A device that implements adaptive on-demand tethering may include at least one processor circuit. The at least one processor circuit may be configured to monitor at least a first connection quality value associated with a first network connection of the device to a network. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to receive information regarding a second connection quality value associated with a second network connection of another device. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to initiate a tethering connection with the another device based at least in part on a comparison of the first connection quality value and the second connection quality value. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to connect to the network through the second network connection of the another device via the tethering connection based at least in part on the comparison.