Comparison
A device VPN is right when you need full device or network access. BusinessProxy is right when the job is controlled browser-based work: work domains, approved egress, session accountability and no OS-level tunnel.
On unmanaged devices, BusinessProxy does not stop someone from using another browser or profile. For the current Chrome/Chromium package, use Chrome Enterprise/MDM to make the extension mandatory and settings locked.
| Capability | BusinessProxy | Device VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Browser path managed by extension. Current beta uses Chrome/Chromium. | Whole-device network tunnel. |
| Install | Browser extension required; no OS agent. | OS-level VPN client/profile. |
| Non-browser traffic | Stays outside BusinessProxy path. | Typically routed or affected by VPN policy. |
| Personal apps/calls | Not touched by BusinessProxy. | Can be affected by routing/DNS/network policy. |
| Work-only mode | PAC can send approved work domains through proxy and other domains direct. | Usually routes by network/DNS/split-tunnel rules. |
| Filtering | Domain/category/allow-deny policy without HTTPS content decryption. | Varies; some VPN/SASE stacks may inspect more deeply. |
| Private network access | Not for full private network access on browser path. | Good fit when full private network access is needed. |
| Admin revoke | Revoke browser proxy sessions. | Revoke VPN session/device profile depending on platform. |
| Bypass on unmanaged device | User can use another browser/profile or disable extension. | Depends on OS/device management. |
| Best fit | Contractors, BYOD work browsing, support/Ops SaaS, QA web testing. | Full network apps, device-wide posture, non-browser apps, broad internal access. |
VPNs are the right tool when you genuinely need full device-level access.
FAQ
No. BusinessProxy does not install a device VPN and does not route the whole machine. It manages a browser path through a required browser extension. The current beta package is Chrome/Chromium-based. Non-browser traffic, local apps, calls and other browsers stay outside the BusinessProxy path.
Yes. Users need the BusinessProxy Chrome extension. The point is that there is no OS-level agent and no device-wide VPN client. For enforced deployments, admins should push the extension and managed settings through Chrome Enterprise or MDM.
Yes, outside the managed browser path. On an unmanaged device, a user can use another browser, another unmanaged profile, or remove/disable the extension. If bypass prevention matters for the current Chrome/Chromium package, deploy through Chrome Enterprise or MDM to require the extension and lock managed settings.
No. BusinessProxy is for accountable work browsing and controlled web testing. It is not an anonymity network, scraping platform, unblock tool, or way to evade terms or legal restrictions.
If the work happens in a managed browser, start with BusinessProxy. If the work needs the whole device or private network, use a VPN/ZTNA tool.