7,000 vs. 8,500 vs. 10,000 Nits: Which Brightness Is Right for You?
When choosing an LED sign, brightness is one of the most important factors to consider. But with options ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 nits, how do you know which one is right for your business? Let’s break it down.
What Are Nits?
A nit is the unit used to measure screen brightness. The higher the number, the more visible your sign will be in direct sunlight.
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Indoor LED screens: 1,000–2,000 nits
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Standard outdoor LED signs: 7,000+ nits
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High-performance outdoor LED signs: 8,500–10,000 nits
7,000 Nits: Daylight Rated
A 7,000-nit LED sign is considered daylight readable, meaning it won’t wash out under normal daylight conditions.
Best for:
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Shaded or north-facing installations
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Storefronts with close viewing distances
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Signs in moderate sunlight conditions
Limitations:
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May look dim in direct south-facing sun
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Competes poorly with reflective glass or nearby LED displays
8,500 Nits: The Sweet Spot
At 8,500 nits, your sign offers a strong balance of brightness and efficiency. It’s ideal for locations that get mixed light conditions or have a variety of viewing distances.
Best for:
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Signs facing east or west with partial sun exposure
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Retail businesses in busier districts
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Mid-size highway signs where clarity and visibility both matter
10,000 Nits: Maximum Visibility
A 10,000-nit LED sign is the brightest available option for outdoor displays. It ensures your content cuts through even the harshest sunlight.
Best for:
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South-facing signs exposed to all-day sun
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Highway and roadside installations viewed from long distances
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Environments with competing billboards or strong artificial light
Limitations:
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P6 and P8 signs generally cannot achieve this level — typically only P10 modules reach 10,000 nits.
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Not always necessary for close-range, high-resolution applications.
Matching Brightness to Resolution
Brightness is not about “better or worse” — it’s about application fit.
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P6 and P8: Provide higher resolution, best for closer viewing. They typically run at 7,000–8,500 nits, which is plenty for most applications.
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P10: Offers lower resolution but higher brightness (up to 10,000 nits), making it the best choice for long-distance visibility in direct sun.
Our One Price Guarantee
At LED Sign City, every customer receives our One Price Guarantee:
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Our best price upfront — no haggling, no games.
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Transparent pricing — everything included except tax.
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No shipping charges.
We’ll recommend the right balance of resolution and brightness for your specific application, so you get maximum visibility without overspending.