I’ve followed both Clapton and Beck their entire careers, seeing Clapton live first in ’67, Beck in ’68. I loved The Yardbirds, Clapton being on about half the songs on their first album, Beck on the other half and the entire second and third. All three albums are fantastic, unlike the fourth, on which Jimmy Page took over on guitar. It’s really, really bad.
To prefer the playing of Jeff Beck to that of Eric Clapton is fine, but to rate them against each other is, imo, misguided. They play in completely different styles, each having his own area of superiority. Clapton’s strength is his lyrical, singing-style phrasing, a talent Jeff Beck does not possess. Beck is a much more original, unique guitarist, playing like no one else. And remember, Eric is a pretty fair singer, while Jeff doesn't sing at all. When you play like he does, you don't need to!
For anyone interested in hearing a guitarist who possessed the strengths of both, check out Danny Gatton.