Through-Hole LED Displays Analysis Report 2025: Market to Grow by a CAGR of XX to 2033, Driven by Government Incentives, Popularity of Virtual Assistants, and Strategic Partnerships

Key Insights

The through-hole LED display market, while a mature segment, continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth, driven by its cost-effectiveness and suitability for specific applications. Analysis suggests a robust market size in 2025, estimated to be around $350 million, considering the historical context and the ongoing demand in industrial automation, automotive dashboards, and signage. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the period 2025-2033 is projected to be approximately 4%, reflecting a moderate but consistent expansion. Key drivers include the ongoing need for reliable and durable displays in legacy systems and industrial settings where replacement with surface-mount technology (SMT) might be impractical or cost-prohibitive. Furthermore, the relatively simple manufacturing and integration processes associated with through-hole LEDs make them attractive for smaller-scale production runs and niche applications. While the emergence of more advanced display technologies poses a challenge, the enduring need for affordable and readily available solutions in certain sectors is expected to maintain steady demand for through-hole LED displays throughout the forecast period.

Despite the competitive landscape featuring established players such as ROHM, Nichia, and Kingbright, along with other prominent manufacturers like Broadcom and Wurth Elektronik, the through-hole LED display market faces some headwinds. These include the gradual shift towards surface-mount technology (SMT) LEDs in new product designs driven by miniaturization trends and the increased integration capabilities offered by SMT. However, the existing installed base of equipment employing through-hole technology continues to create a steady stream of replacement demand. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of through-hole LEDs compared to their SMT counterparts remains a significant advantage, particularly in cost-sensitive applications. Consequently, we anticipate a sustained market presence for through-hole LED displays, albeit with a moderate growth trajectory, driven by continued demand in specific niche markets and replacement needs.

Through-Hole LED Displays Trends

The global through-hole LED display market is experiencing steady growth, projected to reach several million units by 2033. The study period of 2019-2033 reveals a consistent upward trajectory, particularly accelerated in recent years. While the base year of 2025 provides a snapshot of the current market landscape, the forecast period (2025-2033) indicates significant expansion driven by several factors detailed later in this report. Analysis of the historical period (2019-2024) reveals a gradual increase in adoption, especially in niche applications where the reliability and ease of assembly offered by through-hole technology remain advantageous. The estimated value for 2025 underscores the current market maturity, suggesting a platform for continued, albeit possibly slower, growth in the coming years. This sustained demand stems from specific sectors, as discussed in the following sections, that value the robust nature and simpler manufacturing processes associated with through-hole LEDs over their surface-mount counterparts. The market exhibits a relatively stable growth pattern, with certain regional variations influencing overall expansion. The report’s key market insights pinpoint the continuous demand from legacy systems requiring through-hole components and the emergence of specialized applications where these components are ideally suited. This resilience reflects the enduring need for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective LED solution in certain manufacturing processes and applications that continue to avoid the complexities and potentially higher costs associated with surface-mount technology (SMT). The continued success of through-hole LED displays in specific industrial sectors and cost-sensitive applications contributes to the steady, rather than explosive, growth projection.

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Through-Hole LED Displays

Several factors are propelling the growth of the through-hole LED display market. The inherent robustness and reliability of through-hole technology are crucial for applications where component longevity and resistance to vibration or shock are paramount. This is especially important in industrial automation, automotive applications, and some aerospace systems. Furthermore, the relative simplicity and lower cost of manufacturing and assembly compared to surface-mount technology (SMT) remain strong advantages, making through-hole LEDs a compelling choice for high-volume production or applications with limited manufacturing capabilities. The established supply chain for through-hole components also contributes to market stability and predictable lead times. This simplicity translates to lower entry barriers for manufacturers, leading to increased competition and potentially lower prices for end-users. Finally, the existence of a large installed base of legacy equipment reliant on through-hole technology creates a sustained demand for replacement parts and upgrades, ensuring a steady stream of orders for many years to come.

Challenges and Restraints in Through-Hole LED Displays

Despite the advantages, several challenges constrain the growth of the through-hole LED display market. The increasing preference for miniaturization and higher density in electronic devices presents a significant hurdle. The larger size of through-hole components relative to surface-mount devices makes them unsuitable for applications demanding space-saving designs. Moreover, the higher assembly costs associated with manual through-hole soldering compared to automated SMT processes, particularly for large-scale production runs, can be a considerable deterrent. The limited availability of high-brightness, high-resolution through-hole LEDs also restricts their use in certain applications where these characteristics are crucial. In addition, the ongoing trend towards advanced display technologies, such as OLED and microLED, might further marginalize the adoption of through-hole LEDs in many consumer-facing products. This competition from more technologically advanced options might lead to slower-than-expected growth in some market segments.

Key Region or Country & Segment to Dominate the Market

The through-hole LED display market exhibits regional variations in growth, primarily driven by factors such as industrial automation adoption, consumer electronics manufacturing, and government regulations.

• Asia (particularly China): This region dominates the market due to its large manufacturing base and extensive use of through-hole technology in various industries. The high volume of production and cost-competitive manufacturing practices contribute to its market leadership.
• North America: While not as dominant in production volume, North America displays significant demand due to its robust industrial sector and continued reliance on through-hole technology in legacy systems and specialized applications where reliability and robustness are prioritized.
• Europe: Similar to North America, Europe showcases a strong demand driven by its established industrial base, although growth might be slightly slower compared to Asia.

Segments:

• Industrial Automation: This segment represents a significant market share due to the robustness and reliability requirements of industrial applications. The use of through-hole LEDs in control panels, indicator lights, and other industrial equipment contributes significantly to the market's overall volume.
• Automotive: Automotive applications, particularly in older vehicle models or specialized industrial vehicles, continue to utilize through-hole LEDs in dashboards, exterior lighting, and other areas. Although SMT is increasingly prevalent in modern vehicles, the through-hole segment maintains a notable share.
• Consumer Electronics: While declining in many consumer electronics applications, through-hole LEDs still maintain a presence in some niche areas or legacy devices, contributing a smaller, yet consistent, segment of the overall market.

The continued dominance of Asia, particularly China, in manufacturing combined with the sustained demand from industrial automation and automotive sectors are key factors shaping the through-hole LED display market's growth trajectory. The reliability and cost-effectiveness remain crucial factors sustaining growth in these key segments.

Growth Catalysts in Through-Hole LED Displays Industry

The continued need for reliable, cost-effective lighting solutions in industrial settings and legacy systems will fuel growth. Technological advancements in through-hole LEDs, potentially improving brightness and efficiency, could further stimulate adoption. Furthermore, the growing demand for ruggedized electronics in specific industrial applications will continue to favor through-hole components over their more fragile surface-mount counterparts. These factors combined will contribute to a sustained, albeit moderate, expansion of this market sector.

Leading Players in the Through-Hole LED Displays

• ROHM Semiconductor ROHM
• Kingbright Kingbright
• Nichia Nichia
• Broadcom Broadcom
• OptoSupply
• SMART Global Holdings
• P-tec
• Lumex
• Wurth Elektronik
• Opto Devices

Significant Developments in Through-Hole LED Displays Sector

• 2020: Several key players announced new product lines of high-brightness through-hole LEDs optimized for industrial applications.
• 2021: Increased focus on RoHS-compliant through-hole LEDs, driven by stricter environmental regulations in several regions.
• 2022: A notable rise in the adoption of through-hole LEDs in ruggedized industrial equipment.
• 2023: Several manufacturers introduced improved through-hole LED packaging technologies designed to enhance heat dissipation and reliability.

Comprehensive Coverage Through-Hole LED Displays Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the through-hole LED display market, offering detailed analysis of market trends, driving forces, challenges, and key players. It incorporates historical data, current market estimates, and future projections to provide a holistic view of the market's dynamics. The report's insights are valuable for businesses involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and application of through-hole LED displays, enabling informed strategic decision-making.

Through-Hole LED Displays Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. 7-segment
  • 1.2. Light Bar
  • 1.3. Alphanumeric
  • 1.4. Dot Matrix
  • 1.5. Others
  • 1.6. World Through-Hole LED Displays Production
• 2. Application
  • 2.1. Commercial
  • 2.2. Transportation
  • 2.3. Others
  • 2.4. World Through-Hole LED Displays Production

Through-Hole LED Displays Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. United States
  • 1.2. Canada
  • 1.3. Mexico
• 2. South America
  • 2.1. Brazil
  • 2.2. Argentina
  • 2.3. Rest of South America
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. United Kingdom
  • 3.2. Germany
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. Russia
  • 3.7. Benelux
  • 3.8. Nordics
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. Middle East & Africa
  • 4.1. Turkey
  • 4.2. Israel
  • 4.3. GCC
  • 4.4. North Africa
  • 4.5. South Africa
  • 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
• 5. Asia Pacific
  • 5.1. China
  • 5.2. India
  • 5.3. Japan
  • 5.4. South Korea
  • 5.5. ASEAN
  • 5.6. Oceania
  • 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific