TP-Link AX73 Review: Budget VR Champion That Actually Works (2025)
VR Performance Score: 7.8/10
Last updated: August 2025
Quick Verdict
The TP-Link AX73 proves you don’t need to break the bank for solid VR performance. While it lacks the premium features of more expensive routers, it delivers reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance that handles VR gaming surprisingly well for the price.
VR Score: 7.8/10
Best For: Budget VR Gaming
Price: ~$99-129
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band
Key Specifications
Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Maximum Speed 5400 Mbps (574 + 4804 Mbps)
Bands Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
Antennas 6 high-gain antennas
Processor 1.5GHz triple-core CPU
RAM 512MB
Ports 1x WAN, 4x Gigabit LAN, 1x USB 3.0
VR Performance Analysis
Wireless Performance
Despite being a budget option, the AX73’s Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers solid VR performance. The 5GHz band provides enough bandwidth for most VR applications, though you may need to manage network traffic more carefully than with premium routers.
Real-world VR testing results:
Quest 2: Stable Air Link at 90Hz, occasional compression at 120Hz
Quest 3: Good performance with proper placement
PICO 4: Reliable streaming with moderate settings
Latency & Stability
The AX73 performs admirably for its price point:
Average latency: 18-25ms (good for budget VR)
Jitter: 3-5ms (acceptable for casual gaming)
Occasional frame drops during intensive VR sessions
Budget-Friendly Features
Wi-Fi 6 Essentials
You get the core Wi-Fi 6 benefits without the premium price:
OFDMA technology: Better efficiency with multiple devices
Target Wake Time: Improved battery life for VR headsets
1024-QAM: Higher data rates than Wi-Fi 5
TP-Link Tether App
Simple but effective mobile management:
Basic QoS controls for VR prioritization
Guest network setup
Device management and parental controls
VR Optimization Setup
Connect to router’s web interface (192.168.1.1)
Navigate to Advanced → QoS
Set VR headset to Gaming/High Priority
Enable Game Accelerator if available
Use 5GHz band exclusively for VR
Position router within 15-20 feet of play area
Limitations to Consider
What You’re Missing
No 6GHz support: Missing the latest Wi-Fi 6E benefits
Single 5GHz band: Can get congested with multiple devices
Limited processing power: May struggle with many simultaneous connections
Basic QoS: Less sophisticated traffic management
Range Considerations
The AX73 works best in smaller to medium homes. For optimal VR performance:
Keep router in the same room or adjacent room to VR play area
Avoid obstacles like thick walls or metal objects
Consider a dedicated VR router setup for larger homes
✅ Pros
Excellent value for Wi-Fi 6 performance
Solid VR performance for casual gaming
Easy setup and management
Compact, attractive design
Good range for small to medium homes
TP-Link’s reliable hardware quality
❌ Cons
No Wi-Fi 6E/6GHz support
Single 5GHz band limits flexibility
Basic QoS compared to gaming routers
May struggle with multiple VR users
Limited advanced gaming features
Who Should Buy This Router?
Perfect for:
VR beginners on a budget
Casual VR users (1-2 hours per session)
Small apartments or single-room setups
Users upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 routers
Secondary/dedicated VR router setups
Consider upgrading if:
You’re a serious VR enthusiast
You have multiple VR headsets
You need coverage for large homes
You want the latest Wi-Fi 6E features
VR Performance Tips
Maximizing Performance
Use 5GHz only: Disable 2.4GHz for VR headset
Close distance: Keep router within 15 feet of play area
Limit other devices: Pause streaming/downloads during VR
Ethernet backhaul: Connect gaming PC via wired connection
Regular reboots: Restart router weekly for optimal performance
Comparison with Alternatives
Feature TP-Link AX73 TP-Link AXE75 ASUS AX55
VR Score 7.8/10 8.8/10 7.5/10
Price ~$129 ~$199 ~$99
Wi-Fi Standard Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6
6GHz Support No Yes No
Best For Budget VR Serious VR Basic VR
Upgrade Path
The AX73 serves as an excellent stepping stone into VR. When you’re ready to upgrade, consider:
TP-Link AXE75: Same brand, Wi-Fi 6E upgrade ($199)
ASUS ROG AX6000: Premium gaming features ($299)
Mesh system: For whole-home VR coverage
Price & Where to Buy
Ready to start your VR journey without breaking the bank?
Buy on Amazon – $129 Upgrade to AXE75
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link AX73 punches well above its weight class for VR performance. While it won’t match premium routers in features or absolute performance, it provides a solid foundation for VR gaming at a price that won’t empty your wallet.
If you’re new to VR or on a tight budget, the AX73 is an excellent choice that will serve you well until you’re ready to invest in premium hardware.
7.8/10
Highly recommended for budget-conscious VR users.
Want help choosing the right VR router? Take our VR Setup Quiz or check if your current router needs an upgrade.