The choice between LED neon and traditional gas neon is based on criteria of energy performance, safety and maintenance cost. While the glass tube dominated the 20th century, LED technology has become the current industry standard for lighting installations.

Gas neon was invented by Georges Claude and first presented in 1910 in Paris. It remained the only option for light signage until the 2010s, when LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology reached sufficient maturity to reproduce the visual effect of the glass tube without its drawbacks. This transition has been accelerated by environmental regulations, which limit the use of mercury in electrical appliances. LED neon has the advantage over gas neon thanks to several points. Firstly, energy consumption: LED neon consumes between 70% and 80% less than traditional neon. In terms of operating voltage, LED systems operate at low voltage, while gas neon requires high voltage transformers. Regarding the composition of materials, LED neon uses a ribbon of diodes mounted on a flexible circuit, inserted in a silicone or PVC sheath while traditional neon is made of blown glass tubes filled with gas and mercury. Finally, the lifespan of an LED module is estimated at 50,000 hours, compared to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 hours for a gas discharge tube.

For example, the company YellowPop has developed neon lights CertiLED™, with 100% LED lights which consume 6 times less than traditional bulbs.

In summary, LED neon has many more advantages and is the logical evolution of traditional neon lights because it consumes less, has a longer lifespan, and is much more adapted to current regulations.