A magnetic lifter includes at least one dipolar mobile pole (1) consisting of two ferromagnetic pole pieces (2, 3), joined through an elastic connection, and inserted between two fixed opposite polarities (5, 6) of an electromagnet (7) so as to be able to slide within a housing (8) formed therebetween. By using as mobile poles (1) dipoles which slide between two poles (5, 6) of opposite polarity the closure of the magnetic circuit occurs within the single mobile pole (1) whereby the contact losses are reduced to half and it is possible to lift even small- and medium-sized loads with the greatest ease. Moreover, thanks to the elastic connection between the two pole pieces (2, 3) which allows a change in their mutual distance, upon activation of the lifter the two pole pieces (2, 3) tend to move away from each other until they adhere through magnetic attraction each one to its own adjacent polarity, thus canceling the air gaps and the consequent leaks as well as the risks of sliding.