In recent years, LED screen rentals have seen explosive growth. From concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events to corporate conferences and weddings, high-definition displays have become a must-have. Yet, many businesses and individuals still hesitate when deciding whether to rent or buy. This guide breaks down industry trends, application scenarios, and cost considerations to help you make the smartest rental decision. Whether you’re an event planner, a retail brand, or simply new to LED rentals, you’ll find practical insights here.
The State of the LED Rental Industry
According to the LED Display Industry Research Report, the global LED rental market hit $6.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $9 billion by 2028.
In China, stage performances and exhibitions account for over 60% of rentals, followed by outdoor advertising and government events.
Two clear trends are shaping the industry:
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Fine-pitch rentals (e.g., P2.6, P3.9) are in high demand, especially for indoor high-resolution applications.
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Lightweight, quick-setup designs have become standard, enabling a 100㎡ display to be installed in under two hours.
LED Rental Solutions for Different Industries
The beauty of LED rentals lies in customization. Needs vary greatly across industries, and professional providers tailor solutions accordingly.
Conferences & Corporate Events

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Requirements: High resolution, fast setup, stable performance.
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Solution: Fine-pitch screens like P2.5 or P3.91. These can be configured into curved or oversized displays. For example, at a tech company’s annual meeting, a 120㎡ P2.97 rental screen served as the main backdrop, creating a stunning atmosphere alongside lighting and audio.
Concerts & Live Performances

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Requirements: High refresh rate, strong contrast, anti-glare.
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Solution: P3.91 or P4.81 screens with high refresh rates to ensure smooth live broadcasts. For added stage effects, transparent or interactive floor tiles can be integrated.
Sports & Large Outdoor Events

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Requirements: High brightness, weatherproofing, wind resistance.
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Solution: Outdoor rental screens like P5 or P6 with brightness over 5,000 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight.
Rent vs. Buy: Which Makes More Sense?
This age-old question depends on your needs:
When to rent:
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Low-frequency use (fewer than 3–4 times per year).
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Need flexibility—different screen specs for different events.
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Budget-conscious, avoiding large upfront investment.
When to buy:
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Frequent use, e.g., TV studios or permanent conference rooms.
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Long-term asset planning, treating LED screens as fixed assets.
Example calculation:
A P3.91 screen costs about $150/㎡ per day to rent, with a purchase price of roughly $800/㎡. For five events per year, each lasting two days and requiring 20㎡, annual rental costs would be around $30,000. Buying the same screen would cost about $16,000 upfront, plus depreciation, storage, and maintenance.
Key Factors Affecting Rental Prices
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Pixel pitch & resolution: Smaller pitch = higher cost (P2.6 is ~30% more expensive than P3.9).
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Rental duration: Weekly packages can save 20–30% compared to daily rentals.
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Installation complexity: Hanging or curved setups cost 15–25% more than standard ground stacking.
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Transport & labor: Logistics and crew can account for up to 30% of total costs.
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Service options: On-site technicians and backup units increase pricing.
The Rental Process: Step by Step
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Consultation: Discuss event time, location, venue size, theme, and budget with the provider.
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Design & Quote: Provider proposes solutions with detailed pricing.
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Contract & Payment: Both parties confirm specs and sign a formal contract.
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Technical Coordination: Finalize dimensions, positions, and power requirements.
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Delivery & Setup: Professional crew installs the screen quickly and safely.
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Testing & Support: Full pre-event testing and on-site tech support.
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Tear-down & Return: Provider dismantles and transports the screen post-event.
How to Choose a Reliable LED Rental Provider
Here are seven key benchmarks:
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Industry experience (3+ years preferred).
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Availability of popular fine-pitch screens (P2.6, P3.9).
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Strong client portfolio (concerts, government events, etc.).
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24/7 technical support.
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Transparent contracts with no hidden fees.
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Insurance coverage for equipment transport.
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Backup equipment and spare parts.
Recommended Product: SoStron Carbon Family

If you’re considering a high-performance rental display, the SoStron Carbon Family series is worth a look:
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Ultra-lightweight design: Made from carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, some panels weigh as little as 5kg, easing transport and setup.
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Modular flexibility: Options include 500x500mm, 500x1000mm, bendable panels, and even transparent modules for creative staging.
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Superior performance: Pixel pitches from P1.9 to P3.9, refresh rates up to 7680Hz, and brightness up to 5500 nits. Perfect for tours, festivals, immersive studios, and virtual production.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are rental prices based on time or size?
A1: Both. For example, “P3.91 indoor screen: $150/㎡ per day,” plus transport, setup, and technical fees.
Q2: How far in advance should I book?
A2: Peak seasons (holidays, year-end) require 1–2 months’ notice. Off-season, 2–3 weeks is usually enough.
Q3: Can LED rentals be curved or customized shapes?
A3: Absolutely. Professional panels support curved and irregular shapes. The SoStron Carbon Family even offers bendable modules for arc-shaped setups.
Q4: What if there’s a technical failure on-site?
A4: Providers typically station 1–2 technicians on-site with backup equipment to ensure uninterrupted performance.
Q5: What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor rentals?
A5: Outdoor screens have higher brightness (up to 5500 nits) and IP65-rated weatherproofing. Indoor screens focus on higher resolution and refresh rates—for example, SoStron’s P2.9 indoor screen reaches 800 nits.
Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity in LED Rentals
LED rentals are more than just screens—they’re flexible, efficient business solutions. By understanding the market, clarifying your needs, and choosing the right provider, you can harness the power of large-format displays to elevate your event.
Do you already have an event in mind where a stunning LED display could transform the experience? If so, which detail about LED rentals matters most to you right now?