Best side delts exercises with dumbbells

Exercises where side delts are a main mover and that need a pair of dumbbells, plus a bench at most. Best muscle growth rating first, with more weight on ratings several sources agree on. The full side delts ranking covers every kind of equipment.

  1. 1Dumbbell lateral raise, start positionDumbbell lateral raiseLateral raiseDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle. Hardest part is at short muscle length.
    Growth
    3.7 7 sources
    Injury risk
    2.7 3 sources
  2. 2Lean-back incline Y raiseLateral raiseDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle. Hard in the stretched position. Also works front delts.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  3. 3Lean-in dumbbell lateral raise, start positionLean-in dumbbell lateral raiseLateral raiseDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  4. 4Side-lying dumbbell lateral raise, start positionSide-lying dumbbell lateral raiseLateral raiseDumbbellsVery good; among the better picks for the muscle.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  5. 5Lean-away dumbbell lateral raise, start positionLean-away dumbbell lateral raiseLateral raiseDumbbellsSolid; a reasonable default.
    Growth
    3.0 1 source