Think LED screen rental is cheap? Think again.
Most people believe that renting an LED screen in London costs an arm and a leg. Some even think it’s only for huge concerts or corporate events with big budgets.
But that is not the case. LED screen rental is actually more budget-friendly than you might imagine if you understand what influences the price.
Let’s break it down so you can get the most value for your event.
WHAT AFFECTS THE COST OF LED SCREEN RENTAL?
There are a number of factors that determine the cost of renting an LED screen. Knowing these factors will enable you to budget wisely. Also, it will help you make informed choices to maximise your rental.
1. SCREEN SIZE MATTERS
The screen size that you select is the most important consideration when it comes to the price. The larger the screen, the more expensive it is. LED screens tend to be quoted in square metres. The larger the area of the screen you require, the more it costs.
That being said, having a screen that is too big for your event or venue can lead to unnecessary upfront cost. So, consider carefully what will be appropriate for you.
COMMON SIZES AND APPROXIMATE COSTS IN LONDON
| Screen Size | Estimated Daily Cost |
| 2m x 1m | £250 – £400 |
| 3m x 2m | £500 – £800 |
| 5m x 3m | £1,200 – £2,000 |
| 7m x 4m | £2,500+ |
2. INDOOR VS OUTDOOR SCREENS
The location where the screen will be installed is another important consideration.
- Outdoor LED screens are weather-resistant, so they must be weatherproof and brighter to handle direct sunlight. This additional brightness and durability contribute to the price.
- Indoor screens, however, do not require as much brightness and do not need to be weatherproofed. So, they are a bit less expensive.
KEY DIFFERENCES IN PRICING
- Indoor screens tend to be cheaper, ranging from £250 to £1,500 based on resolution and size.
- Outdoor screens are more expensive due to the extra weatherproofing and brightness required, ranging from £500 to £2,500+.
3. RESOLUTION AND PIXEL PITCH
When selecting an LED screen, the resolution or pixel pitch heavily influences the cost. Pixel pitch is the space between individual pixels on the screen. The lower the pixel pitch, the greater the resolution and image quality. Thus, increasing the cost varies accordingly.
- Low Pixel Pitch (e.g., P2.6): Provides high-resolution images and is ideal for events that have high-end visuals, such as product launches or corporate presentations. These are going to cost more than regular screens.
- Higher Pixel Pitch (e.g., P6.0 or P8.0): Offers a lower-grade resolution. That is fine for events that have minimal graphics, simple visuals, logos, text, or simple content. These are cheaper alternatives.
ESTIMATED COSTS BASED ON PIXEL PITCH:
- P2.6(High Resolution): Prices can range from £1,000 to £2,500 for a 3m x 2m screen.
- P4.0 / P6.0 (Standard Resolution): It can cost between £600 and £1,800 for the same screen size.
4. RENTAL DURATION
The length of rental is a critical factor in your total expense. Renting an LED screen for one day might be pricier per hour, while longer rentals (such as weekly or monthly rentals) tend to have lower rates.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS:
- Look at your event schedule and see if you can negotiate a discount for a longer rental.
- Save money by bundling your LED screen rental with other services. Many rental companies offer discounts when you add extras like lighting or sound system.
5. SETUP AND DELIVERY FEES
When getting the estimate, it’s always wise to ask whether the setup is included in the cost of renting. Setup and delivery charges may widely differ between service providers. Therefore, getting the whole idea is very important.
EMS Events, for instance, offers complete setup and on-site assistance, so you do not need to worry about any technical issues during your event.
6. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
Based on your event, you might need some additional services or equipment to run the LED screen smoothly. Some rental firms include these services in their packages, but others bill you extra. These extras tend to be costly, so be sure to include them in your budget.
POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL COSTS:
- Sound Systems: If your event involves audio to be played in conjunction with the visuals on the LED screen, sound systems will be an added expense. A simple PA system hire can cost anywhere from £200 to £500.
- Media Players: To show content on the LED screen, you may require a media player, which can cost anything between £100 and £300 per day.
- Technical Team: If you require a technical team to run the screen or help with troubleshooting throughout the event, you will need to pay an extra fee of £100 to £500 per day.
METHODS FOR ESTIMATING LED SCREEN RENTAL COSTS
Here are a couple of methods you can use to estimate the rental cost of LED screens:
1. PER SQUARE FOOT CALCULATION
A straightforward method involves estimating the price based on the screen’s square footage. In London, the typical cost ranges from £40 to £60 (£50 to £70) per square foot for the first day. Subsequent days are generally charged at 20% of the initial daily rate.
Example:
To estimate the 3-day rental cost for a 12’ x 7’ LED screen:
- Day 1: 12 ft x 7 ft x £50 to £70 = £4,200 – £5,880
- Days 2 and 3: (£4,200 x 0.20) to (£5,880 x 0.20) = £840 – £1,176 per day
- Total: £4,200 + (£840 x 2) to £5,880 + (£1,176 x 2) = £5,880 – £8,232
2. FIXED-SIZE ESTIMATES
Some companies offer fixed price estimates based on standard LED screen sizes. For example, EMS Events provides the following approximate costs, including haulage, installation, and content management.
- Small LED Screen (3.5m x 2m): Daily and weekly hire prices are available upon request.
- Medium LED Screen (5.5m x 3m): Daily and weekly hire prices are available upon request.
- Large LED Screen (10m x 4m): Daily and weekly hire prices are available upon request.
3. PER UNIT OF LED CABINET
Another approach involves calculating costs based on the number of LED panels or cabinets required to create the screen. For instance, if the rental rate is £120 ($150) per panel:
- For a 16 ft x 10 ft display, you might need 40 panels (8 panels wide x 5 panels high).
- Day 1 Cost: 40 units x £120 = £4,800 ($8,000)
- Subsequent days are then calculated as 20% of the first day’s cost.
NEED A HIGH-QUALITY LED SCREEN FOR YOUR EVENT?
Renting an LED screen doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right planning, you can secure a stunning visual display that fits your budget.
EMS Events offers reliable LED screen hire with full technical support to ensure your events run smoothly. Whether you need a small screen for an intimate gathering or a massive display for a corporate event, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch with us today to request a personalised quote for your next event.Call us on 0207 820 9000 or request a quote now.
