diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
index 3f1a076007..5ab8a6eb05 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
@@ -877,7 +877,7 @@ uint16_t APIConnection::try_send_select_state(EntityBase *entity, APIConnection
                                               bool is_single) {
   auto *select = static_cast<select::Select *>(entity);
   SelectStateResponse resp;
-  resp.set_state(StringRef(select->state));
+  resp.set_state(StringRef(select->current_option()));
   resp.missing_state = !select->has_state();
   return fill_and_encode_entity_state(select, resp, SelectStateResponse::MESSAGE_TYPE, conn, remaining_size, is_single);
 }
diff --git a/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.cpp b/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.cpp
index bdcbd0b42c..e45338e785 100644
--- a/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.cpp
@@ -7,19 +7,19 @@ namespace copy {
 static const char *const TAG = "copy.select";
 
 void CopySelect::setup() {
-  source_->add_on_state_callback([this](const std::string &value, size_t index) { this->publish_state(value); });
+  source_->add_on_state_callback([this](const std::string &value, size_t index) { this->publish_state(index); });
 
   traits.set_options(source_->traits.get_options());
 
   if (source_->has_state())
-    this->publish_state(source_->state);
+    this->publish_state(source_->active_index().value());
 }
 
 void CopySelect::dump_config() { LOG_SELECT("", "Copy Select", this); }
 
-void CopySelect::control(const std::string &value) {
+void CopySelect::control(size_t index) {
   auto call = source_->make_call();
-  call.set_option(value);
+  call.set_index(index);
   call.perform();
 }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.h b/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.h
index fb0aee86f6..bd74a93e82 100644
--- a/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/copy/select/copy_select.h
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ class CopySelect : public select::Select, public Component {
   void dump_config() override;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 
   select::Select *source_;
 };
diff --git a/esphome/components/display_menu_base/menu_item.cpp b/esphome/components/display_menu_base/menu_item.cpp
index 2c7f34c493..8224adf3fe 100644
--- a/esphome/components/display_menu_base/menu_item.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/display_menu_base/menu_item.cpp
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ std::string MenuItemSelect::get_value_text() const {
     result = this->value_getter_.value()(this);
   } else {
     if (this->select_var_ != nullptr) {
-      result = this->select_var_->state;
+      result = this->select_var_->current_option();
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.cpp
index 5c3af54ad8..608882565f 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.cpp
@@ -121,9 +121,9 @@ constexpr Uint8ToString OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_UINT[] = {
 };
 
 // Helper functions for lookups
-template<size_t N> uint8_t find_uint8(const StringToUint8 (&arr)[N], const std::string &str) {
+template<size_t N> uint8_t find_uint8(const StringToUint8 (&arr)[N], const char *str) {
   for (const auto &entry : arr) {
-    if (str == entry.str)
+    if (strcmp(str, entry.str) == 0)
       return entry.value;
   }
   return 0xFF;  // Not found
@@ -441,7 +441,7 @@ bool LD2410Component::handle_ack_data_() {
       ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Baud rate change");
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
       if (this->baud_rate_select_ != nullptr) {
-        ESP_LOGE(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->state.c_str());
+        ESP_LOGE(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->current_option());
       }
 #endif
       break;
@@ -626,14 +626,14 @@ void LD2410Component::set_bluetooth(bool enable) {
   this->set_timeout(200, [this]() { this->restart_and_read_all_info(); });
 }
 
-void LD2410Component::set_distance_resolution(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2410Component::set_distance_resolution(const char *state) {
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
   const uint8_t cmd_value[2] = {find_uint8(DISTANCE_RESOLUTIONS_BY_STR, state), 0x00};
   this->send_command_(CMD_SET_DISTANCE_RESOLUTION, cmd_value, sizeof(cmd_value));
   this->set_timeout(200, [this]() { this->restart_and_read_all_info(); });
 }
 
-void LD2410Component::set_baud_rate(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2410Component::set_baud_rate(const char *state) {
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
   const uint8_t cmd_value[2] = {find_uint8(BAUD_RATES_BY_STR, state), 0x00};
   this->send_command_(CMD_SET_BAUD_RATE, cmd_value, sizeof(cmd_value));
@@ -759,10 +759,10 @@ void LD2410Component::set_light_out_control() {
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
   if (this->light_function_select_ != nullptr && this->light_function_select_->has_state()) {
-    this->light_function_ = find_uint8(LIGHT_FUNCTIONS_BY_STR, this->light_function_select_->state);
+    this->light_function_ = find_uint8(LIGHT_FUNCTIONS_BY_STR, this->light_function_select_->current_option());
   }
   if (this->out_pin_level_select_ != nullptr && this->out_pin_level_select_->has_state()) {
-    this->out_pin_level_ = find_uint8(OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_STR, this->out_pin_level_select_->state);
+    this->out_pin_level_ = find_uint8(OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_STR, this->out_pin_level_select_->current_option());
   }
 #endif
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.h b/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.h
index 54fe1ce14d..52cf76b5b6 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/ld2410.h
@@ -98,8 +98,8 @@ class LD2410Component : public Component, public uart::UARTDevice {
   void read_all_info();
   void restart_and_read_all_info();
   void set_bluetooth(bool enable);
-  void set_distance_resolution(const std::string &state);
-  void set_baud_rate(const std::string &state);
+  void set_distance_resolution(const char *state);
+  void set_baud_rate(const char *state);
   void factory_reset();
 
  protected:
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
index f4e0b90e2e..6da7c1d5f5 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2410 {
 
-void BaudRateSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(state);
+void BaudRateSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2410
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.h
index 3827b6a48a..9385c8cf7e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/baud_rate_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class BaudRateSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2410Component> {
   BaudRateSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2410
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
index eef34bda63..4fc4c5af02 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2410 {
 
-void DistanceResolutionSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_distance_resolution(state);
+void DistanceResolutionSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_distance_resolution(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2410
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.h
index d6affb1020..1a04f843a6 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/distance_resolution_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class DistanceResolutionSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2410Co
   DistanceResolutionSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2410
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
index ac23248a64..25d7ced666 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2410 {
 
-void LightOutControlSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
+void LightOutControlSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
   this->parent_->set_light_out_control();
 }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.h
index 5d72e1774e..e8cd8f1d6a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2410/select/light_out_control_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class LightOutControlSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2410Compo
   LightOutControlSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2410
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.cpp
index 63af69ce0d..5323a9a658 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.cpp
@@ -132,9 +132,9 @@ constexpr Uint8ToString OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_UINT[] = {
 };
 
 // Helper functions for lookups
-template<size_t N> uint8_t find_uint8(const StringToUint8 (&arr)[N], const std::string &str) {
+template<size_t N> uint8_t find_uint8(const StringToUint8 (&arr)[N], const char *str) {
   for (const auto &entry : arr) {
-    if (str == entry.str) {
+    if (strcmp(str, entry.str) == 0) {
       return entry.value;
     }
   }
@@ -485,7 +485,7 @@ bool LD2412Component::handle_ack_data_() {
       ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Baud rate change");
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
       if (this->baud_rate_select_ != nullptr) {
-        ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->state.c_str());
+        ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->current_option());
       }
 #endif
       break;
@@ -699,14 +699,14 @@ void LD2412Component::set_bluetooth(bool enable) {
   this->set_timeout(200, [this]() { this->restart_and_read_all_info(); });
 }
 
-void LD2412Component::set_distance_resolution(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2412Component::set_distance_resolution(const char *state) {
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
   const uint8_t cmd_value[6] = {find_uint8(DISTANCE_RESOLUTIONS_BY_STR, state), 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00};
   this->send_command_(CMD_SET_DISTANCE_RESOLUTION, cmd_value, sizeof(cmd_value));
   this->set_timeout(200, [this]() { this->restart_and_read_all_info(); });
 }
 
-void LD2412Component::set_baud_rate(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2412Component::set_baud_rate(const char *state) {
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
   const uint8_t cmd_value[2] = {find_uint8(BAUD_RATES_BY_STR, state), 0x00};
   this->send_command_(CMD_SET_BAUD_RATE, cmd_value, sizeof(cmd_value));
@@ -783,7 +783,7 @@ void LD2412Component::set_basic_config() {
       1,    TOTAL_GATES, DEFAULT_PRESENCE_TIMEOUT, 0,
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
-      find_uint8(OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_STR, this->out_pin_level_select_->state),
+      find_uint8(OUT_PIN_LEVELS_BY_STR, this->out_pin_level_select_->current_option()),
 #else
       0x01,  // Default value if not using select
 #endif
@@ -837,7 +837,7 @@ void LD2412Component::set_light_out_control() {
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
   if (this->light_function_select_ != nullptr && this->light_function_select_->has_state()) {
-    this->light_function_ = find_uint8(LIGHT_FUNCTIONS_BY_STR, this->light_function_select_->state);
+    this->light_function_ = find_uint8(LIGHT_FUNCTIONS_BY_STR, this->light_function_select_->current_option());
   }
 #endif
   uint8_t value[2] = {this->light_function_, this->light_threshold_};
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.h b/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.h
index 41f96ab301..2bed34bdd8 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/ld2412.h
@@ -99,8 +99,8 @@ class LD2412Component : public Component, public uart::UARTDevice {
   void read_all_info();
   void restart_and_read_all_info();
   void set_bluetooth(bool enable);
-  void set_distance_resolution(const std::string &state);
-  void set_baud_rate(const std::string &state);
+  void set_distance_resolution(const char *state);
+  void set_baud_rate(const char *state);
   void factory_reset();
   void start_dynamic_background_correction();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
index 2291a81896..7bc4683853 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2412 {
 
-void BaudRateSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(state);
+void BaudRateSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2412
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.h
index 2ae33551fb..ffe0329341 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/baud_rate_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class BaudRateSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2412Component> {
   BaudRateSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2412
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
index a282215fbd..5a6f46a071 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2412 {
 
-void DistanceResolutionSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_distance_resolution(state);
+void DistanceResolutionSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_distance_resolution(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2412
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.h
index 0658f5d1a7..842f63b7b1 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/distance_resolution_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class DistanceResolutionSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2412Co
   DistanceResolutionSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2412
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
index c331729d40..cfbc7f7d7c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.cpp
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2412 {
 
-void LightOutControlSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
+void LightOutControlSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
   this->parent_->set_light_out_control();
 }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.h
index a71bab1e14..7a50970d0d 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2412/select/light_out_control_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class LightOutControlSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2412Compo
   LightOutControlSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2412
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.cpp
index 3842098c44..b48c336d4e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.cpp
@@ -131,8 +131,8 @@ static const uint8_t CMD_FRAME_STATUS = 7;
 static const uint8_t CMD_ERROR_WORD = 8;
 static const uint8_t ENERGY_SENSOR_START = 9;
 static const uint8_t CALIBRATE_REPORT_INTERVAL = 4;
-static const std::string OP_NORMAL_MODE_STRING = "Normal";
-static const std::string OP_SIMPLE_MODE_STRING = "Simple";
+static const char *const OP_NORMAL_MODE_STRING = "Normal";
+static const char *const OP_SIMPLE_MODE_STRING = "Simple";
 
 // Memory-efficient lookup tables
 struct StringToUint8 {
@@ -379,7 +379,7 @@ void LD2420Component::report_gate_data() {
   ESP_LOGI(TAG, "Total samples: %d", this->total_sample_number_counter);
 }
 
-void LD2420Component::set_operating_mode(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2420Component::set_operating_mode(const char *state) {
   // If unsupported firmware ignore mode select
   if (ld2420::get_firmware_int(firmware_ver_) >= CALIBRATE_VERSION_MIN) {
     this->current_operating_mode = find_uint8(OP_MODE_BY_STR, state);
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.h b/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.h
index 812c408cfd..128baab604 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2420/ld2420.h
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ class LD2420Component : public Component, public uart::UARTDevice {
   int send_cmd_from_array(CmdFrameT cmd_frame);
   void report_gate_data();
   void handle_cmd_error(uint8_t error);
-  void set_operating_mode(const std::string &state);
+  void set_operating_mode(const char *state);
   void auto_calibrate_sensitivity();
   void update_radar_data(uint16_t const *gate_energy, uint8_t sample_number);
   uint8_t set_config_mode(bool enable);
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.cpp
index 2d576e7cc6..5bf80b33c9 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.cpp
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ namespace ld2420 {
 
 static const char *const TAG = "ld2420.select";
 
-void LD2420Select::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_operating_mode(value);
+void LD2420Select::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_operating_mode(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2420
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.h
index 317b2af8c0..f59eb33432 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2420/select/operating_mode_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class LD2420Select : public Component, public select::Select, public Parented<LD
   LD2420Select() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2420
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.cpp
index f30752e5a2..c9d4da47a4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.cpp
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ void LD2450Component::read_all_info() {
   this->set_config_mode_(false);
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
   const auto baud_rate = std::to_string(this->parent_->get_baud_rate());
-  if (this->baud_rate_select_ != nullptr && this->baud_rate_select_->state != baud_rate) {
+  if (this->baud_rate_select_ != nullptr && strcmp(this->baud_rate_select_->current_option(), baud_rate.c_str()) != 0) {
     this->baud_rate_select_->publish_state(baud_rate);
   }
   this->publish_zone_type();
@@ -635,7 +635,7 @@ bool LD2450Component::handle_ack_data_() {
       ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Baud rate change");
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
       if (this->baud_rate_select_ != nullptr) {
-        ESP_LOGE(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->state.c_str());
+        ESP_LOGE(TAG, "Change baud rate to %s and reinstall", this->baud_rate_select_->current_option());
       }
 #endif
       break;
@@ -716,7 +716,7 @@ bool LD2450Component::handle_ack_data_() {
       this->publish_zone_type();
 #ifdef USE_SELECT
       if (this->zone_type_select_ != nullptr) {
-        ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Change zone type to: %s", this->zone_type_select_->state.c_str());
+        ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Change zone type to: %s", this->zone_type_select_->current_option());
       }
 #endif
       if (this->buffer_data_[10] == 0x00) {
@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@ void LD2450Component::set_bluetooth(bool enable) {
 }
 
 // Set Baud rate
-void LD2450Component::set_baud_rate(const std::string &state) {
+void LD2450Component::set_baud_rate(const char *state) {
   this->set_config_mode_(true);
   const uint8_t cmd_value[2] = {find_uint8(BAUD_RATES_BY_STR, state), 0x00};
   this->send_command_(CMD_SET_BAUD_RATE, cmd_value, sizeof(cmd_value));
@@ -798,8 +798,8 @@ void LD2450Component::set_baud_rate(const std::string &state) {
 }
 
 // Set Zone Type - one of: Disabled, Detection, Filter
-void LD2450Component::set_zone_type(const std::string &state) {
-  ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Set zone type: %s", state.c_str());
+void LD2450Component::set_zone_type(const char *state) {
+  ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Set zone type: %s", state);
   uint8_t zone_type = find_uint8(ZONE_TYPE_BY_STR, state);
   this->zone_type_ = zone_type;
   this->send_set_zone_command_();
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.h b/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.h
index 9faa189019..44b63be444 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/ld2450.h
@@ -115,8 +115,8 @@ class LD2450Component : public Component, public uart::UARTDevice {
   void restart_and_read_all_info();
   void set_bluetooth(bool enable);
   void set_multi_target(bool enable);
-  void set_baud_rate(const std::string &state);
-  void set_zone_type(const std::string &state);
+  void set_baud_rate(const char *state);
+  void set_zone_type(const char *state);
   void publish_zone_type();
   void factory_reset();
 #ifdef USE_TEXT_SENSOR
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
index 06439aaa75..754972214e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2450 {
 
-void BaudRateSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(state);
+void BaudRateSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_baud_rate(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2450
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.h
index 04fe65b4fd..22810d5f13 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/baud_rate_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class BaudRateSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2450Component> {
   BaudRateSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2450
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.cpp b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.cpp
index a9f6155142..1111428c7c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 namespace esphome {
 namespace ld2450 {
 
-void ZoneTypeSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->publish_state(value);
-  this->parent_->set_zone_type(state);
+void ZoneTypeSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->publish_state(index);
+  this->parent_->set_zone_type(this->option_at(index));
 }
 
 }  // namespace ld2450
diff --git a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.h b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.h
index 8aafeb6beb..fc95ec1021 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ld2450/select/zone_type_select.h
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class ZoneTypeSelect : public select::Select, public Parented<LD2450Component> {
   ZoneTypeSelect() = default;
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ld2450
diff --git a/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.cpp b/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.cpp
index 6d60a3ae47..e2ec28a390 100644
--- a/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.cpp
@@ -3,10 +3,10 @@
 namespace esphome::logger {
 
 void LoggerLevelSelect::publish_state(int level) {
-  const auto &option = this->at(level_to_index(level));
-  if (!option)
+  auto index = level_to_index(level);
+  if (!this->has_index(index))
     return;
-  Select::publish_state(option.value());
+  Select::publish_state(index);
 }
 
 void LoggerLevelSelect::setup() {
@@ -14,11 +14,6 @@ void LoggerLevelSelect::setup() {
   this->publish_state(this->parent_->get_log_level());
 }
 
-void LoggerLevelSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  const auto index = this->index_of(value);
-  if (!index)
-    return;
-  this->parent_->set_log_level(index_to_level(index.value()));
-}
+void LoggerLevelSelect::control(size_t index) { this->parent_->set_log_level(index_to_level(index)); }
 
 }  // namespace esphome::logger
diff --git a/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.h b/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.h
index 0631eca45d..950edd29ac 100644
--- a/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/logger/select/logger_level_select.h
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ class LoggerLevelSelect : public Component, public select::Select, public Parent
  public:
   void publish_state(int level);
   void setup() override;
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
 
  protected:
   // Convert log level to option index (skip CONFIG at level 4)
diff --git a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_select.cpp b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_select.cpp
index b851348306..e1660b07ea 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_select.cpp
@@ -21,7 +21,8 @@ void MQTTSelectComponent::setup() {
     call.set_option(state);
     call.perform();
   });
-  this->select_->add_on_state_callback([this](const std::string &state, size_t index) { this->publish_state(state); });
+  this->select_->add_on_state_callback(
+      [this](const std::string &state, size_t index) { this->publish_state(this->select_->option_at(index)); });
 }
 
 void MQTTSelectComponent::dump_config() {
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ void MQTTSelectComponent::send_discovery(JsonObject root, mqtt::SendDiscoveryCon
 }
 bool MQTTSelectComponent::send_initial_state() {
   if (this->select_->has_state()) {
-    return this->publish_state(this->select_->state);
+    return this->publish_state(this->select_->current_option());
   } else {
     return true;
   }
diff --git a/esphome/components/seeed_mr24hpc1/seeed_mr24hpc1.cpp b/esphome/components/seeed_mr24hpc1/seeed_mr24hpc1.cpp
index 76523ce5c0..4c0416d727 100644
--- a/esphome/components/seeed_mr24hpc1/seeed_mr24hpc1.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/seeed_mr24hpc1/seeed_mr24hpc1.cpp
@@ -435,12 +435,12 @@ void MR24HPC1Component::r24_frame_parse_open_underlying_information_(uint8_t *da
   } else if ((this->existence_boundary_select_ != nullptr) &&
              ((data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x0a) || (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x8a))) {
     if (this->existence_boundary_select_->has_index(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1)) {
-      this->existence_boundary_select_->publish_state(S_BOUNDARY_STR[data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1]);
+      this->existence_boundary_select_->publish_state(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1);
     }
   } else if ((this->motion_boundary_select_ != nullptr) &&
              ((data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x0b) || (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x8b))) {
     if (this->motion_boundary_select_->has_index(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1)) {
-      this->motion_boundary_select_->publish_state(S_BOUNDARY_STR[data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1]);
+      this->motion_boundary_select_->publish_state(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] - 1);
     }
   } else if ((this->motion_trigger_number_ != nullptr) &&
              ((data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x0c) || (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x8c))) {
@@ -515,7 +515,7 @@ void MR24HPC1Component::r24_frame_parse_work_status_(uint8_t *data) {
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Reply: get radar init status 0x%02X", data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
   } else if (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x07) {
     if ((this->scene_mode_select_ != nullptr) && (this->scene_mode_select_->has_index(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]))) {
-      this->scene_mode_select_->publish_state(S_SCENE_STR[data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]]);
+      this->scene_mode_select_->publish_state(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
     } else {
       ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Select has index offset %d Error", data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
     }
@@ -538,7 +538,7 @@ void MR24HPC1Component::r24_frame_parse_work_status_(uint8_t *data) {
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Reply: get radar init status 0x%02X", data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
   } else if (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x87) {
     if ((this->scene_mode_select_ != nullptr) && (this->scene_mode_select_->has_index(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]))) {
-      this->scene_mode_select_->publish_state(S_SCENE_STR[data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]]);
+      this->scene_mode_select_->publish_state(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
     } else {
       ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Select has index offset %d Error", data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
     }
@@ -581,7 +581,7 @@ void MR24HPC1Component::r24_frame_parse_human_information_(uint8_t *data) {
              ((data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x0A) || (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x8A))) {
     // none:0x00  1s:0x01 30s:0x02 1min:0x03 2min:0x04 5min:0x05 10min:0x06 30min:0x07 1hour:0x08
     if (data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX] < 9) {
-      this->unman_time_select_->publish_state(S_UNMANNED_TIME_STR[data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]]);
+      this->unman_time_select_->publish_state(data[FRAME_DATA_INDEX]);
     }
   } else if ((this->keep_away_text_sensor_ != nullptr) &&
              ((data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x0B) || (data[FRAME_COMMAND_WORD_INDEX] == 0x8B))) {
diff --git a/esphome/components/seeed_mr60fda2/seeed_mr60fda2.cpp b/esphome/components/seeed_mr60fda2/seeed_mr60fda2.cpp
index dea7976578..7f8bd6a43c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/seeed_mr60fda2/seeed_mr60fda2.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/seeed_mr60fda2/seeed_mr60fda2.cpp
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ void MR60FDA2Component::process_frame_() {
 
         install_height_float = bit_cast<float>(current_install_height_int);
         uint32_t select_index = find_nearest_index(install_height_float, INSTALL_HEIGHT, 7);
-        this->install_height_select_->publish_state(this->install_height_select_->at(select_index).value());
+        this->install_height_select_->publish_state(select_index);
       }
 
       if (this->height_threshold_select_ != nullptr) {
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ void MR60FDA2Component::process_frame_() {
 
         height_threshold_float = bit_cast<float>(current_height_threshold_int);
         size_t select_index = find_nearest_index(height_threshold_float, HEIGHT_THRESHOLD, 7);
-        this->height_threshold_select_->publish_state(this->height_threshold_select_->at(select_index).value());
+        this->height_threshold_select_->publish_state(select_index);
       }
 
       if (this->sensitivity_select_ != nullptr) {
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ void MR60FDA2Component::process_frame_() {
             encode_uint32(current_data_buf_[11], current_data_buf_[10], current_data_buf_[9], current_data_buf_[8]);
 
         uint32_t select_index = find_nearest_index(current_sensitivity, SENSITIVITY, 3);
-        this->sensitivity_select_->publish_state(this->sensitivity_select_->at(select_index).value());
+        this->sensitivity_select_->publish_state(select_index);
       }
 
       ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Mounting height: %.2f, Height threshold: %.2f, Sensitivity: %" PRIu32, install_height_float,
diff --git a/esphome/components/select/select.cpp b/esphome/components/select/select.cpp
index 5e30be3c13..6bb01ba6e2 100644
--- a/esphome/components/select/select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/select/select.cpp
@@ -7,24 +7,43 @@ namespace select {
 
 static const char *const TAG = "select";
 
-void Select::publish_state(const std::string &state) {
+void Select::publish_state(const std::string &state) { this->publish_state(state.c_str()); }
+
+void Select::publish_state(const char *state) {
   auto index = this->index_of(state);
-  const auto *name = this->get_name().c_str();
   if (index.has_value()) {
-    this->set_has_state(true);
-    this->state = state;
-    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s': Sending state %s (index %zu)", name, state.c_str(), index.value());
-    this->state_callback_.call(state, index.value());
+    this->publish_state(index.value());
   } else {
-    ESP_LOGE(TAG, "'%s': invalid state for publish_state(): %s", name, state.c_str());
+    ESP_LOGE(TAG, "'%s': Invalid option %s", this->get_name().c_str(), state);
   }
 }
 
+void Select::publish_state(size_t index) {
+  if (!this->has_index(index)) {
+    ESP_LOGE(TAG, "'%s': Invalid index %zu", this->get_name().c_str(), index);
+    return;
+  }
+  const char *option = this->option_at(index);
+  this->set_has_state(true);
+  this->active_index_ = index;
+#pragma GCC diagnostic push
+#pragma GCC diagnostic ignored "-Wdeprecated-declarations"
+  this->state = option;  // Update deprecated member for backward compatibility
+#pragma GCC diagnostic pop
+  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s': Sending state %s (index %zu)", this->get_name().c_str(), option, index);
+  // Callback signature requires std::string, create temporary for compatibility
+  this->state_callback_.call(std::string(option), index);
+}
+
+const char *Select::current_option() const { return this->has_state() ? this->option_at(this->active_index_) : ""; }
+
 void Select::add_on_state_callback(std::function<void(std::string, size_t)> &&callback) {
   this->state_callback_.add(std::move(callback));
 }
 
-bool Select::has_option(const std::string &option) const { return this->index_of(option).has_value(); }
+bool Select::has_option(const std::string &option) const { return this->index_of(option.c_str()).has_value(); }
+
+bool Select::has_option(const char *option) const { return this->index_of(option).has_value(); }
 
 bool Select::has_index(size_t index) const { return index < this->size(); }
 
@@ -33,10 +52,12 @@ size_t Select::size() const {
   return options.size();
 }
 
-optional<size_t> Select::index_of(const std::string &option) const {
+optional<size_t> Select::index_of(const std::string &option) const { return this->index_of(option.c_str()); }
+
+optional<size_t> Select::index_of(const char *option) const {
   const auto &options = traits.get_options();
   for (size_t i = 0; i < options.size(); i++) {
-    if (strcmp(options[i], option.c_str()) == 0) {
+    if (strcmp(options[i], option) == 0) {
       return i;
     }
   }
@@ -45,19 +66,17 @@ optional<size_t> Select::index_of(const std::string &option) const {
 
 optional<size_t> Select::active_index() const {
   if (this->has_state()) {
-    return this->index_of(this->state);
-  } else {
-    return {};
+    return this->active_index_;
   }
+  return {};
 }
 
 optional<std::string> Select::at(size_t index) const {
   if (this->has_index(index)) {
     const auto &options = traits.get_options();
     return std::string(options.at(index));
-  } else {
-    return {};
   }
+  return {};
 }
 
 const char *Select::option_at(size_t index) const { return traits.get_options().at(index); }
diff --git a/esphome/components/select/select.h b/esphome/components/select/select.h
index eabb39898b..f859594cd1 100644
--- a/esphome/components/select/select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/select/select.h
@@ -30,16 +30,31 @@ namespace select {
  */
 class Select : public EntityBase {
  public:
-  std::string state;
   SelectTraits traits;
 
+#pragma GCC diagnostic push
+#pragma GCC diagnostic ignored "-Wdeprecated-declarations"
+  /// @deprecated Use current_option() instead. This member will be removed in ESPHome 2026.5.0.
+  __attribute__((deprecated("Use current_option() instead of .state. Will be removed in 2026.5.0")))
+  std::string state{};
+
+  Select() = default;
+  ~Select() = default;
+#pragma GCC diagnostic pop
+
   void publish_state(const std::string &state);
+  void publish_state(const char *state);
+  void publish_state(size_t index);
+
+  /// Return the currently selected option (as const char* from flash).
+  const char *current_option() const;
 
   /// Instantiate a SelectCall object to modify this select component's state.
   SelectCall make_call() { return SelectCall(this); }
 
   /// Return whether this select component contains the provided option.
   bool has_option(const std::string &option) const;
+  bool has_option(const char *option) const;
 
   /// Return whether this select component contains the provided index offset.
   bool has_index(size_t index) const;
@@ -49,6 +64,7 @@ class Select : public EntityBase {
 
   /// Find the (optional) index offset of the provided option value.
   optional<size_t> index_of(const std::string &option) const;
+  optional<size_t> index_of(const char *option) const;
 
   /// Return the (optional) index offset of the currently active option.
   optional<size_t> active_index() const;
@@ -64,13 +80,36 @@ class Select : public EntityBase {
  protected:
   friend class SelectCall;
 
-  /** Set the value of the select, this is a virtual method that each select integration must implement.
+  size_t active_index_{0};
+
+  /** Set the value of the select by index, this is an optional virtual method.
    *
-   * This method is called by the SelectCall.
+   * IMPORTANT: At least ONE of the two control() methods must be overridden by derived classes.
+   * Overriding this index-based version is PREFERRED as it avoids string conversions.
    *
-   * @param value The value as validated by the SelectCall.
+   * This method is called by the SelectCall when the index is already known.
+   * Default implementation converts to string and calls control(const std::string&).
+   *
+   * @param index The index as validated by the SelectCall.
    */
-  virtual void control(const std::string &value) = 0;
+  virtual void control(size_t index) { this->control(this->option_at(index)); }
+
+  /** Set the value of the select, this is a virtual method that each select integration can implement.
+   *
+   * IMPORTANT: At least ONE of the two control() methods must be overridden by derived classes.
+   * Overriding control(size_t) is PREFERRED as it avoids string conversions.
+   *
+   * This method is called by control(size_t) when not overridden, or directly by external code.
+   * Default implementation converts to index and calls control(size_t).
+   *
+   * @param value The value as validated by the caller.
+   */
+  virtual void control(const std::string &value) {
+    auto index = this->index_of(value);
+    if (index.has_value()) {
+      this->control(index.value());
+    }
+  }
 
   CallbackManager<void(std::string, size_t)> state_callback_;
 };
diff --git a/esphome/components/select/select_call.cpp b/esphome/components/select/select_call.cpp
index dd398b4052..aa7559e24e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/select/select_call.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/select/select_call.cpp
@@ -7,19 +7,21 @@ namespace select {
 
 static const char *const TAG = "select";
 
-SelectCall &SelectCall::set_option(const std::string &option) {
-  return with_operation(SELECT_OP_SET).with_option(option);
+SelectCall &SelectCall::set_option(const std::string &option) { return this->with_option(option); }
+
+SelectCall &SelectCall::set_option(const char *option) { return this->with_option(option); }
+
+SelectCall &SelectCall::set_index(size_t index) { return this->with_index(index); }
+
+SelectCall &SelectCall::select_next(bool cycle) { return this->with_operation(SELECT_OP_NEXT).with_cycle(cycle); }
+
+SelectCall &SelectCall::select_previous(bool cycle) {
+  return this->with_operation(SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS).with_cycle(cycle);
 }
 
-SelectCall &SelectCall::set_index(size_t index) { return with_operation(SELECT_OP_SET_INDEX).with_index(index); }
+SelectCall &SelectCall::select_first() { return this->with_operation(SELECT_OP_FIRST); }
 
-SelectCall &SelectCall::select_next(bool cycle) { return with_operation(SELECT_OP_NEXT).with_cycle(cycle); }
-
-SelectCall &SelectCall::select_previous(bool cycle) { return with_operation(SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS).with_cycle(cycle); }
-
-SelectCall &SelectCall::select_first() { return with_operation(SELECT_OP_FIRST); }
-
-SelectCall &SelectCall::select_last() { return with_operation(SELECT_OP_LAST); }
+SelectCall &SelectCall::select_last() { return this->with_operation(SELECT_OP_LAST); }
 
 SelectCall &SelectCall::with_operation(SelectOperation operation) {
   this->operation_ = operation;
@@ -31,89 +33,96 @@ SelectCall &SelectCall::with_cycle(bool cycle) {
   return *this;
 }
 
-SelectCall &SelectCall::with_option(const std::string &option) {
-  this->option_ = option;
+SelectCall &SelectCall::with_option(const std::string &option) { return this->with_option(option.c_str()); }
+
+SelectCall &SelectCall::with_option(const char *option) {
+  this->operation_ = SELECT_OP_SET;
+  // Find the option index - this validates the option exists
+  this->index_ = this->parent_->index_of(option);
   return *this;
 }
 
 SelectCall &SelectCall::with_index(size_t index) {
-  this->index_ = index;
+  this->operation_ = SELECT_OP_SET;
+  if (index >= this->parent_->size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - Index value %zu out of bounds", this->parent_->get_name().c_str(), index);
+    this->index_ = {};  // Store nullopt for invalid index
+  } else {
+    this->index_ = index;
+  }
   return *this;
 }
 
+optional<size_t> SelectCall::calculate_target_index_(const char *name) {
+  const auto &options = this->parent_->traits.get_options();
+  if (options.empty()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - Select has no options", name);
+    return {};
+  }
+
+  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_FIRST) {
+    return 0;
+  }
+
+  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_LAST) {
+    return options.size() - 1;
+  }
+
+  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_SET) {
+    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Setting", name);
+    if (!this->index_.has_value()) {
+      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - No option set", name);
+      return {};
+    }
+    return this->index_.value();
+  }
+
+  // SELECT_OP_NEXT or SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS
+  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Selecting %s, with%s cycling", name,
+           this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? LOG_STR_LITERAL("next") : LOG_STR_LITERAL("previous"),
+           this->cycle_ ? LOG_STR_LITERAL("") : LOG_STR_LITERAL("out"));
+
+  const auto size = options.size();
+  if (!this->parent_->has_state()) {
+    return this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? 0 : size - 1;
+  }
+
+  // Use cached active_index_ instead of index_of() lookup
+  const auto active_index = this->parent_->active_index_;
+  if (this->cycle_) {
+    return (size + active_index + (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? +1 : -1)) % size;
+  }
+
+  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS && active_index > 0) {
+    return active_index - 1;
+  }
+
+  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT && active_index < size - 1) {
+    return active_index + 1;
+  }
+
+  return {};  // Can't navigate further without cycling
+}
+
 void SelectCall::perform() {
   auto *parent = this->parent_;
   const auto *name = parent->get_name().c_str();
-  const auto &traits = parent->traits;
-  const auto &options = traits.get_options();
 
   if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NONE) {
     ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - SelectCall performed without selecting an operation", name);
     return;
   }
-  if (options.empty()) {
-    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - Cannot perform SelectCall, select has no options", name);
+
+  // Calculate target index (with_index() and with_option() already validate bounds/existence)
+  auto target_index = this->calculate_target_index_(name);
+  if (!target_index.has_value()) {
     return;
   }
 
-  std::string target_value;
-
-  if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_SET) {
-    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Setting", name);
-    if (!this->option_.has_value()) {
-      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - No option value set for SelectCall", name);
-      return;
-    }
-    target_value = this->option_.value();
-  } else if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_SET_INDEX) {
-    if (!this->index_.has_value()) {
-      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - No index value set for SelectCall", name);
-      return;
-    }
-    if (this->index_.value() >= options.size()) {
-      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - Index value %zu out of bounds", name, this->index_.value());
-      return;
-    }
-    target_value = options[this->index_.value()];
-  } else if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_FIRST) {
-    target_value = options.front();
-  } else if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_LAST) {
-    target_value = options.back();
-  } else if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT || this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS) {
-    auto cycle = this->cycle_;
-    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Selecting %s, with%s cycling", name, this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? "next" : "previous",
-             cycle ? "" : "out");
-    if (!parent->has_state()) {
-      target_value = this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? options.front() : options.back();
-    } else {
-      auto index = parent->index_of(parent->state);
-      if (index.has_value()) {
-        auto size = options.size();
-        if (cycle) {
-          auto use_index = (size + index.value() + (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? +1 : -1)) % size;
-          target_value = options[use_index];
-        } else {
-          if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS && index.value() > 0) {
-            target_value = options[index.value() - 1];
-          } else if (this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT && index.value() < options.size() - 1) {
-            target_value = options[index.value() + 1];
-          } else {
-            return;
-          }
-        }
-      } else {
-        target_value = this->operation_ == SELECT_OP_NEXT ? options.front() : options.back();
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  if (!parent->has_option(target_value)) {
-    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "'%s' - Option %s is not a valid option", name, target_value.c_str());
-    return;
-  }
-
-  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Set selected option to: %s", name, target_value.c_str());
-  parent->control(target_value);
+  auto idx = target_index.value();
+  // All operations use indices, call control() by index to avoid string conversion
+  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "'%s' - Set selected option to: %s", name, parent->option_at(idx));
+  parent->control(idx);
 }
 
 }  // namespace select
diff --git a/esphome/components/select/select_call.h b/esphome/components/select/select_call.h
index efc9a982ec..eae7d3de1d 100644
--- a/esphome/components/select/select_call.h
+++ b/esphome/components/select/select_call.h
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ class Select;
 enum SelectOperation {
   SELECT_OP_NONE,
   SELECT_OP_SET,
-  SELECT_OP_SET_INDEX,
   SELECT_OP_NEXT,
   SELECT_OP_PREVIOUS,
   SELECT_OP_FIRST,
@@ -23,6 +22,7 @@ class SelectCall {
   void perform();
 
   SelectCall &set_option(const std::string &option);
+  SelectCall &set_option(const char *option);
   SelectCall &set_index(size_t index);
 
   SelectCall &select_next(bool cycle);
@@ -33,11 +33,13 @@ class SelectCall {
   SelectCall &with_operation(SelectOperation operation);
   SelectCall &with_cycle(bool cycle);
   SelectCall &with_option(const std::string &option);
+  SelectCall &with_option(const char *option);
   SelectCall &with_index(size_t index);
 
  protected:
+  __attribute__((always_inline)) inline optional<size_t> calculate_target_index_(const char *name);
+
   Select *const parent_;
-  optional<std::string> option_;
   optional<size_t> index_;
   SelectOperation operation_{SELECT_OP_NONE};
   bool cycle_;
diff --git a/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.cpp b/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.cpp
index 3ea34c3c7c..112f24e919 100644
--- a/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ void TemplateSelect::setup() {
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "State from initial: %s", this->option_at(index));
   }
 
-  this->publish_state(this->at(index).value());
+  this->publish_state(index);
 }
 
 void TemplateSelect::update() {
@@ -41,16 +41,14 @@ void TemplateSelect::update() {
   }
 }
 
-void TemplateSelect::control(const std::string &value) {
-  this->set_trigger_->trigger(value);
+void TemplateSelect::control(size_t index) {
+  this->set_trigger_->trigger(std::string(this->option_at(index)));
 
   if (this->optimistic_)
-    this->publish_state(value);
+    this->publish_state(index);
 
-  if (this->restore_value_) {
-    auto index = this->index_of(value);
-    this->pref_.save(&index.value());
-  }
+  if (this->restore_value_)
+    this->pref_.save(&index);
 }
 
 void TemplateSelect::dump_config() {
diff --git a/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.h b/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.h
index 1c33153872..2dad059ade 100644
--- a/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.h
+++ b/esphome/components/template/select/template_select.h
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class TemplateSelect : public select::Select, public PollingComponent {
   void set_restore_value(bool restore_value) { this->restore_value_ = restore_value; }
 
  protected:
-  void control(const std::string &value) override;
+  void control(size_t index) override;
   bool optimistic_ = false;
   size_t initial_option_index_{0};
   bool restore_value_ = false;
diff --git a/esphome/components/tuya/select/tuya_select.cpp b/esphome/components/tuya/select/tuya_select.cpp
index 7c1cd09d06..07e3ce44ee 100644
--- a/esphome/components/tuya/select/tuya_select.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/tuya/select/tuya_select.cpp
@@ -17,8 +17,7 @@ void TuyaSelect::setup() {
       return;
     }
     size_t mapping_idx = std::distance(mappings.cbegin(), it);
-    auto value = this->at(mapping_idx);
-    this->publish_state(value.value());
+    this->publish_state(mapping_idx);
   });
 }
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
index acc0f33e61..f1d1a75875 100644
--- a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
@@ -1188,7 +1188,7 @@ void WebServer::handle_select_request(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, const UrlM
 
     if (request->method() == HTTP_GET && match.method_empty()) {
       auto detail = get_request_detail(request);
-      std::string data = this->select_json(obj, obj->state, detail);
+      std::string data = this->select_json(obj, obj->has_state() ? obj->current_option() : "", detail);
       request->send(200, "application/json", data.c_str());
       return;
     }
@@ -1208,12 +1208,14 @@ void WebServer::handle_select_request(AsyncWebServerRequest *request, const UrlM
   request->send(404);
 }
 std::string WebServer::select_state_json_generator(WebServer *web_server, void *source) {
-  return web_server->select_json((select::Select *) (source), ((select::Select *) (source))->state, DETAIL_STATE);
+  auto *obj = (select::Select *) (source);
+  return web_server->select_json(obj, obj->has_state() ? obj->current_option() : "", DETAIL_STATE);
 }
 std::string WebServer::select_all_json_generator(WebServer *web_server, void *source) {
-  return web_server->select_json((select::Select *) (source), ((select::Select *) (source))->state, DETAIL_ALL);
+  auto *obj = (select::Select *) (source);
+  return web_server->select_json(obj, obj->has_state() ? obj->current_option() : "", DETAIL_ALL);
 }
-std::string WebServer::select_json(select::Select *obj, const std::string &value, JsonDetail start_config) {
+std::string WebServer::select_json(select::Select *obj, const char *value, JsonDetail start_config) {
   json::JsonBuilder builder;
   JsonObject root = builder.root();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.h b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.h
index fb790483dc..328140cfae 100644
--- a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.h
+++ b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.h
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@ class WebServer : public Controller, public Component, public AsyncWebHandler {
   static std::string select_state_json_generator(WebServer *web_server, void *source);
   static std::string select_all_json_generator(WebServer *web_server, void *source);
   /// Dump the select state with its value as a JSON string.
-  std::string select_json(select::Select *obj, const std::string &value, JsonDetail start_config);
+  std::string select_json(select::Select *obj, const char *value, JsonDetail start_config);
 #endif
 
 #ifdef USE_CLIMATE