Single-color vs. RGB neon signs

The short answer

Choose a single-color sign when the sign carries a brand, a name or a logo that should always look the same — it gives the closest match to one color and is the simpler build. Choose RGB color-changing when the same sign has to set different moods: game nights, holidays, private events or a room that changes through the evening. If you are unsure, ask one question: will anyone ever want this sign to be a different color?

Side by side

Matching a brand color

A logo sign is usually judged on whether it looks like the brand. With single-color tubing you pick the tube that sits closest to your brand color — send the hex or Pantone reference and we proof the nearest match, shown at day and night brightness on your mockup. Two- or three-color logos still work: each element gets its own fixed color on its own circuit. That is why most custom neon business signs and office logo signs are built single-color.

When changing color earns its keep

RGB tubing lets one sign switch the whole design to any color from a remote, which suits rooms that change with the calendar. The bartender’s rule of thumb holds: a warm color over the back bar, and RGB for rooms that change with events — see our bar & restaurant neon signs. RGB also suits gaming and streaming setups that match their lighting, and event venues that rent the same sign to different clients. The trade-off is a different LED strip and a controller, so an RGB sign costs more than the same design in one color.

The verdict

Pick single-color for logos, names, storefronts, offices and wedding signs — anything that should look the same every night. Warm white is the most-ordered color by a wide margin.

Pick RGB when the sign has to change with the room: bars and venues with themed nights, event rentals and gaming rooms.

Either way, orders start at 12 signs and come with a free neon redraw of your artwork, a free lit mockup within 24 hours and delivery in about two weeks. Still choosing materials? Read our guide to LED vs. glass neon signs, or browse every style we make.