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The OEM filter is a full-low filter, which almost always contains an intermal bypass valve. This is designed to open and let oil flow if there is a restriction inside the filter (cold starts with thick oil, filter media plugging up with gunk).
The Bypass Filter system is another animal. This requires adding another filter to the vehicle, in parallel with the full flow filter. A small portion of the oil flow goes through the bypass media, which will remove much smaller particles (depending on the brand, to less than 1 mcron).
Since the media is very restrictive, the bypass filter cannot replace the full-flow.
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to find room under the hood for the second filter. My personal opinion (and I sell them) is that it makes a great deal of sense to install a Bypass system on diesels, on equipment which is in operation 40 or more hours per week, and on turbos (if it is reasonable to install). Also on boat engines or other equipment where it might be difficult to change oil.
With a bypass filter and a good synthetic oil, it is possible to extend the drain interval by a factor of 3 or 4, using oil analysis.
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