Neon has a longer lifespan, they are more fragile, and therefore may not be the ideal material if you have small children/pets, or plan on taking the sign with you to conventions or events.
Winner: LED Neon
6. Lifespan: Glass Neon has a lifespan of 75,000 hours of continuous use. Once this lifespan is reached, it can be refilled with Neon Gas, and serve another 75,000 hours. If maintained properly, a Glass Neon Sign can last decades. LED Neon on the other hand has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, after which point the sign will start having LED's fail. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done about restoring it to it's original glory.
Winner: Glass Neon
