A good sign does more than point people to your front door. It tells them something about you. Who you are. What kind of place you run. And that impression — it starts before they even get close. It's not just about visibility. It's about tone.
For years, neon was the go-to. Nothing else looked like it. That soft glow, the slightly warm tone, the classic feel — it worked. Still does, in the right setting. But LEDs are all over now. Cheaper to run. Easier to set up. And they look sharp. Clean, bright, even flashy if that's your thing.
So, what should you actually choose?
It depends what matters more to you — the look, the cost, the upkeep… or the feeling it gives off.
What Do They Look Like?
Neon signs have a kind of charm you don't get from anything else. You've seen it — bars, record shops, old diners. The light's got this soft edge to it. Feels warm. Bit nostalgic. You can't fake that look with something else.
LEDs come close though. There are versions now that look like neon, and most people wouldn't know the difference unless they got up close. But where neon feels soft and old-school, LEDs are more… controlled. Sharper lines. Brighter colours. You can even program them to animate or change completely.
So — if you're going for that classic, hand-built feel? Neon.
Need something modern, maybe a bit more flexible? LED's probably a better fit.
How Long Do They Last?
This one's simple.
Neon signs are glass tubes filled with gas. They're fragile. Hit them hard enough, or let them sit in bad weather for too long, and they'll crack. And fixing them? Not a quick job. You'll need someone who knows what they're doing. It's not cheap.
LEDs don't have that issue. No gas. No glass tubes. They're solid, they can take a bit of a knock, and they last — 50,000 hours, sometimes double that. You might have to clean them every so often, but that's about it.
Want something you can leave alone for years? Go LED.
What About Running Costs?
Neon signs look great, but they chew through electricity. Not outrageously, but enough that if it's on 10 hours a day, every day, you'll feel it in your bills.
LEDs? Way cheaper to run. Less power, less heat, more efficiency across the board. And because they don't burn out as quickly, you're not replacing bits every year or two either.
Upfront costs? Neon tends to be pricier, especially if it's custom. LED is usually cheaper to make and set up — plus you save more over time.
But again — some people are happy to pay more if neon fits the vibe they're going for. And that's fair.
Flexibility and Design
You can do a lot with both. But there's a difference.
Neon is bent glass. You can shape it into curves, letters, outlines — but once it's made, that's it. Want to change your logo later? You're ordering a whole new sign.
LEDs are way more flexible. You can get them in any shape, size, colour. And you can change them. Some signs let you swap out text with a remote. Some are programmable. You can animate things, shift colours during the day, display offers — whatever you like.
So, if your branding shifts often, or you want to get clever with messaging, LED's the better option.
Any Environmental Difference?
Short answer — yes.
Neon signs use more energy and contain gases (like neon or argon). Some older ones might even have mercury in them. They're not awful for the planet, but they're not ideal either — and getting rid of them properly can be awkward.
LEDs use way less energy and don't carry the same waste issues. They're easier to recycle too.
So if your business has a “green” angle, or you just want to use less power, LED's probably the better fit.
What Kind of Message Are You Sending?
This part's easy to overlook, but it matters.
Say you're running a vintage-style bar. Or a barber shop with a 1950s look. Or a boutique that leans on handmade, local charm. Neon suits that. It feels authentic, a bit raw, imperfect in a good way. People pick up on that stuff.
Now think of a gym. Or a coworking space. A gadget shop. An LED sign fits better there. It's crisp. Efficient. Feels modern. It tells people — this place is up-to-date. It's on it. You can trust what's inside.
So really, it's not just about light. It's about the kind of feeling that light gives off.
So… LED or Neon?
Depends what you want.
Neon is classic, stylish, emotional. But it costs more, needs more care, and isn't built to last forever.
LED is cheaper, easier to manage, and you can do a lot more with it. But it doesn't have that same soul.
Most businesses these days go LED. Not because it's trendy — just because it's simpler and cheaper in the long run. But if your brand's built on vibe, and that warm neon glow is part of the experience, go with it. It'll pay for itself in atmosphere.
Your sign matters more than you think. People notice it. They remember it. Sometimes they even come in because of it.
So pick one that actually says something about who you are — not just what you sell.
If you are looking for Sign Makers Warrington, contact us at Warrington Signs Ltd.
