Faux Neon (LEDON) vs. Neon Signs: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

author pic By: Josh O'Malley

Jun 10, 2025/Last Updated June 25, 2025

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Key Takeaways

  • Traditional neon signs offer a nostalgic, handcrafted aesthetic with a rich, radiant glow, ideal for retro or artistic settings.
  • Faux Neon (LEDON) signs use advanced LED technology to mimic neon’s visual appeal while being more energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance.
  • Choosing the right signage depends on your business goals, aesthetic preferences, budget, and installation needs.

The Battle of the Glow

At Brite Idea Display, we specialize in innovative signage solutions that light up your brand. As a leader in both traditional neon and Faux Neon (LEDON) signs, we know how important it is to choose the right visual statement for your business.

Neon has been an icon of nightlife, hospitality, and retro flair for decades. But modern businesses are increasingly turning to LEDON – our branded take on faux neon – for its versatility, lower costs, and energy-saving benefits. 

This post breaks down the difference between the two, helping you decide which option fits your brand’s needs best.

What Is Traditional Neon?

Traditional neon signs are made by handcrafting glass tubes and filling them with inert gases such as neon or argon. When electrified, these gases produce a warm, vibrant glow that’s hard to miss and even harder to replicate.

Key Benefits of Traditional Neon

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Classic, vintage charm that evokes nostalgia and authenticity.
  • Brightness and Glow: Rich, radiant illumination that excels in nighttime settings.
  • Artisan Craftsmanship: Hand-bent glass tubing offers a bespoke, high-end look.

Limitations

  • Fragility: Glass tubes can break easily, especially during shipping and installation.
  • Energy Use: Requires high voltage to operate, making it less energy-efficient.
  • Maintenance: Needs regular upkeep including tube and transformer replacements.
  • Logistics: Due to fragility, neon signs require special packaging and shipping methods; they must be delivered by pallet or hand since standard carriers like UPS and FedEx do not insure glass items.
Faux Neon (LEDON) vs. Neon Signs: This vibrant neon sign displays "Tito's Handmade Vodka, Austin, Texas" with an orange logo featuring a bottle, still, and barrel.

What Is Faux Neon (LEDON)?

Faux Neon, or LEDON, uses LED lights encased in flexible tubing or mounted behind laser-cut acrylic to replicate the classic neon glow. It offers a sleek, modern look with all the visual impact and fewer of the hassles.

Key Benefits of LEDON

  • Energy Efficiency: Uses a fraction of the electricity compared to neon, a smart eco-conscious choice.
  • Durability: Shatterproof and resilient, perfect for high-traffic areas and event signage.
  • Customization: Highly flexible design options in shape, size, and color.
  • Ease of Installation: Lightweight and safe with low-voltage external power supplies.
  • Low Maintenance: No gas refills or fragile parts to worry about, reducing long-term service costs.

Considerations

  • Aesthetic Nuances: While LEDON closely mimics neon, some purists may notice a slightly different warmth or texture.
  • Color Matching: Vac-formed acrylic tubes may have limitations when matching ultra-specific brand palettes.
  • Craftsmanship Feel: For those seeking an artisanal touch, LEDON may feel more manufactured.

Real-World Examples from Brite Idea Display

  • Hatco, Inc. approached us to transform their iconic STETSON neon sign into a bold, energy-efficient LEDON version. The result maintained all the visual impact of the original while enhancing durability and reducing maintenance. With crisp white tubing outlining the cowboy hat and vivid red letters below, the new LEDON sign brings classic Western heritage into the modern era.
A neon sign featuring the outline of a cowboy hat in white and blue above the word "STETSON" in red letters, showcasing the vibrant look of classic Neon Signs.

NEON

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A faux neon (LEDON) sign of a cowboy hat glows above the word "STETSON" in red letters, mounted on a brick wall—showcasing the style and energy of neon signs with modern LED technology.

LEDON

Which Signage Is Right for Your Business?

Choose Traditional Neon If:

  • You’re aiming for a retro, nostalgic vibe that feels handcrafted.
  • Your business identity thrives on vintage or artistic expression.
  • You’re willing to invest in higher upfront and upkeep costs for the sake of authenticity.

Choose Faux Neon (LEDON) If:

  • You need a neon-style glow without the high costs or fragility.
  • You require easy installation, shipping, or mobility for events or pop-ups.
  • Your brand values modern aesthetics, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Both traditional neon and LEDON have unique advantages, and the right choice comes down to your brand story, physical environment, and operational priorities.

At Brite Idea Display, we help businesses make signage decisions with confidence. Whether you’re after vintage flair or modern efficiency, our custom signage solutions are designed to shine.

Ready to light up your business? Contact Brite Idea Display today to explore our range of traditional neon and Faux Neon (LEDON) signs. Let us help you create a visual experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Faux Neon (LEDON) vs. Neon Signs: This neon sign features an outlined foot above the word "BAREFOOT" in glowing purple letters, blending modern LEDON style with classic neon vibes.