To explore the separation methods of extracellular vesicles from purple callus of snow lotus (PXLEVs) and extracellular vesicles from white callus of snow lotus (WXLEVs) and the differences in antioxidant and whitening activities. Methods PXLEVs and WXLEVs were isolated and purified from callus culture supernatant by tangential flow filtration and column chromatography. The morphology, particle size and concentration were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging experiment and intracellular ROS inhibition experiment were used to study its antioxidant effect. Tyrosinase activity and cell melanin generation inhibition experiments were used to study its whitening effect. Results Both PXLEVs and WXLEVs showed a saucer-like structure. The particle size of PXLEVs was (152.10±61.30) nm, and the particle size of WXLEVs was (180.20±76.40) nm. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate and intracellular ROS scavenging rate of PXLEVs were higher than those of WXLEVs. The tyrosinase activity and cell melanin content of PXLEVs were lower than those of WXLEVs. Conclusion Compared with WXLEVs, PXLEVs have better antioxidant and whitening activities, which provides a theoretical basis for the selection of cell culture and the development of natural active skin care materials.