Pop-Up Display Banners vs. Roller Banners: What’s the Difference?
Posted on by Matt Roscoe
If you're planning an exhibition, updating your reception areas, or preparing for in-store promotions, you've probably come across both pop-up display banners and roller banners. Although they are very similar, both options are portable display banners designed to promote your business or event, but they serve slightly different purposes.
If you’re unsure about what you’re looking for, take a look at this handy guide to help you decide which option is best suited to your business, space, or event.
At Carrick Signs, we supply professional pop-up display banners and roller banner systems across the UK. Speak to our team today for advice.
What Is a Roller Banner?
A roller banner (also known as a roll-up banner or retractable banner stand) is a single, vertical design that pulls up from a base. When you’re finished using it, the graphic rolls safely back into the stand.
Roller banners are lightweight and compact. They are ideal for many locations and purposes such as:
Reception areas
In-store promotions
Public areas
Smaller exhibition halls
Event marketing spaces
They take up very little floor space and are known for their ease of use. Setup time is minimal, usually under a minute, which makes them ideal if you’re regularly attending events.
At Carrick Signs, businesses can choose between Standard Roller Banners (ideal for cost-effective campaigns) and Premium Roller Banners (designed for greater durability and a more premium finish).
Need reliable printed roller banners for conferences, retail spaces, or events? Get in touch to discuss your print and design requirements.
What Is a Pop-Up Banner?
A pop-up banner (sometimes referred to as a banner pop-up system) is a larger display designed to create a branded backdrop. Instead of one vertical panel, pop-up banner displays use a collapsible frame that expands to form a wide exhibition wall.
High-quality graphics attach to the frame, creating seamless pop-up banner displays that stand out in busy exhibition locations.
They’re commonly used for:
Trade shows
Exhibition stands
Corporate events
Product launches
Larger public areas
Because they cover more space, pop-up display banners offer stronger branding opportunities and much greater visual displays compared to a single banner stand.
Carrick Signs offers both Curved Pop Up Display Printing for a softer, immersive feel, and Straight Pop Up Display Printing for a clean, structured backdrop that maximises branding space. Our printed pop-up banners include LED lights for enhanced visibility, a hard case with wheels for easy transport that converts into a podium, a straight magnetic frame, and much more.
From trade shows to corporate events, our printed pop-up banners deliver bold visuals and a professional finish. Contact us today.
What Are the Main Differences Between Pop-Up Display Banners and Roller Banners?
The main difference comes down to coverage and brand presence.
A roller banner is compact and message-focused.
A pop-up banner display creates a full branded backdrop.
Roller banners are best for focused messaging in tighter spaces. Pop-up display banners are built be eye-catching in exhibition halls or at events and create a professional environment around your stand.
Many businesses actually combine banners and popups by using pop-up display banners as the main attraction for their required location.
Our printed pop-up banners are ideal to make your business stand out. Our premium banner printing delivers bold visuals and a professional finish. Contact us today.
How Do Pop-Up Banners and Roller Banners Compare in Terms of Portability and Setup?
Both options fall under portable display banners, but they differ slightly in practicality.
Roller banners:
Lightweight
Quickest setup time
Simple retractable banner stand system
Extremely space-efficient
Pop up banner displays:
Larger transport cases
Collapsible frame system
Slightly longer setup
Greater overall visual impact
If speed and convenience are the priority, roll up banners win. If you’re aiming for a professional exhibition style, pop-up displays deliver more impact.
Need printed pop up banners that stand out in busy exhibition halls? Let’s create a display that works as hard as you do.
What Materials Are Commonly Used for Roller and Pop-Up Banner Displays, and How Does This Affect Durability?
Roll up banners are typically printed on durable synthetic materials that stay smooth when retracted. Higher-quality systems reduce curling and extend lifespan.
Pop up display banners may use:
Rigid graphic panels
Fabric graphics for a seamless look
Fabric graphics create a softer finish and are easier to replace if branding changes. Panel systems offer crisp structure and durability.
For indoor events, both systems perform very well when handled properly. For outdoor events, additional stability may be required depending on conditions.
Print time can vary depending on size and complexity, particularly for larger banner pop up systems.
At Carrick Signs, we supply professional pop-up display banners and roller banner systems across the UK. Speak to our team today for advice.
A Cost Comparison of Pop-Up vs. Roller Banners
If budget is an important deciding factor, standard roller banners are the more affordable option and work well if you need multiple units across different locations.
Pop up display banners tend to be more expensive due to the large frame and print. However, they provide stronger branding opportunities and better coverage in exhibition halls or events.
How to Store and Reuse Your Banners
When stored and cared for correctly, both options can provide years of use.
Roller banners protect the graphic inside the base when retracted. A quality retractable banner stand can last for years.
Pop up banner displays rely on their collapsible frame system. When assembled and packed away properly, they’re designed for repeated event marketing use.
It is also possible to replace the graphics, making it straightforward to update your banners.
Our roller banners come with a carry bag for ease of transport and storage, and our popup banners are supplied with a hard case, LED lights, and a podium conversion top to protect your signs.
Pop-Up Display Banners vs Roller Display Banners: Which Should You Choose?
When weighing up pop-up display banners against roller display banners, it really comes down to how much space you have, how easy you need the setup to be, and the kind of impression you’re trying to make.
Roller banners: If you have limited floor space or need something that’s quick to move between venues, pull-up display banners and roll-up display banners are often the easiest solution. They’re lightweight, straightforward to assemble, and work efficiently in reception areas, conferences, and even as POS display banners for stores where space is limited.
Pop-up banners: If you’re heading into a larger venue and want your brand to feel more established and noticeable, pop-up banners for exhibitions and trade show display banners create a much stronger backdrop. Whether you’re investing in pop-up banners for events or fully custom exhibition display banners, they’re built to stand out in busy exhibition halls and high-traffic public areas.
Still unsure? Speak to our professional team to discuss your requirements further.
Professional Pop Up Display Banners and Premium Roller Banners in the UK
At Carrick Signs, we supply both high-resolution pop up banners and professional roller display banners, all printed in-house using premium materials and advanced UK printing technology.
We offer:
Printed pop up banners for trade shows and conferences
Durable banner stands designed for repeated use
Whether you need event display banners, conference display banners, or display banners for trade shows, our team will help you choose the right system for your marketing goals.
Every banner is produced using high-definition printing and built for reliability, so your branding looks sharp and professional wherever it’s displayed.
Ready to invest in pop up display banners or roller display banners? Speak to our team today, and we’ll help you choose the right solution for your next event.