LED Neon vs Glass Neon: Which One is Right for You?

There is no one way to make a neon sign in 2026. While the results are similar, the processes behind traditional glass neon signs and modern LED neon signs are quite different, and each offer their own set of pros and cons. At Neon Daddy, we’re all about helping you make the right choice, and understanding the differences between the two sign-making methods can help you decide which is the best fit for you and your style, so let’s delve right into the benefits and drawbacks of each!

Glass Neon Signs: Timeless Appeal and Traditional Authenticity 

First invented in 1910, glass neon has been around longer than most of us have been alive. As the name suggests, these signs feature hollow glass tubes, which can be heated and bent to the desired shape. Known as discharge tubes, these are subsequently filled with noble gases (you may remember these from chemistry class), most commonly the eponymous neon, as well as argon. More rarely, helium, krypton, and xenon may be used too. Electrodes are then installed at the ends of the discharge tubes, which allow an electric current to be passed through the gases. This process triggers a phenomenon called ionisation, where the current charges the atoms themselves, converting the gases into luminous plasma. Different gases give off different colours: for example, neon gives off that classic red-orange, while argon emits bluish hues. 

Benefits of Glass Neon Signs

• Authentic Glow: Glass neon signs offer a timeless, authentic glow that’s difficult to fully replicate. The light they give off is often deeper and, if you’re looking to create a retro vibe, traditional glass neon has no equal.

• Variety of Colours: The gases used in glass neon signs can produce a wide range of colours beyond the original reddish-orange of the gas that gives them their name. 

• Artisan Craftmanship: Traditional glass neon signs are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques, adding an extra touch of craftsmanship and authenticity to the final product.

• All-Aspect Visibility: The glass tubing used in traditional neon signs mean the lighting is fully visible from any angle, although this may have relatively limited benefits.

Drawbacks of Glass Neon Signs

• More Hassle: Glass neon signs are quite fragile and therefore less durable and trickier to move, also requiring more intensive maintenance and thus a lot more care and attention than LED signs. They also require a warmup time to reach full brightness after being switched on.

• Limited Customisability: Although the tubing used in glass neon signs can be shaped to an extent, there is much less scope for customisability than with LED neon, making truly personalised designs less feasible. 

• Safety: While glass neon signs primarily use harmless inert gases, they often contain small amounts of toxic materials such as mercury. Being made of glass renders them susceptible to shattering, thus presenting a greater safety hazard if broken. 

• Efficiency: Glass neon signs use a lot more energy than LED neon signs, and require the use of high-voltage transformers. Consequently, they have a much greater impact on the environment, and on your electricity bill!

LED Neon Signs: The Smart, Modern Choice

LED neon signs are the modern, convenient alternative to traditional neon. Instead of glass discharge tubes and electrified noble gases, our signs use strips of tiny light emitting diodes, better known as LEDs. Although the inner workings of an LED are rather different to traditional neon, they operate on the same basic principle: light is produced when the device is exposed to an electric current, with colour depending on the material the LED is made from. Our signs are made by setting LED strips into an acrylic backboard, which can be cut to pretty much any shape, which are then topped with flexible silicone tubing. This diffuses the light the LEDs give off, producing a smooth, mellow glow comparable to traditional neon.

Benefits of LED Neon Signs

• Less Hassle: With no glass tubes to break and no gases to refill, our LED neon signs require minimal maintenance and are much easier to install. No warmup time means they reach full brightness instantly, and they are also far less likely to overheat, making them the more reliable long-term option.

• Limitless Customisability: LED neon signs can be made to almost any shape, size, or colour. This allows for much more complex and intricate designs, giving you the freedom to bring any vision to life. 

• Safety: Shatterproof acrylic and the absence of any chemicals makes LED-based signs safer to install and operate, especially in homes or business where children or pets may be present.

• Efficiency: LEDs operate only on low voltages, also producing less excess heat and are thus more efficient, benefitting both the environment and your electricity bill.

• Durability: Being made from far more flexible materials, LED signs are significantly more durable than glass signs and boast a high degree of impact resistance. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor or high-traffic areas, as well as giving them an added degree of portability. 

• Lower Cost: While the initial cost of an LED neon sign is roughly equivalent to its glass counterpart, the greater energy efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance reduces long-term running costs. 

Drawbacks of LED Neon Signs

• Authenticity: While LED strips and silicone tubing create a smooth ambient glow comparable to glass neon signs, the retro vibes of the traditional approach can’t be perfectly replicated.

• More Limited Visibility: LEDs can only point in one direction and are thus signs made with them are not fully visible from all angles. However, this is only really an issue with symmetrical designs. 

Our Verdict: LED Neon Takes the Lead

Glass neon signs will always hold an undeniable charm and authenticity for those seeking to capture a vintage aesthetic, but our LED-based signs offer a more practical, flexible, and cheaper alternative suitable for most modern requirements. Whether you’re looking to brighten your business, spice up your streaming setup, or liven up your living room, LED neon signs offer a level of customisability and convenience that’s hard to beat. 

If you think an LED neon sign is the choice for you, then you’re in the right place. At Neon Daddy, we specialise in producing high-quality LED neon signs, combining the skills of our talented team with the latest technological advancements. Explore our popular range of customisable designs, create a personalised design of your own, or upload something truly unique for a free quote today!