Danalock V3 has a solid design that focuses on easy installation. Its unique remote access app, guest access settings and smart home options make it an extremely convenient lock that would fit well in most homes. Still, Danalock's security features underperform against many of the smart locks we tested.
Security is Danalock V3's main deficiency, which stems from the fact that it is a retrofit-style smart door lock that attaches to a traditional deadbolt. This means its security is only as good as your deadbolt's.
Despite variable hardware security, Danalock's software uses heavy encryption to protect against hackers. The lock sends audio and mobile alerts when it jams and is unable to lock. However, it doesn't have a siren and can't detect forced entry attempts. Danalock V3 only tracks registered app users that use your door. If you connect the lock to a smart home system, the system records all activity, even when someone uses a key.
Danalock is one of the more convenient smart locks we reviewed, behind August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro. The Danalock mobile app lets you adjust the lock's settings, add users and view lock activity. Guest access has three settings: recurrent, temporary and permanent. Recurrent access gives your guests a daily time frame to open the door, temporary is a one-time access period and permanent grants access 24/7.
Danalock has two noteworthy convenience features: auto-unlock and twist assist. Auto-unlock uses your smartphone's location data to unlock the unit when you get close to home. Twist assist helps you lock the unit by hand; you turn the lock a little and Danalock's motor takes over to complete the locking process.
With the previous version of the lock, the Danalock V2, you could lock and unlock your door by touching the button in the center of the unit, but the feature wasn't included in the V3 to our disappointment.
The auto-lock feature locks your door after a time delay, which you can adjust from five seconds to three minutes. You can set up remote access for Danalock via a smart home system or the free Danabridge mobile app, which lets you connect Danalock to an old phone that otherwise sits in a drawer. The app gives the lock access to use the device's built-in Wi-Fi. This is a unique approach that doesn't require an accessory purchase.
Danalock comes with three mounting plates that match common deadbolt layouts, so its retrofit installation works with most deadbolt brands on the market. Likewise, there are three cylinder adapters that allow the smart lock to turn the locking mechanism.
Danalock V3 comes in only one finish, silver, so you can't match it to your door's hardware, unlike typical smart locks with at least three finish options. The lock has an estimated battery life of 9,000 cycles, which is over a year if you do 20 cycles a day and is the only product we tested that uses CR123A lithium batteries.
Depending on which version you buy, you can connect Danalock to popular smart home platforms such as IFTTT, Nest and Logitech Harmony. While Danalock doesn't directly work with video doorbells, you can control both using a single mobile app if you have a compatible smart home system.
For our tests, we looked at a model with a built-in Z-Wave radio. However, you can choose from other models as well: Bluetooth-only, HomeKit and ZigBee. All versions of the Danalock V3 have Bluetooth radios. Danalock also has software-based integration with partners such as Airbnb, IFTTT, Nest and Logitech Harmony. As is common among smart locks, Danalock has a one-year warranty.
