"the best" is very subjective, you ask 10 people you get 20 answers, That being said JM fraser's cream is among the best creams I have tried, slick, cushioning, foolproof lather that stays wet for as long as you need it to. IMHO really great stuff.
Virtually impossible to surpass the Fraser's line up at it's price point and some of 'em are quite good brushless as well. Softens, moisturizes, takes out the trash, walks the dog... no wait, not the last two.
J.M. Fraser's creams do a great job at softening the beard, probably the best of any soap or cream I have used. Even if they didn't, they would still be very good creams.