Do I need a freestanding or trekking-pole tent?

Freestanding tents (with dedicated poles) are easier to pitch on rocky or hard ground and are beginner-friendly. Trekking-pole tents shave significant weight but require you to already carry poles and to pitch on stake-able terrain. Mainstream reviewers we read generally recommend freestanding for beginners and trekking-pole for thru-hikers prioritizing weight.