Custom illuminated signs: Neon or LED? Decide now!

A neon sign is the face of your business. It draws attention. It helps customers find you. It even creates the right atmosphere. A bright logo or bright lettering strengthens your brand image. Details like these make you unique.

But how do you stand out from the competition? Clearly – with IIndividual illuminated signBut which lighting is best? The two favorites are neon and LED. Both look great, but they have their advantages and disadvantages. Neon brings a retro vibe. LED looks modern and saves energy. Which suits you better? Let's check it out!

What types of neon signs are there?

There are some proven VariantEach has its own style:

• Classic light boxes – the absolute standard! Inside are lamps, and on the front is a semi-transparent panel with a logo or lettering. They look stylish and are clearly visible day and night.

• Letters neon sign – Individual letters or logos with internal illumination. Elegant & modern – especially popular with premium brands;

• Contour lighting (shadow effect) – The light is projected onto the wall, creating a cool "halo" effect. It's especially stylish in the dark.

• neon signs – Illuminated gas tubes form lettering or images. Super stylish and create atmosphere! Very popular in bars, cafes, and showrooms.

• LED signs – lettering or logo made of LEDs. Bright, modern, and energy-efficient. Suitable for almost any business!

Neon illuminated sign Individual – style that never goes out of fashion

Neon is a cult classic. It has been setting strong accents since the 1920s and continues to have a very special impact today.

Advantages of Neon:

• Atmospheric light – Soft glow that is warm and inviting;

• Retro charm – Retro neon sign is perfect for bars, restaurants, showrooms & creative locations;

• Bold colors – bright, rich tones that are hardly possible with other light sources;

• Durable – Classic neon lasts for decades!

Disadvantages of neon:

• High power consumption – Consumes more energy than LED;

• Sensitivity – glass tubes are fragile;

• Complex installation – Somewhat more complicated than LED signs;

• Price – Classic neon usually costs more than LED.

Individual neon sign stands for style & emotions. Perfect if you want to create a special atmosphere with your brand. Are you looking for Retro neon signThen neon is your choice! 

LED illuminated signs – the future of illuminated advertising

LED signs are currently the hottest thing in outdoor advertising. LEDs are slowly surpassing neon—more flexible, cheaper, and consume less power.

Why LED?

• Energy saving – Consumes up to 80% less power than neon;

• Safe – doesn’t get hot, no toxic gas, nothing breaks;

• Lasts forever – 50.000+ hours without stress;

• Extremely flexible – bright colors, animations, logos – everything is easily doable;

• Great price – cheaper than Neon, less maintenance.

Are there any disadvantages?

• Not quite as “smooth” – neon has this soft, cozy glow, LED is often brighter;

• Retro vibes? Not really – for vintage style, neon remains unbeatable.

• Quality counts – cheap LEDs can fail more quickly.

Illuminated Acrylic Signs – the smart choice for almost any store! Stylish, economical, and durable.

LED or neon – which rocks more?

If you're still wondering which is better, here's a quick comparison:

Look & Feel:

• Neon = soft, even light, nostalgic charm;

• LED = often brighter, but can appear a bit more “technical”.

Power consumption:

• Neon draws a lot of juice;

• LED is extremely energy-efficient—up to 80% less power consumption. Ideal for 24/7 stores.

Lifespan:

• Neon lasts 10–15 years but needs maintenance;

• LEDs last for 50.000 hours – so a good 10 years.

Safety:

• Neon = glass tubes, fragile;

• LED = more robust, no gases, no heat.

Cost:

• Neon = more expensive in production & assembly;

• LED = cheaper & less maintenance.

Flexibility:

• Neon creates smooth, elegant lines – perfect for Neon sign letters;

• LED can change color, play effects & show animated designs.

Retro neon sign? → Neon! Energy saving & high-tech effects? → LED is your thing!

Trends in illuminated advertising – what’s happening right now

Neon and Illuminated Acrylic Signs are no longer the same as they used to be. These things are being used more and more creatively. Here are a few hot trends:

• Neon LED-Mix – Looks like classic neon, but saves energy like LEDs. Perfect if you want that retro vibe but don't want to blow your entire budget.

• RGB & animated effects – color changes, pulsing, flashing logos – that attracts attention like nothing;

• Interactive light panels – Some LED signs react to movement or sound. A huge eye-catcher with a wow factor.

• Sustainable materials – More and more brands are turning to recycled materials. It looks fresh and demonstrates environmental awareness.

• Matte effects – Not everyone is into this bold glow. Matte LED and neon signs create a more relaxed atmosphere.

With these trends, your advertising will not only be eye-catching but also really stylish.

Where do neon and LED make the most sense?

The perfect choice depends on where you want to place your sign. Here's a quick guide:

Custom neon sign:

• Bars & Restaurants – For a cozy atmosphere with style;

• Cafés & Shops – must-have for hip shops with a retro vibe;

• Hotels & Cinemas – Adds that extra touch of elegance;

• Photo spots & interior – perfect for Insta-worthy decoration.

LED illuminated sign:

• Malls & Shops – Energy-saving, durable, bright;

• Pharmacies & Clinics – Visible in all weather;

• Gas stations & workshops – clear signs for better orientation;

• Sports clubs & stadiums – dynamic effects that immediately catch the eye.

Outdoors and super bright? – LED is your thing. Unique design & atmosphere? – Neon is unbeatable. Retro neon sign – just has that certain something!

Care tips for your neon sign

so that your Custom Lit Signs To stay fresh for a long time, it needs a little love.

Caring for Neon properly:

• Wipe with a dry cloth – moisture is the enemy;

• Check cables and connections, otherwise there will be a failure sooner;

• Do not mount in unstable locations – glass breaks faster than you would like.

Maintain LEDs properly:

• Keep clean with soft cloth & plastic cleaner;

• Check the power supply and control regularly;

• Keep an eye on the brightness – when it gets darker, new LEDs are due.

If well maintained, your neon sign will last forever and always look great.

Trends in the world of illuminated advertising

The advertising market doesn't stand still, hey! Designers and entrepreneurs are always looking for new ways to attract customers. Let's take a look at which Neon advertising signs are currently mega popular:

• Eco-friendly signs. Sustainability is the thing these days! That's why Outdoor neon signSolar-powered devices are becoming increasingly popular. They save electricity and protect the environment—a win-win situation.

• Retro vibes. Retro neon sign is back in full force! Neon is experiencing a major comeback and is often used in cafes, bars, and fancy concept stores that want to convey the charm of bygone times.

• Dynamic LED lighting. LED displays are awesome! They can change content, show animations, and even play videos. Perfect for shopping malls, clubs, and big brands that want to stand out.

• Minimalism is king. Less is more! Clear lines, simple Letters neon sign, subtle colors – that is the modern look. A Custom Lit Signs in this style it looks noble and high-quality;

• Interactive signs. Some LED signs react to motion or change colors depending on the time of day. A cool feature for brands that want to make a real impression.

If you want your sign to look fresh, you should keep an eye on these trends!

What suits your business best?

When is neon the best choice? Neon isn't just light—it's a statement! Perfect for cafes, bars, beauty salons, showrooms, and creative spaces. Do you want to create a cozy retro atmosphere or give your store a warm lighting mood? Then neon is your thing! It provides a pleasant, even glow, especially in dark rooms.

When is LED better? LED signs are modern, energy-efficient, and flexible. Perfect for shops, offices, hotels, gyms, and large malls. Do you need bright, eye-catching light with color changes or animations? Then LED is the better choice. LED is also great for Outdoor neon sign is suitable.

Don’t forget: Various Neon advertising signs have different prices! The price depends on size, material, design, and installation. Neon is more expensive to manufacture and consumes more electricity. LED is more budget-friendly, both in terms of purchase and maintenance.

For a long service life, high-quality materials are important – acrylic, aluminum, sturdy glass. When choosing LED signs, look for waterproof diodes, especially for outdoor use. For neon signs, opt for robust gas tubes that are well-protected against impacts. And the mounting system? It should be rock-solid and weatherproof!

So, think carefully about what suits your business and then get started on the perfect neon sign!

Where can I order a high-quality illuminated sign?

Individual neon sign – This isn't something you can just do. It's important to find a company with experience and good reviews. Check out their portfolio and see what materials they use. A reliable manufacturer will always offer a warranty on their products and advise you on the best choice.

Before you order, first clarify the design, colors, and size. It's extremely useful if the supplier offers a Configurator has – then you can easily put together your own design. Consider the type of lighting and where the sign will be hung. And most importantly: clarify production and installation times!

Some companies also offer installation, warranty, and after-sales service. If you want to spice up your sign with new lighting or dynamic effects later, check beforehand whether the lighting is programmable.

Why is a high-quality Custom Lit Signs An investment for the future? It attracts attention, makes your brand visible, and generates more customers. These aren't just costs—they're a smart move for your brand and your success!