Payload vs Decipher: Code-First vs Content-First
Payload is great for devs; Decipher is built for marketers. Get a smart visual editor, AI generation, and SEO scoring without writing TypeScript.
Everything Payload CMS does —
plus everything it doesn't.
Payload is great for devs; Decipher is built for marketers.
Smart Content Editor
AI Chat Integration
Content Automation Workflows
Bulk SEO Content Generation
Why teams outgrow Payload CMS
Payload CMS is a darling of the developer community because it is 'Code-First' (TypeScript config). However, for marketing teams, this is a barrier.
Changing a field, adding a new content type, or adjusting a workflow requires a code deploy. Marketers cannot move independently.
They are dependent on engineering resources for every tweak. Additionally, Payload is purely a CMS; it doesn't help you write the content.
It's an empty shell waiting for input.
A content production engine — not just a database.
Decipher CMS bridges the gap. It provides a 'Smart Content Editor' that empowers non-technical users to create, structure, and optimize content without writing code.
'AI Chat Integration' acts as a co-pilot, helping marketers draft copy and brainstorm ideas within the interface. While developers still get API access, the 'Content Automation Workflows' allow marketers to set up approvals and scheduling independently.
Decipher fills the empty shell with 'Bulk SEO Content Generation', providing immediate value beyond just data storage.
Give your marketing team independence. Choose Decipher.
Enterprise-grade architecture —
without the enterprise complexity.
Payload can be self-hosted (complex) or hosted on Payload Cloud. Decipher simplifies this with 'Google-Backed' serverless infrastructure.
You get the scalability of a managed service with the control of 'Private Infrastructure'. Decipher's architecture includes 'Activity Log Tracking' and 'Version Control' out of the box, ensuring that as your marketing team iterates, you never lose work or lose track of who published what.
Pricing that doesn't punish growth.
Transparent plans that scale with your content — not against you.
Individual
For creators & growing teams
- AI-powered content generation
- Built-in SEO optimization
- Unlimited content pages
- Custom domain & branding
- Priority support
Enterprise
For large teams & organizations
- Everything in Individual
- Dedicated account manager
- SSO & advanced security (IAP)
- Custom integrations & API
- SLA & premium support
- Data residency options
Total Cost of Ownership
Payload's cloud pricing scales with usage. Decipher’s flat $19.99/mo Individual plan is incredibly competitive, offering 'Unlimited Use' of the AI tools that Payload lacks entirely.
For enterprises, the predictable 'Direct cloud billing' model of Decipher often works out cheaper than managed PaaS hosting for high-traffic applications.
Build a better CMS experience —
without starting from scratch.
Payload is great for devs; Decipher is built for marketers.