Best antivirus and malware application to buy for my new MacBook Pro?

Keep your software updated and macOS is capable of keeping itself secure. There is no need to run any anti-virus, cleaners, optimizers or VPN apps. These apps often cause more problems and headache than they prevent because they conflict with the macOS’ built in securities. Use best practices when using your Mac.

If you want to keep your Mac secure, follow this guidance:

• Keep your macOS and other software up to date.

• Don’t click links in email.

• Don’t download apps from unknown websites.

• Don’t disable your Mac’s built in security.

For more info, please see these support documents:

• macOS security built right in. - Apple Support   

• App Security Overview - Apple Support

Also, please see:

• Effective Defenses Against Malware - Apple Community

• Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts…and other scams - Apple Support

MacOS shares a lot of the lock-down mechanisms developed for the iPhone. Applications are all sand-boxed with a list of the resources they require, and they cannot ask for anything outside their sandbox without crashing. Signed Applications are checked that they are from legitimate Developers, and Notarized Applications are delivered with the assurance that they have NOT been modified since their release by the Developer.

From MacOS 11 Big Sur onward, the system is on a Separate, crypto-locked System Volume, which is not writeable using ordinary means. Any unauthorized changes to the crypto-locked volume are quickly detected and you are alerted.

So you could store just about every malware known to mankind on your Mac, and your Mac would not get infected spontaneously. Scanning for virus-like patterns might make you feel a little better now, but non-stop scanning is outdated nonsense, and a tremendous waste of resources.

Nothing can become Executable Unless/Until you supply your Admin password to "make it so".

About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina or later - Apple Support

About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina or later - Apple Support

What is a signed system volume? - Apple Support

What is a signed system volume? - Apple Support

Signed system volume security in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS - Apple Support

Signed system volume security - Apple Support

The best anti virus and anti malware protection is your own common sense. There is nothing you can buy that will do a better job. I’ve been using Mac’s from the early 90s and I’ve never installed any AV or anti malware software and I’ve never had a problem.

macOS is quite safe and I never used any antivirus on my mac for years!

Exceptionally well-presented, Grant.