LED vs. Traditional Neon — What’s the Difference?
05 Oct 2025
LED vs. Traditional Neon — What’s the Difference?
Both options glow beautifully, but they’re built very differently. Let’s compare them side-by-side.
Feature | LED Neon | Traditional Glass Neon |
---|---|---|
Material | Flexible silicone tube with LED lights | Fragile glass tubes filled with gas |
Energy Use | Low (12 V DC) | High (3,000–15,000 V) |
Brightness & Colors | Consistent, RGB options available | Warm, classic glow but limited tones |
Safety | Cool to touch, shatter-resistant | Fragile and hot to touch |
Lifespan | Up to 50,000 hours | 8,000–15,000 hours |
Maintenance | Minimal | Needs expert repairs if broken |
Cost | More affordable to make and ship | Higher labor & power costs |
Which one should you choose?
For most homes, weddings, and retail displays, LED neon signs deliver modern aesthetics, energy savings, and safety — without compromising on glow.