Neon vs LED: Energy, Lifespan & Expression
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“But isn’t LED more energy efficient than neon?”
Let’s break that down with facts — not just assumptions.
✦ Energy Use: Neon vs LED
Feature Real Neon LED (Strips / Flex) Power per meter 15–20 watts (varies by color/diameter) 5–15 watts (depending on brightness) Visibility Excellent — visible even in daylight Can appear dim/faded in sunlight Light quality Smooth, glowing, atmospheric Pixelated or plastic-like Materials Glass + gas (recyclable) Plastic + electronics
Real-world comparison:
A white neon sign of 1 meter uses ~18 watts.
If it runs 4 hours a day, 365 days a year, that’s about 26 kWh per year —
equal to around €7.50 in electricity costs.
So yes, LED can save a few euros a year, but the difference is often minimal.
✦ Color Matters
- Red, orange, and pink neon (neon gas, not argon) are especially efficient.
- These can actually use less power than their LED counterparts.
- Bright LED setups often require multiple strips, driving up power use and reducing lifespan.
✦ Lifespan & Maintenance
Aspect Neon LED Lifespan 20,000–50,000 hrs (with quality build) 30,000–50,000 hrs (but may degrade faster) Maintenance Low, rarely needs repair LED modules/controllers can fail Repairability Glass tubes can be fixed locally Often disposable, not repairable
Why Neon Still Wins
LED has its place — especially for backlit signs or budget projects.
✦ But real neon wins on:
- Craftsmanship: each piece is hand-formed in fire
- Visual impact: fluid glow with no pixelation
- Sustainability: glass and gas, not microplastics
- Timelessness: a vibe that never feels cheap or generic
Neon is not about efficiency alone — it’s about presence.
When you want your sign to glow like a work of art, nothing beats the real thing.