Big rock guy here so forgive me for over thinking this topic.

I've thought about this question a lot but I think the answer is obvious. It would be hard to choose anyone but the Beatles unless you choose to redefine what you mean by "Best".

So I define it the way you do but here's I think my top 5 and why each is "best" in at least one important way.

1. Beatles- They had the most number 1 albums and number 1 songs. Arguably more importantly these guys affected pop culture and rock more than any other single group. Not just in a few ways, in every way. The late 60's and 70's are what they were largely because this one group existed, at least here in America and in the UK. That's a pretty crazy statement when you think about it. 

2. Led Zeppelin- Robert Plant's voice is in my opinion the most single iconic voice in rock. It symbolizes what classic rock is and became. Jimmy Page's guitar is responsible for probably as many iconic guitar riffs as any single person that's ever played. They didn't have as wide an appeal but they were certainly the "Best" in their own way.

3. Pink Floyd- These guys in my opinion are the band with the most sheer talent musically speaking of  any rock band that's ever existed. Nothing more needs to be said about them. Not as mainstream as the Beatles and not as iconic a voice as Plants but no one is better in terms of raw skill.

4. Rolling Stones- Second most iconic voice in rock and I know many would say the first.  Also one of the longest lasting with tons of hits. No serious top 5 list would not have the Stones.

5. Toss up- This one is the hardest to fill but I think for me personally it has to be one of these 4: Aerosmith, Eagles, Jimi Hendrix Experience, or Queen in no particular order.

well the beatles early stuff pure sucked.
Just before they split they were making decent albums.
But as bloodt mcartney just refuses to sut up, go away and put people's ears out of their misery - that right there disqualifies them

I just plain hate led zeppelin. Hands down the most overrated band in history !
I used to think it was plants grating vocals - but no. His solo stuff is bearable. I decided that with zeppelin it was everything !
And the more I hear the more I dislike them.

I'll go with pink floyd.
Any lineup, all the guys solo albums - just pure class.

The stones have been consistent for the last 50 plus years.
So yeah they can go in.

Mt personal favourite bands would be manowar, battle beast and then a whole bunch in third place.

As far as pop music goes - ABBA probably take the prize. Great lyrics, great music, great vocals and pretty damns sexy

Best ever rock - Queen.
Just a band that went out and did it's own thing as good as it could be done.

   A side note:  though I didn't get to see the Beatles I did go to a Sir Paul concert a couple of years ago when he last came through Philly.  I expected him to be good, but he's in his mid seventies.  I thoroughly expected him to start out doing one or two Rockers like Twist and Shout then dodder through a lot of Long and Winding Road type songs for an hour or so.     I was completely wrong.  He rocked hard for three solid hours without a break with energy that would make most young people jealous.  As always Paul was the master showman and had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.  It was a lovefest between Sir Paul and Philly. One thing I noticed with over half of the people there.  Their parents weren't born yet when Paul and the Beatles started performing.  So anyway  though I was too young to go to a Beatles concert at least I got to see one of them.  Excellent show.

well if just one, who straddle the rock and pop divide - has to be Queen.

No doubt about macartneys energy - but his voice went a long time ago.
And he's an obnoxious scumbag into the bargain. 

When he closed london olymp[ics opening ceremony in 2012 - it was seen as a national embarassment.
Even his daughter has asked him to stop singing. 

When The Who closed the closing ceremony - it made up for it
Roger Daltry, there's a man who's kept his voice.