LED vs Traditional Neon: Everything You Need to Know
A Guide for Anyone Buying Custom Neon Signs in Canada for Business or Personal Use
If you’re looking to add a custom neon sign to your space—whether it’s for your business, an event, or just a cool accent at home—you’ve likely come across two main types: traditional glass neon and LED neon.
At first glance, they both glow beautifully. But once you dig into cost, safety, design flexibility, and durability, it’s clear that one stands out—especially if you're shopping for custom neon signs in Canada.
Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the option that fits your space and your budget best.
What Do We Mean by “Neon” Today?
While “neon” used to mean glass tubes filled with gas, today most neon signs—especially ones custom-made in Canada—are actually built using LED neon flex.
At Easy Neon Signs, we specialize in custom LED neon signs that offer the same iconic glow with far more flexibility, durability, and safety.
Want to see how your logo or design would look in neon? Request a free mockup on our Custom Logo Neon Sign page.
1. Construction: Traditional Glass vs LED Flex
Traditional neon signs are handmade using bent glass tubes, which are filled with gas and lit using high voltage. It’s a skilled, time-intensive process.
LED neon signs, like the ones we make at Easy Neon Signs, use LED lights inside silicone tubing. These are shaped and mounted to a clear acrylic backboard, creating crisp, modern signs that are lightweight and long-lasting.
For more details on how we build and mount our signs, check our FAQs page.
2. Durability & Lifespan
This matters most for signs used in Canadian businesses, events, or anywhere foot traffic is high.
- Glass neon is fragile and can crack during transit or setup.
- LED neon is flexible and much more resistant to impact.
LED also wins on longevity—lasting up to 100,000 hours, compared to around 30,000 for glass neon.
If you're looking for long-lasting signage, explore our Eco-Friendly Neon Signs Collection.
3. Power Usage & Efficiency
LED neon signs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional neon, making them more energy-efficient and affordable to run—especially if you're lighting your sign all day in a storefront or studio.
You can even add battery packs or dimmers for more control and convenience.
4. Safety
Glass neon runs on high voltage and can become hot to the touch. That’s a concern in public-facing spaces or homes with children and pets.
LED neon signs are powered by low-voltage adapters and stay cool even after hours of use. That makes them safer for homes, cafés, salons, and retail displays.
5. Indoor & Outdoor Use
Glass neon is best kept indoors and struggles in harsh Canadian climates.
LED neon can be built with weather-resistant materials, perfect for patios, signage, and outdoor events. If your sign needs to stand up to the elements, just let us know—we’ll build it accordingly.
6. Price & Maintenance
Glass neon is more expensive to produce and can be tricky to repair.
LED neon signs, on the other hand, are budget-friendly, lighter to ship, and easier to maintain. Most fixes can be done with minimal downtime.
Looking for a quote? Visit our Custom Neon Sign Builder to estimate based on your size and design.
7. Design Flexibility
LED neon gives you far more freedom:
- Choose multiple colours in one sign
- Combine print and neon in one design
- Pick from wall mounting, freestanding, or hanging styles
- Add animation, flash effects, dimmers, or remote controls
This makes LED the go-to option for business signage, event décor, or anything creative you’re planning.
LED Neon vs Traditional Glass Neon
| Feature | LED Neon Signs | Traditional Glass Neon |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Flexible silicone tubing + acrylic backing | Fragile, hand-bent glass tubes |
| Power | Low-voltage (12V), energy-efficient | High-voltage, more power consumption |
| Durability | Impact-resistant, travel-friendly | Fragile, easy to break during transit |
| Lifespan | Up to 100,000 hours | Around 30,000 hours |
| Cost | More affordable to build, ship, and maintain | Expensive to produce and repair |
| Design Flexibility | Wide range of fonts, logos, colours, effects (flash, dimming, etc.) | Limited to what can be bent in glass |
| Outdoor Use | Weather-resistant options available | Mostly limited to indoor use |
| Safety | Cool to the touch, safe for public/indoor use | Gets hot, higher risk due to voltage and breakage |
| Shipping & Installation | Lightweight and easier to mount or hang | Heavier, requires more care when shipping and installing |
Why Canadians Are Choosing LED Neon
Here’s why LED is the better choice for custom neon signs in Canada:
- Lower energy use
- Safer for homes and public spaces
- More durable and travel-friendly
- Greater design flexibility
- Easier and cheaper to maintain
- Fully customizable for both indoor and outdoor use
From small home studios to national retailers, LED is becoming the standard for modern signage.
Ready to Light Up Your Space?
We specialize in custom LED neon signs made in Canada, crafted to fit your style, space, and message. Whether you're branding a business, planning an event, or designing something unique for your home, we’ll walk you through the process from mockup to delivery.
Click here to start your custom neon sign
Let’s light something up—your way.
