diff --git a/esphome/components/alarm_control_panel/__init__.py b/esphome/components/alarm_control_panel/__init__.py
index b1e2252ce74..b8555861527 100644
--- a/esphome/components/alarm_control_panel/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/alarm_control_panel/__init__.py
@@ -186,8 +186,8 @@ ALARM_CONTROL_PANEL_CONDITION_SCHEMA = maybe_simple_id(
 )
 
 
+@setup_entity("alarm_control_panel")
 async def setup_alarm_control_panel_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "alarm_control_panel")
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_STATE, []):
         trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [], conf)
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
index 738dd1ef054..59476fac253 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
@@ -773,9 +773,9 @@ uint16_t APIConnection::try_send_number_state(EntityBase *entity, APIConnection
 uint16_t APIConnection::try_send_number_info(EntityBase *entity, APIConnection *conn, uint32_t remaining_size) {
   auto *number = static_cast<number::Number *>(entity);
   ListEntitiesNumberResponse msg;
-  msg.unit_of_measurement = number->traits.get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
+  msg.unit_of_measurement = number->get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
   msg.mode = static_cast<enums::NumberMode>(number->traits.get_mode());
-  msg.device_class = number->traits.get_device_class_ref();
+  msg.device_class = number->get_device_class_ref();
   msg.min_value = number->traits.get_min_value();
   msg.max_value = number->traits.get_max_value();
   msg.step = number->traits.get_step();
diff --git a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/__init__.py b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/__init__.py
index 036d78da736..1f641185602 100644
--- a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/__init__.py
@@ -60,7 +60,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_WINDOW,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 from esphome.util import Registry
 
@@ -604,11 +608,9 @@ async def _build_binary_sensor_automations(var, config):
         )
 
 
+@setup_entity("binary_sensor")
 async def setup_binary_sensor_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "binary_sensor")
-
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
     trigger = config.get(CONF_TRIGGER_ON_INITIAL_STATE, False) or config.get(
         CONF_PUBLISH_INITIAL_STATE, False
     )
diff --git a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/binary_sensor.h b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/binary_sensor.h
index 4b655e1bd18..6ae5d04bcbf 100644
--- a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/binary_sensor.h
+++ b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/binary_sensor.h
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ void log_binary_sensor(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const char *type, Bi
  * The sub classes should notify the front-end of new states via the publish_state() method which
  * handles inverted inputs for you.
  */
-class BinarySensor : public StatefulEntityBase<bool>, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class BinarySensor : public StatefulEntityBase<bool> {
  public:
   explicit BinarySensor(){};
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/button/__init__.py b/esphome/components/button/__init__.py
index 94816a09748..12d9ebaba62 100644
--- a/esphome/components/button/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/button/__init__.py
@@ -18,7 +18,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_UPDATE,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@esphome/core"]
@@ -84,15 +88,13 @@ def button_schema(
     return _BUTTON_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("button")
 async def setup_button_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "button")
-
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_PRESS, []):
         trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [], conf)
 
-    if device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS):
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     if mqtt_id := config.get(CONF_MQTT_ID):
         mqtt_ = cg.new_Pvariable(mqtt_id, var)
diff --git a/esphome/components/button/button.h b/esphome/components/button/button.h
index be6e080917b..0f7576a419f 100644
--- a/esphome/components/button/button.h
+++ b/esphome/components/button/button.h
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ void log_button(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const char *type, Button *o
  *
  * A button is just a momentary switch that does not have a state, only a trigger.
  */
-class Button : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class Button : public EntityBase {
  public:
   /** Press this button. This is called by the front-end.
    *
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/__init__.py b/esphome/components/climate/__init__.py
index 2150a30c3e4..1f449ad2a4b 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/__init__.py
@@ -268,9 +268,8 @@ def climate_schema(
     return _CLIMATE_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("climate")
 async def setup_climate_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "climate")
-
     visual = config[CONF_VISUAL]
     if (min_temp := visual.get(CONF_MIN_TEMPERATURE)) is not None:
         cg.add_define("USE_CLIMATE_VISUAL_OVERRIDES")
diff --git a/esphome/components/cover/__init__.py b/esphome/components/cover/__init__.py
index 17095f41f65..c330241f4dc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/cover/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/cover/__init__.py
@@ -37,7 +37,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_WINDOW,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, ID, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObj, MockObjClass
 from esphome.types import ConfigType, TemplateArgsType
 
@@ -190,11 +194,9 @@ def cover_schema(
     return _COVER_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("cover")
 async def setup_cover_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "cover")
-
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     if CONF_ON_OPEN in config:
         _LOGGER.warning(
diff --git a/esphome/components/cover/cover.h b/esphome/components/cover/cover.h
index 0af48f75de8..8cf9aa092aa 100644
--- a/esphome/components/cover/cover.h
+++ b/esphome/components/cover/cover.h
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ const LogString *cover_operation_to_str(CoverOperation op);
  * to control all values of the cover. Also implement get_traits() to return what operations
  * the cover supports.
  */
-class Cover : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class Cover : public EntityBase {
  public:
   explicit Cover();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/datetime/__init__.py b/esphome/components/datetime/__init__.py
index 602db3827ad..74c9d594f75 100644
--- a/esphome/components/datetime/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/datetime/__init__.py
@@ -134,9 +134,8 @@ def datetime_schema(class_: MockObjClass) -> cv.Schema:
     return _DATETIME_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("datetime")
 async def setup_datetime_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "datetime")
-
     if (mqtt_id := config.get(CONF_MQTT_ID)) is not None:
         mqtt_ = cg.new_Pvariable(mqtt_id, var)
         await mqtt.register_mqtt_component(mqtt_, config)
diff --git a/esphome/components/esp32/core.cpp b/esphome/components/esp32/core.cpp
index 7ebbba609e8..46c000562e1 100644
--- a/esphome/components/esp32/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/esp32/core.cpp
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ void arch_init() {
 void HOT arch_feed_wdt() { esp_task_wdt_reset(); }
 
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) { return *addr; }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_cycle_count() { return esp_cpu_get_cycle_count(); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_freq_hz() {
diff --git a/esphome/components/esp8266/core.cpp b/esphome/components/esp8266/core.cpp
index b665124d66f..159ec20e77b 100644
--- a/esphome/components/esp8266/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/esp8266/core.cpp
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ void HOT arch_feed_wdt() { system_soft_wdt_feed(); }
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) {
   return pgm_read_byte(addr);  // NOLINT
 }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) {
+  return reinterpret_cast<const char *>(pgm_read_ptr(addr));  // NOLINT
+}
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) {
   return pgm_read_word(addr);  // NOLINT
 }
diff --git a/esphome/components/event/__init__.py b/esphome/components/event/__init__.py
index 8fac7a279c4..14cc1505ad8 100644
--- a/esphome/components/event/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/event/__init__.py
@@ -18,7 +18,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_MOTION,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@nohat"]
@@ -85,17 +89,15 @@ def event_schema(
     return _EVENT_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("event")
 async def setup_event_core_(var, config, *, event_types: list[str]):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "event")
-
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_EVENT, []):
         trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [(cg.StringRef, "event_type")], conf)
 
     cg.add(var.set_event_types(event_types))
 
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     if mqtt_id := config.get(CONF_MQTT_ID):
         mqtt_ = cg.new_Pvariable(mqtt_id, var)
diff --git a/esphome/components/event/event.h b/esphome/components/event/event.h
index a7451407bba..5b6a94b47c0 100644
--- a/esphome/components/event/event.h
+++ b/esphome/components/event/event.h
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ namespace event {
     LOG_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS(TAG, prefix, *(obj)); \
   }
 
-class Event : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class Event : public EntityBase {
  public:
   void trigger(const std::string &event_type);
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/fan/__init__.py b/esphome/components/fan/__init__.py
index e839df6aee6..da28c577c8e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/fan/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/fan/__init__.py
@@ -222,9 +222,8 @@ def validate_preset_modes(value):
     return value
 
 
+@setup_entity("fan")
 async def setup_fan_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "fan")
-
     cg.add(var.set_restore_mode(config[CONF_RESTORE_MODE]))
 
     if (mqtt_id := config.get(CONF_MQTT_ID)) is not None:
diff --git a/esphome/components/host/core.cpp b/esphome/components/host/core.cpp
index cb2b2e19d7d..d5c61ec986c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/host/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/host/core.cpp
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ void HOT arch_feed_wdt() {
 }
 
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) { return *addr; }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_cycle_count() {
   struct timespec spec;
diff --git a/esphome/components/infrared/__init__.py b/esphome/components/infrared/__init__.py
index 5c759d6fd9c..6a2a72fa5d7 100644
--- a/esphome/components/infrared/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/infrared/__init__.py
@@ -45,9 +45,9 @@ def infrared_schema(class_: type[cg.MockObjClass]) -> cv.Schema:
     )
 
 
+@setup_entity("infrared")
 async def setup_infrared_core_(var: cg.Pvariable, config: ConfigType) -> None:
     """Set up core infrared configuration."""
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "infrared")
 
 
 async def register_infrared(var: cg.Pvariable, config: ConfigType) -> None:
diff --git a/esphome/components/libretiny/core.cpp b/esphome/components/libretiny/core.cpp
index 74b33a30a02..893a79440a7 100644
--- a/esphome/components/libretiny/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/libretiny/core.cpp
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ void HOT arch_feed_wdt() { lt_wdt_feed(); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_cycle_count() { return lt_cpu_get_cycle_count(); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_freq_hz() { return lt_cpu_get_freq(); }
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) { return *addr; }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) { return *addr; }
 
 }  // namespace esphome
diff --git a/esphome/components/light/__init__.py b/esphome/components/light/__init__.py
index 40382bbda73..4403281116a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/light/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/light/__init__.py
@@ -243,9 +243,8 @@ def validate_color_temperature_channels(value):
     return value
 
 
-async def setup_light_core_(light_var, output_var, config):
-    await setup_entity(light_var, config, "light")
-
+@setup_entity("light")
+async def setup_light_core_(light_var, config, output_var):
     cg.add(light_var.set_restore_mode(config[CONF_RESTORE_MODE]))
 
     if (initial_state_config := config.get(CONF_INITIAL_STATE)) is not None:
@@ -312,7 +311,7 @@ async def register_light(output_var, config):
     cg.add(cg.App.register_light(light_var))
     CORE.register_platform_component("light", light_var)
     await cg.register_component(light_var, config)
-    await setup_light_core_(light_var, output_var, config)
+    await setup_light_core_(light_var, config, output_var)
 
 
 async def new_light(config, *args):
diff --git a/esphome/components/lock/__init__.py b/esphome/components/lock/__init__.py
index 9d893d3ad9d..e37092756fb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/lock/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/lock/__init__.py
@@ -91,9 +91,8 @@ def lock_schema(
     return _LOCK_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("lock")
 async def _setup_lock_core(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "lock")
-
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_LOCK, []):
         trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [], conf)
diff --git a/esphome/components/media_player/__init__.py b/esphome/components/media_player/__init__.py
index b2afbe5e587..051e386eaf7 100644
--- a/esphome/components/media_player/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/media_player/__init__.py
@@ -96,8 +96,8 @@ VolumeSetAction = media_player_ns.class_(
 )
 
 
+@setup_entity("media_player")
 async def setup_media_player_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "media_player")
     for conf_key, _ in _STATE_TRIGGERS:
         for conf in config.get(conf_key, []):
             trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
diff --git a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_number.cpp b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_number.cpp
index fdc909fcc92..a2734f2beb0 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_number.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_number.cpp
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ void MQTTNumberComponent::send_discovery(JsonObject root, mqtt::SendDiscoveryCon
   root[MQTT_MAX] = traits.get_max_value();
   root[MQTT_STEP] = traits.get_step();
   // NOLINTBEGIN(clang-analyzer-cplusplus.NewDeleteLeaks) false positive with ArduinoJson
-  const auto unit_of_measurement = this->number_->traits.get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
+  const auto unit_of_measurement = this->number_->get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
   if (!unit_of_measurement.empty()) {
     root[MQTT_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT] = unit_of_measurement;
   }
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ void MQTTNumberComponent::send_discovery(JsonObject root, mqtt::SendDiscoveryCon
     root[MQTT_MODE] =
         NumberMqttModeStrings::get_progmem_str(static_cast<uint8_t>(mode), static_cast<uint8_t>(NUMBER_MODE_BOX));
   }
-  const auto device_class = this->number_->traits.get_device_class_ref();
+  const auto device_class = this->number_->get_device_class_ref();
   if (!device_class.empty()) {
     root[MQTT_DEVICE_CLASS] = device_class;
   }
diff --git a/esphome/components/number/__init__.py b/esphome/components/number/__init__.py
index 2238f2c0375..0570ac0b1ec 100644
--- a/esphome/components/number/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/number/__init__.py
@@ -79,7 +79,12 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_WIND_SPEED,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+    setup_unit_of_measurement,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@esphome/core"]
@@ -257,11 +262,10 @@ async def _build_number_automations(var, config):
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [(float, "x")], conf)
 
 
+@setup_entity("number")
 async def setup_number_core_(
     var, config, *, min_value: float, max_value: float, step: float
 ):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "number")
-
     cg.add(var.traits.set_min_value(min_value))
     cg.add(var.traits.set_max_value(max_value))
     cg.add(var.traits.set_step(step))
@@ -273,10 +277,8 @@ async def setup_number_core_(
 
     CORE.add_job(_build_number_automations, var, config)
 
-    if (unit_of_measurement := config.get(CONF_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.traits.set_unit_of_measurement(unit_of_measurement))
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.traits.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
+    setup_unit_of_measurement(config)
 
     if (mqtt_id := config.get(CONF_MQTT_ID)) is not None:
         mqtt_ = cg.new_Pvariable(mqtt_id, var)
diff --git a/esphome/components/number/number.cpp b/esphome/components/number/number.cpp
index 1c4126496c5..c0653c3b304 100644
--- a/esphome/components/number/number.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/number/number.cpp
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ void log_number(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const char *type, Number *o
 
   ESP_LOGCONFIG(tag, "%s%s '%s'", prefix, type, obj->get_name().c_str());
   LOG_ENTITY_ICON(tag, prefix, *obj);
-  LOG_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT(tag, prefix, obj->traits);
-  LOG_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS(tag, prefix, obj->traits);
+  LOG_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT(tag, prefix, *obj);
+  LOG_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS(tag, prefix, *obj);
 }
 
 void Number::publish_state(float state) {
diff --git a/esphome/components/number/number_traits.h b/esphome/components/number/number_traits.h
index 5ccbb9ba489..f855813c9bf 100644
--- a/esphome/components/number/number_traits.h
+++ b/esphome/components/number/number_traits.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #pragma once
 
-#include "esphome/core/entity_base.h"
-#include "esphome/core/helpers.h"
+#include <cmath>
+#include <cstdint>
 
 namespace esphome::number {
 
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ enum NumberMode : uint8_t {
   NUMBER_MODE_SLIDER = 2,
 };
 
-class NumberTraits : public EntityBase_DeviceClass, public EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement {
+class NumberTraits {
  public:
   // Set/get the number value boundaries.
   void set_min_value(float min_value) { min_value_ = min_value; }
diff --git a/esphome/components/rp2040/core.cpp b/esphome/components/rp2040/core.cpp
index a15ee7e2635..63b154d80de 100644
--- a/esphome/components/rp2040/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/rp2040/core.cpp
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ void HOT arch_feed_wdt() { watchdog_update(); }
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) {
   return pgm_read_byte(addr);  // NOLINT
 }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) {
+  return reinterpret_cast<const char *>(pgm_read_ptr(addr));  // NOLINT
+}
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint32_t HOT arch_get_cpu_cycle_count() { return ulMainGetRunTimeCounterValue(); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_freq_hz() { return RP2040::f_cpu(); }
diff --git a/esphome/components/select/__init__.py b/esphome/components/select/__init__.py
index c114b140a9a..b2c17f59ac1 100644
--- a/esphome/components/select/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/select/__init__.py
@@ -92,9 +92,8 @@ def select_schema(
     return _SELECT_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("select")
 async def setup_select_core_(var, config, *, options: list[str]):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "select")
-
     cg.add(var.traits.set_options(options))
 
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_VALUE, []):
diff --git a/esphome/components/sensor/__init__.py b/esphome/components/sensor/__init__.py
index 338aaae0b53..4be6ed1b841 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sensor/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/sensor/__init__.py
@@ -106,7 +106,12 @@ from esphome.const import (
     ENTITY_CATEGORY_CONFIG,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+    setup_unit_of_measurement,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObj, MockObjClass
 from esphome.util import Registry
 
@@ -908,15 +913,12 @@ async def _build_sensor_automations(var, config):
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [(float, "x")], conf)
 
 
+@setup_entity("sensor")
 async def setup_sensor_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
-
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
+    setup_unit_of_measurement(config)
     if (state_class := config.get(CONF_STATE_CLASS)) is not None:
         cg.add(var.set_state_class(state_class))
-    if (unit_of_measurement := config.get(CONF_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_unit_of_measurement(unit_of_measurement))
     if (accuracy_decimals := config.get(CONF_ACCURACY_DECIMALS)) is not None:
         cg.add(var.set_accuracy_decimals(accuracy_decimals))
     # Only set force_update if True (default is False)
diff --git a/esphome/components/sensor/sensor.h b/esphome/components/sensor/sensor.h
index 54e75ee2a13..197896f6f68 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sensor/sensor.h
+++ b/esphome/components/sensor/sensor.h
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ const LogString *state_class_to_string(StateClass state_class);
  *
  * A sensor has unit of measurement and can use publish_state to send out a new value with the specified accuracy.
  */
-class Sensor : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass, public EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement {
+class Sensor : public EntityBase {
  public:
   explicit Sensor();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/sprinkler/sprinkler.cpp b/esphome/components/sprinkler/sprinkler.cpp
index d82d7baaf67..44fb9092bc3 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sprinkler/sprinkler.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/sprinkler/sprinkler.cpp
@@ -567,7 +567,7 @@ void Sprinkler::set_valve_run_duration(const optional<size_t> valve_number, cons
     return;
   }
   auto call = this->valve_[valve_number.value()].run_duration_number->make_call();
-  if (this->valve_[valve_number.value()].run_duration_number->traits.get_unit_of_measurement_ref() == MIN_STR) {
+  if (this->valve_[valve_number.value()].run_duration_number->get_unit_of_measurement_ref() == MIN_STR) {
     call.set_value(run_duration.value() / 60.0);
   } else {
     call.set_value(run_duration.value());
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@ uint32_t Sprinkler::valve_run_duration(const size_t valve_number) {
     return 0;
   }
   if (this->valve_[valve_number].run_duration_number != nullptr) {
-    if (this->valve_[valve_number].run_duration_number->traits.get_unit_of_measurement_ref() == MIN_STR) {
+    if (this->valve_[valve_number].run_duration_number->get_unit_of_measurement_ref() == MIN_STR) {
       return static_cast<uint32_t>(roundf(this->valve_[valve_number].run_duration_number->state * 60));
     } else {
       return static_cast<uint32_t>(roundf(this->valve_[valve_number].run_duration_number->state));
diff --git a/esphome/components/switch/__init__.py b/esphome/components/switch/__init__.py
index 6f1be7d53d5..bbafc54bd1e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/switch/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/switch/__init__.py
@@ -22,7 +22,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_SWITCH,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@esphome/core"]
@@ -154,9 +158,8 @@ async def _build_switch_automations(var, config):
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [], conf)
 
 
+@setup_entity("switch")
 async def setup_switch_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "switch")
-
     if (inverted := config.get(CONF_INVERTED)) is not None:
         cg.add(var.set_inverted(inverted))
 
@@ -169,8 +172,7 @@ async def setup_switch_core_(var, config):
     if web_server_config := config.get(CONF_WEB_SERVER):
         await web_server.add_entity_config(var, web_server_config)
 
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     cg.add(var.set_restore_mode(config[CONF_RESTORE_MODE]))
     await zigbee.setup_switch(var, config)
diff --git a/esphome/components/switch/switch.h b/esphome/components/switch/switch.h
index 982c640cf94..c4f8525793a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/switch/switch.h
+++ b/esphome/components/switch/switch.h
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ enum SwitchRestoreMode : uint8_t {
  * A switch is basically just a combination of a binary sensor (for reporting switch values)
  * and a write_state method that writes a state to the hardware.
  */
-class Switch : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class Switch : public EntityBase {
  public:
   explicit Switch();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/text/__init__.py b/esphome/components/text/__init__.py
index 61f7119cadb..224f4580d4a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/text/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/text/__init__.py
@@ -84,6 +84,7 @@ def text_schema(
     return _TEXT_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("text")
 async def setup_text_core_(
     var,
     config,
@@ -92,8 +93,6 @@ async def setup_text_core_(
     max_length: int | None,
     pattern: str | None,
 ):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "text")
-
     cg.add(var.traits.set_min_length(min_length))
     cg.add(var.traits.set_max_length(max_length))
     if pattern is not None:
diff --git a/esphome/components/text_sensor/__init__.py b/esphome/components/text_sensor/__init__.py
index 2edf202cd23..97f394ecf73 100644
--- a/esphome/components/text_sensor/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/text_sensor/__init__.py
@@ -21,7 +21,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_TIMESTAMP,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 from esphome.util import Registry
 
@@ -208,11 +212,9 @@ async def _build_text_sensor_automations(var, config):
         await automation.build_automation(trigger, [(cg.std_string, "x")], conf)
 
 
+@setup_entity("text_sensor")
 async def setup_text_sensor_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "text_sensor")
-
-    if (device_class := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS)) is not None:
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     if config.get(CONF_FILTERS):  # must exist and not be empty
         cg.add_define("USE_TEXT_SENSOR_FILTER")
diff --git a/esphome/components/text_sensor/text_sensor.h b/esphome/components/text_sensor/text_sensor.h
index 9916aa63b23..d26cfade966 100644
--- a/esphome/components/text_sensor/text_sensor.h
+++ b/esphome/components/text_sensor/text_sensor.h
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ void log_text_sensor(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const char *type, Text
  public: \
   void set_##name##_text_sensor(text_sensor::TextSensor *text_sensor) { this->name##_text_sensor_ = text_sensor; }
 
-class TextSensor : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class TextSensor : public EntityBase {
  public:
   std::string state;
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/update/__init__.py b/esphome/components/update/__init__.py
index e146f7e6857..c36a4ab769d 100644
--- a/esphome/components/update/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/update/__init__.py
@@ -15,7 +15,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     ENTITY_CATEGORY_CONFIG,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@jesserockz"]
@@ -87,11 +91,9 @@ def update_schema(
     return _UPDATE_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("update")
 async def setup_update_core_(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "update")
-
-    if device_class_config := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS):
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class_config))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     if on_update_available := config.get(CONF_ON_UPDATE_AVAILABLE):
         await automation.build_automation(
diff --git a/esphome/components/update/update_entity.h b/esphome/components/update/update_entity.h
index 405346bee4f..82eaacaf76d 100644
--- a/esphome/components/update/update_entity.h
+++ b/esphome/components/update/update_entity.h
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ enum UpdateState : uint8_t {
 
 const LogString *update_state_to_string(UpdateState state);
 
-class UpdateEntity : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class UpdateEntity : public EntityBase {
  public:
   void publish_state();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/valve/__init__.py b/esphome/components/valve/__init__.py
index 73e907eb0f9..22cd01988d8 100644
--- a/esphome/components/valve/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/valve/__init__.py
@@ -22,7 +22,11 @@ from esphome.const import (
     DEVICE_CLASS_WATER,
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
-from esphome.core.entity_helpers import entity_duplicate_validator, setup_entity
+from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    entity_duplicate_validator,
+    setup_device_class,
+    setup_entity,
+)
 from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObjClass
 
 IS_PLATFORM_COMPONENT = True
@@ -129,11 +133,9 @@ def valve_schema(
     return _VALVE_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("valve")
 async def _setup_valve_core(var, config):
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "valve")
-
-    if device_class_config := config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS):
-        cg.add(var.set_device_class(device_class_config))
+    setup_device_class(config)
 
     for conf in config.get(CONF_ON_OPEN, []):
         trigger = cg.new_Pvariable(conf[CONF_TRIGGER_ID], var)
diff --git a/esphome/components/valve/valve.h b/esphome/components/valve/valve.h
index cd461443727..aab819a7788 100644
--- a/esphome/components/valve/valve.h
+++ b/esphome/components/valve/valve.h
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ const LogString *valve_operation_to_str(ValveOperation op);
  * to control all values of the valve. Also implement get_traits() to return what operations
  * the valve supports.
  */
-class Valve : public EntityBase, public EntityBase_DeviceClass {
+class Valve : public EntityBase {
  public:
   explicit Valve();
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/water_heater/__init__.py b/esphome/components/water_heater/__init__.py
index db32c2d9193..58cf5a4054e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/water_heater/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/water_heater/__init__.py
@@ -69,10 +69,9 @@ def water_heater_schema(
     return _WATER_HEATER_SCHEMA.extend(schema)
 
 
+@setup_entity("water_heater")
 async def setup_water_heater_core_(var: cg.Pvariable, config: ConfigType) -> None:
     """Set up the core water heater properties in C++."""
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "water_heater")
-
     visual = config[CONF_VISUAL]
     if (min_temp := visual.get(CONF_MIN_TEMPERATURE)) is not None:
         cg.add_define("USE_WATER_HEATER_VISUAL_OVERRIDES")
diff --git a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
index 47e427c0d12..6b94a103cc9 100644
--- a/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/web_server/web_server.cpp
@@ -1139,7 +1139,7 @@ json::SerializationBuffer<> WebServer::number_json_(number::Number *obj, float v
   json::JsonBuilder builder;
   JsonObject root = builder.root();
 
-  const auto uom_ref = obj->traits.get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
+  const auto uom_ref = obj->get_unit_of_measurement_ref();
   const int8_t accuracy = step_to_accuracy_decimals(obj->traits.get_step());
 
   // Need two buffers: one for value, one for state with UOM
diff --git a/esphome/components/zephyr/core.cpp b/esphome/components/zephyr/core.cpp
index cf3ea70245a..eee7fb3f4f8 100644
--- a/esphome/components/zephyr/core.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/zephyr/core.cpp
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ void arch_restart() { sys_reboot(SYS_REBOOT_COLD); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_cycle_count() { return k_cycle_get_32(); }
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_freq_hz() { return sys_clock_hw_cycles_per_sec(); }
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr) { return *addr; }
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr) { return *addr; }
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr) { return *addr; }
 
 Mutex::Mutex() {
diff --git a/esphome/core/defines.h b/esphome/core/defines.h
index 8d778edf2a0..07afefd91aa 100644
--- a/esphome/core/defines.h
+++ b/esphome/core/defines.h
@@ -44,7 +44,9 @@
 #define USE_DEEP_SLEEP
 #define USE_DEVICES
 #define USE_DISPLAY
+#define USE_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS
 #define USE_ENTITY_ICON
+#define USE_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT
 #define USE_ESP32_CAMERA_JPEG_CONVERSION
 #define USE_ESP32_HOSTED
 #define USE_ESP32_IMPROV_STATE_CALLBACK
diff --git a/esphome/core/entity_base.cpp b/esphome/core/entity_base.cpp
index f6a7ec1dfdd..eafc04f92a4 100644
--- a/esphome/core/entity_base.cpp
+++ b/esphome/core/entity_base.cpp
@@ -45,24 +45,42 @@ void EntityBase::set_name(const char *name, uint32_t object_id_hash) {
   }
 }
 
-// Entity Icon
-std::string EntityBase::get_icon() const {
-#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
-  if (this->icon_c_str_ == nullptr) {
-    return "";
-  }
-  return this->icon_c_str_;
+// Weak default lookup functions — overridden by generated code in main.cpp
+__attribute__((weak)) const char *entity_device_class_lookup(uint8_t) { return ""; }
+__attribute__((weak)) const char *entity_uom_lookup(uint8_t) { return ""; }
+__attribute__((weak)) const char *entity_icon_lookup(uint8_t) { return ""; }
+
+// Entity device class (from index)
+StringRef EntityBase::get_device_class_ref() const {
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS
+  return StringRef(entity_device_class_lookup(this->device_class_idx_));
 #else
-  return "";
+  return StringRef(entity_device_class_lookup(0));
 #endif
 }
-void EntityBase::set_icon(const char *icon) {
-#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
-  this->icon_c_str_ = icon;
+std::string EntityBase::get_device_class() const { return std::string(this->get_device_class_ref().c_str()); }
+
+// Entity unit of measurement (from index)
+StringRef EntityBase::get_unit_of_measurement_ref() const {
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT
+  return StringRef(entity_uom_lookup(this->uom_idx_));
 #else
-  // No-op when USE_ENTITY_ICON is not defined
+  return StringRef(entity_uom_lookup(0));
 #endif
 }
+std::string EntityBase::get_unit_of_measurement() const {
+  return std::string(this->get_unit_of_measurement_ref().c_str());
+}
+
+// Entity icon (from index)
+StringRef EntityBase::get_icon_ref() const {
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
+  return StringRef(entity_icon_lookup(this->icon_idx_));
+#else
+  return StringRef(entity_icon_lookup(0));
+#endif
+}
+std::string EntityBase::get_icon() const { return std::string(this->get_icon_ref().c_str()); }
 
 // Entity Object ID - computed on-demand from name
 std::string EntityBase::get_object_id() const {
@@ -134,24 +152,6 @@ ESPPreferenceObject EntityBase::make_entity_preference_(size_t size, uint32_t ve
   return global_preferences->make_preference(size, key);
 }
 
-std::string EntityBase_DeviceClass::get_device_class() {
-  if (this->device_class_ == nullptr) {
-    return "";
-  }
-  return this->device_class_;
-}
-
-void EntityBase_DeviceClass::set_device_class(const char *device_class) { this->device_class_ = device_class; }
-
-std::string EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement::get_unit_of_measurement() {
-  if (this->unit_of_measurement_ == nullptr)
-    return "";
-  return this->unit_of_measurement_;
-}
-void EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement::set_unit_of_measurement(const char *unit_of_measurement) {
-  this->unit_of_measurement_ = unit_of_measurement;
-}
-
 #ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
 void log_entity_icon(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj) {
   if (!obj.get_icon_ref().empty()) {
@@ -160,13 +160,13 @@ void log_entity_icon(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj)
 }
 #endif
 
-void log_entity_device_class(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase_DeviceClass &obj) {
+void log_entity_device_class(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj) {
   if (!obj.get_device_class_ref().empty()) {
     ESP_LOGCONFIG(tag, "%s  Device Class: '%s'", prefix, obj.get_device_class_ref().c_str());
   }
 }
 
-void log_entity_unit_of_measurement(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement &obj) {
+void log_entity_unit_of_measurement(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj) {
   if (!obj.get_unit_of_measurement_ref().empty()) {
     ESP_LOGCONFIG(tag, "%s  Unit of Measurement: '%s'", prefix, obj.get_unit_of_measurement_ref().c_str());
   }
diff --git a/esphome/core/entity_base.h b/esphome/core/entity_base.h
index cbc07cc44c0..042eebb40f3 100644
--- a/esphome/core/entity_base.h
+++ b/esphome/core/entity_base.h
@@ -14,6 +14,12 @@
 
 namespace esphome {
 
+// Extern lookup functions for entity string tables.
+// Generated code provides strong definitions; weak defaults return "".
+extern const char *entity_device_class_lookup(uint8_t index);
+extern const char *entity_uom_lookup(uint8_t index);
+extern const char *entity_icon_lookup(uint8_t index);
+
 // Maximum device name length - keep in sync with validate_hostname() in esphome/core/config.py
 static constexpr size_t ESPHOME_DEVICE_NAME_MAX_LEN = 31;
 
@@ -89,20 +95,41 @@ class EntityBase {
     this->flags_.entity_category = static_cast<uint8_t>(entity_category);
   }
 
+  // Set entity string table indices — one call per entity from codegen.
+  // Packed: [23..16] icon | [15..8] UoM | [7..0] device_class (each 8 bits)
+  void set_entity_strings([[maybe_unused]] uint32_t packed) {
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS
+    this->device_class_idx_ = packed & 0xFF;
+#endif
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT
+    this->uom_idx_ = (packed >> 8) & 0xFF;
+#endif
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
+    this->icon_idx_ = (packed >> 16) & 0xFF;
+#endif
+  }
+
+  // Get device class as StringRef (from packed index)
+  StringRef get_device_class_ref() const;
+  /// Get the device class as std::string (deprecated, prefer get_device_class_ref())
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Use get_device_class_ref() instead for better performance (avoids string copy). Will be removed in "
+                "ESPHome 2026.9.0",
+                "2026.3.0")
+  std::string get_device_class() const;
+  // Get unit of measurement as StringRef (from packed index)
+  StringRef get_unit_of_measurement_ref() const;
+  /// Get the unit of measurement as std::string (deprecated, prefer get_unit_of_measurement_ref())
+  ESPDEPRECATED("Use get_unit_of_measurement_ref() instead for better performance (avoids string copy). Will be "
+                "removed in ESPHome 2026.9.0",
+                "2026.3.0")
+  std::string get_unit_of_measurement() const;
+
   // Get/set this entity's icon
   ESPDEPRECATED(
       "Use get_icon_ref() instead for better performance (avoids string copy). Will be removed in ESPHome 2026.5.0",
       "2025.11.0")
   std::string get_icon() const;
-  void set_icon(const char *icon);
-  StringRef get_icon_ref() const {
-    static constexpr auto EMPTY_STRING = StringRef::from_lit("");
-#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
-    return this->icon_c_str_ == nullptr ? EMPTY_STRING : StringRef(this->icon_c_str_);
-#else
-    return EMPTY_STRING;
-#endif
-  }
+  StringRef get_icon_ref() const;
 
 #ifdef USE_DEVICES
   // Get/set this entity's device id
@@ -173,9 +200,6 @@ class EntityBase {
   void calc_object_id_();
 
   StringRef name_;
-#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
-  const char *icon_c_str_{nullptr};
-#endif
   uint32_t object_id_hash_{};
 #ifdef USE_DEVICES
   Device *device_{};
@@ -190,44 +214,16 @@ class EntityBase {
     uint8_t entity_category : 2;  // Supports up to 4 categories
     uint8_t reserved : 2;         // Reserved for future use
   } flags_{};
-};
-
-class EntityBase_DeviceClass {  // NOLINT(readability-identifier-naming)
- public:
-  /// Get the device class, using the manual override if set.
-  ESPDEPRECATED("Use get_device_class_ref() instead for better performance (avoids string copy). Will be removed in "
-                "ESPHome 2026.5.0",
-                "2025.11.0")
-  std::string get_device_class();
-  /// Manually set the device class.
-  void set_device_class(const char *device_class);
-  /// Get the device class as StringRef
-  StringRef get_device_class_ref() const {
-    static constexpr auto EMPTY_STRING = StringRef::from_lit("");
-    return this->device_class_ == nullptr ? EMPTY_STRING : StringRef(this->device_class_);
-  }
-
- protected:
-  const char *device_class_{nullptr};  ///< Device class override
-};
-
-class EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement {  // NOLINT(readability-identifier-naming)
- public:
-  /// Get the unit of measurement, using the manual override if set.
-  ESPDEPRECATED("Use get_unit_of_measurement_ref() instead for better performance (avoids string copy). Will be "
-                "removed in ESPHome 2026.5.0",
-                "2025.11.0")
-  std::string get_unit_of_measurement();
-  /// Manually set the unit of measurement.
-  void set_unit_of_measurement(const char *unit_of_measurement);
-  /// Get the unit of measurement as StringRef
-  StringRef get_unit_of_measurement_ref() const {
-    static constexpr auto EMPTY_STRING = StringRef::from_lit("");
-    return this->unit_of_measurement_ == nullptr ? EMPTY_STRING : StringRef(this->unit_of_measurement_);
-  }
-
- protected:
-  const char *unit_of_measurement_{nullptr};  ///< Unit of measurement override
+  // String table indices — packed into the 3 padding bytes after flags_
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS
+  uint8_t device_class_idx_{};
+#endif
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT
+  uint8_t uom_idx_{};
+#endif
+#ifdef USE_ENTITY_ICON
+  uint8_t icon_idx_{};
+#endif
 };
 
 /// Log entity icon if set (for use in dump_config)
@@ -240,10 +236,10 @@ inline void log_entity_icon(const char *, const char *, const EntityBase &) {}
 #endif
 /// Log entity device class if set (for use in dump_config)
 #define LOG_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS(tag, prefix, obj) log_entity_device_class(tag, prefix, obj)
-void log_entity_device_class(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase_DeviceClass &obj);
+void log_entity_device_class(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj);
 /// Log entity unit of measurement if set (for use in dump_config)
 #define LOG_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT(tag, prefix, obj) log_entity_unit_of_measurement(tag, prefix, obj)
-void log_entity_unit_of_measurement(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase_UnitOfMeasurement &obj);
+void log_entity_unit_of_measurement(const char *tag, const char *prefix, const EntityBase &obj);
 
 /**
  * An entity that has a state.
diff --git a/esphome/core/entity_helpers.py b/esphome/core/entity_helpers.py
index c1801c0bdaa..551e35df65c 100644
--- a/esphome/core/entity_helpers.py
+++ b/esphome/core/entity_helpers.py
@@ -1,9 +1,12 @@
 from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+import functools
 import logging
 
 import esphome.codegen as cg
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import (
+    CONF_DEVICE_CLASS,
     CONF_DEVICE_ID,
     CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT,
     CONF_ENTITY_CATEGORY,
@@ -11,15 +14,184 @@ from esphome.const import (
     CONF_ID,
     CONF_INTERNAL,
     CONF_NAME,
+    CONF_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT,
 )
-from esphome.core import CORE, ID
-from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObj, add, get_variable
+from esphome.core import CORE, ID, CoroPriority, coroutine_with_priority
+from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObj, RawStatement, add, get_variable
 import esphome.final_validate as fv
-from esphome.helpers import fnv1_hash_object_id, sanitize, snake_case
+from esphome.helpers import cpp_string_escape, fnv1_hash_object_id, sanitize, snake_case
 from esphome.types import ConfigType, EntityMetadata
 
 _LOGGER = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+DOMAIN = "entity_string_pool"
+
+# Private config keys for storing registered string indices
+_KEY_DC_IDX = "_entity_dc_idx"
+_KEY_UOM_IDX = "_entity_uom_idx"
+_KEY_ICON_IDX = "_entity_icon_idx"
+
+# Bit layout for set_entity_strings(packed) — must match C++ setter in entity_base.h:
+#   [23..16] icon (8 bits) | [15..8] UoM (8 bits) | [7..0] device_class (8 bits)
+_DC_SHIFT = 0
+_UOM_SHIFT = 8
+_ICON_SHIFT = 16
+
+# Maximum unique strings per category (8-bit index, 0 = not set)
+_MAX_DEVICE_CLASSES = 0xFF  # 255
+_MAX_UNITS = 0xFF  # 255
+_MAX_ICONS = 0xFF  # 255
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EntityStringPool:
+    """Pool of entity string properties for PROGMEM pointer tables.
+
+    Strings are registered during to_code() and assigned 1-based indices.
+    Index 0 means "not set" (empty string). At render time, the pool
+    generates C++ PROGMEM pointer table + lookup function per category.
+    """
+
+    device_classes: dict[str, int] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    units: dict[str, int] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    icons: dict[str, int] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    tables_registered: bool = False
+
+
+def _get_pool() -> EntityStringPool:
+    """Get or create the entity string pool from CORE.data."""
+    if DOMAIN not in CORE.data:
+        CORE.data[DOMAIN] = EntityStringPool()
+    return CORE.data[DOMAIN]
+
+
+def _ensure_tables_registered() -> None:
+    """Schedule the table generation job (once)."""
+    pool = _get_pool()
+    if pool.tables_registered:
+        return
+    pool.tables_registered = True
+    CORE.add_job(_generate_tables_job)
+
+
+def _generate_category_code(
+    table_var: str,
+    lookup_fn: str,
+    strings: dict[str, int],
+) -> str:
+    """Generate C++ code for one string category (PROGMEM pointer table + lookup).
+
+    Uses a PROGMEM array of string pointers. On ESP8266, pointers are stored
+    in flash (via PROGMEM) and read with progmem_read_ptr(). String literals
+    themselves remain in RAM but benefit from linker string deduplication.
+    Index 0 means "not set" and returns empty string.
+    """
+    if not strings:
+        return ""
+
+    sorted_strings = sorted(strings.items(), key=lambda x: x[1])
+    entries = ", ".join(cpp_string_escape(s) for s, _ in sorted_strings)
+    count = len(sorted_strings)
+
+    return (
+        f"static const char *const {table_var}[] PROGMEM = {{{entries}}};\n"
+        f"const char *{lookup_fn}(uint8_t index) {{\n"
+        f'  if (index == 0 || index > {count}) return "";\n'
+        f"  return progmem_read_ptr(&{table_var}[index - 1]);\n"
+        f"}}\n"
+    )
+
+
+_CATEGORY_CONFIGS = (
+    ("ENTITY_DC_TABLE", "entity_device_class_lookup", "device_classes"),
+    ("ENTITY_UOM_TABLE", "entity_uom_lookup", "units"),
+    ("ENTITY_ICON_TABLE", "entity_icon_lookup", "icons"),
+)
+
+
+@coroutine_with_priority(CoroPriority.FINAL)
+async def _generate_tables_job() -> None:
+    """Generate all entity string table C++ code as a FINAL-priority job.
+
+    Runs after all component to_code() calls have registered their strings.
+    """
+    pool = _get_pool()
+    parts = ["namespace esphome {"]
+    for table_var, lookup_fn, attr in _CATEGORY_CONFIGS:
+        code = _generate_category_code(table_var, lookup_fn, getattr(pool, attr))
+        if code:
+            parts.append(code)
+    parts.append("}  // namespace esphome")
+    cg.add_global(RawStatement("\n".join(parts)))
+
+
+def _register_string(
+    value: str, category: dict[str, int], max_count: int, category_name: str
+) -> int:
+    """Register a string in a category dict and return its 1-based index.
+
+    Returns 0 if value is empty/None (meaning "not set").
+    """
+    if not value:
+        return 0
+    if value in category:
+        return category[value]
+    idx = len(category) + 1
+    if idx > max_count:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Too many unique {category_name} values (max {max_count}), got {idx}: '{value}'"
+        )
+    category[value] = idx
+    _ensure_tables_registered()
+    return idx
+
+
+def register_device_class(value: str) -> int:
+    """Register a device_class string and return its 1-based index."""
+    return _register_string(
+        value, _get_pool().device_classes, _MAX_DEVICE_CLASSES, "device_class"
+    )
+
+
+def register_unit_of_measurement(value: str) -> int:
+    """Register a unit_of_measurement string and return its 1-based index."""
+    return _register_string(value, _get_pool().units, _MAX_UNITS, "unit_of_measurement")
+
+
+def register_icon(value: str) -> int:
+    """Register an icon string and return its 1-based index."""
+    return _register_string(value, _get_pool().icons, _MAX_ICONS, "icon")
+
+
+def setup_device_class(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    """Register config's device_class and store its index for finalize_entity_strings."""
+    idx = register_device_class(config.get(CONF_DEVICE_CLASS, ""))
+    if idx:
+        cg.add_define("USE_ENTITY_DEVICE_CLASS")
+    config[_KEY_DC_IDX] = idx
+
+
+def setup_unit_of_measurement(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    """Register config's unit_of_measurement and store its index for finalize_entity_strings."""
+    idx = register_unit_of_measurement(config.get(CONF_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT, ""))
+    if idx:
+        cg.add_define("USE_ENTITY_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT")
+    config[_KEY_UOM_IDX] = idx
+
+
+def finalize_entity_strings(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    """Emit a single set_entity_strings() call with all packed indices.
+
+    Call this at the end of each component's setup function, after
+    setup_entity() and any register_device_class/register_unit_of_measurement calls.
+    """
+    dc_idx = config.get(_KEY_DC_IDX, 0)
+    uom_idx = config.get(_KEY_UOM_IDX, 0)
+    icon_idx = config.get(_KEY_ICON_IDX, 0)
+    packed = (dc_idx << _DC_SHIFT) | (uom_idx << _UOM_SHIFT) | (icon_idx << _ICON_SHIFT)
+    if packed != 0:
+        add(var.set_entity_strings(packed))
+
 
 def get_base_entity_object_id(
     name: str, friendly_name: str | None, device_name: str | None = None
@@ -64,8 +236,48 @@ def get_base_entity_object_id(
     return sanitize(snake_case(base_str))
 
 
-async def setup_entity(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType, platform: str) -> None:
-    """Set up generic properties of an Entity.
+def setup_entity(var_or_platform, config=None, platform=None):
+    """Set up entity properties — works as both decorator and direct call.
+
+    Decorator mode::
+
+        @setup_entity("sensor")
+        async def setup_sensor_core_(var, config):
+            setup_device_class(config)
+            setup_unit_of_measurement(config)
+            ...
+
+    Direct call mode (for entities with no extra string properties)::
+
+        await setup_entity(var, config, "camera")
+    """
+    if isinstance(var_or_platform, str) and config is None:
+        # Decorator mode: @setup_entity("sensor")
+        platform = var_or_platform
+
+        def decorator(func: Callable) -> Callable:
+            @functools.wraps(func)
+            async def wrapper(
+                var: MockObj, config: ConfigType, *args, **kwargs
+            ) -> None:
+                await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, platform)
+                await func(var, config, *args, **kwargs)
+                finalize_entity_strings(var, config)
+
+            return wrapper
+
+        return decorator
+
+    # Direct call mode: await setup_entity(var, config, "camera")
+    async def _do() -> None:
+        await _setup_entity_impl(var_or_platform, config, platform)
+        finalize_entity_strings(var_or_platform, config)
+
+    return _do()
+
+
+async def _setup_entity_impl(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType, platform: str) -> None:
+    """Set up generic properties of an Entity (internal implementation).
 
     This function sets up the common entity properties like name, icon,
     entity category, etc.
@@ -92,12 +304,15 @@ async def setup_entity(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType, platform: str) -> None:
         add(var.set_disabled_by_default(True))
     if CONF_INTERNAL in config:
         add(var.set_internal(config[CONF_INTERNAL]))
+    icon_idx = 0
     if CONF_ICON in config:
         # Add USE_ENTITY_ICON define when icons are used
         cg.add_define("USE_ENTITY_ICON")
-        add(var.set_icon(config[CONF_ICON]))
+        icon_idx = register_icon(config[CONF_ICON])
     if CONF_ENTITY_CATEGORY in config:
         add(var.set_entity_category(config[CONF_ENTITY_CATEGORY]))
+    # Store icon index for finalize_entity_strings
+    config[_KEY_ICON_IDX] = icon_idx
 
 
 def inherit_property_from(property_to_inherit, parent_id_property, transform=None):
diff --git a/esphome/core/hal.h b/esphome/core/hal.h
index ef45be629d3..c2c9b1a325e 100644
--- a/esphome/core/hal.h
+++ b/esphome/core/hal.h
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ void arch_feed_wdt();
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_cycle_count();
 uint32_t arch_get_cpu_freq_hz();
 uint8_t progmem_read_byte(const uint8_t *addr);
+const char *progmem_read_ptr(const char *const *addr);
 uint16_t progmem_read_uint16(const uint16_t *addr);
 
 }  // namespace esphome
diff --git a/script/clang-tidy b/script/clang-tidy
index 17bcafacc79..9c2899026d2 100755
--- a/script/clang-tidy
+++ b/script/clang-tidy
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ def clang_options(idedata):
             "-Dpgm_read_byte_near(s)=(*(const uint8_t *)(s))",
             "-Dpgm_read_word(s)=(*(const uint16_t *)(s))",
             "-Dpgm_read_dword(s)=(*(const uint32_t *)(s))",
+            "-Dpgm_read_ptr(s)=(*(const void *const *)(s))",
             "-DPROGMEM=",
             "-DPGM_P=const char *",
             "-DPSTR(s)=(s)",
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/sensor/test_sensor.py b/tests/component_tests/sensor/test_sensor.py
index 35ce1f4e11b..221e7edf2c3 100644
--- a/tests/component_tests/sensor/test_sensor.py
+++ b/tests/component_tests/sensor/test_sensor.py
@@ -11,4 +11,4 @@ def test_sensor_device_class_set(generate_main):
     main_cpp = generate_main("tests/component_tests/sensor/test_sensor.yaml")
 
     # Then
-    assert 's_1->set_device_class("voltage");' in main_cpp
+    assert "s_1->set_entity_strings(" in main_cpp
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/text_sensor/test_text_sensor.py b/tests/component_tests/text_sensor/test_text_sensor.py
index 1593d0b6d8e..4aaebe04d1c 100644
--- a/tests/component_tests/text_sensor/test_text_sensor.py
+++ b/tests/component_tests/text_sensor/test_text_sensor.py
@@ -54,5 +54,5 @@ def test_text_sensor_device_class_set(generate_main):
     main_cpp = generate_main("tests/component_tests/text_sensor/test_text_sensor.yaml")
 
     # Then
-    assert 'ts_2->set_device_class("timestamp");' in main_cpp
-    assert 'ts_3->set_device_class("date");' in main_cpp
+    assert "ts_2->set_entity_strings(" in main_cpp
+    assert "ts_3->set_entity_strings(" in main_cpp
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/core/test_entity_helpers.py b/tests/unit_tests/core/test_entity_helpers.py
index a58d4784cee..a5cfad5ab69 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/core/test_entity_helpers.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/core/test_entity_helpers.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from esphome.config_validation import Invalid
 from esphome.const import (
     CONF_DEVICE_ID,
     CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT,
+    CONF_ENTITY_CATEGORY,
     CONF_ICON,
     CONF_ID,
     CONF_INTERNAL,
@@ -18,6 +19,8 @@ from esphome.const import (
 )
 from esphome.core import CORE, ID, entity_helpers
 from esphome.core.entity_helpers import (
+    _register_string,
+    _setup_entity_impl,
     entity_duplicate_validator,
     get_base_entity_object_id,
     setup_entity,
@@ -305,7 +308,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_no_duplicates(setup_test_environment: list[str]) ->
         CONF_NAME: "Temperature",
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
-    await setup_entity(var1, config1, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var1, config1, "sensor")
 
     # Get object ID from first entity
     object_id1 = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
@@ -319,7 +322,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_no_duplicates(setup_test_environment: list[str]) ->
         CONF_NAME: "Humidity",
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
-    await setup_entity(var2, config2, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var2, config2, "sensor")
 
     # Get object ID from second entity
     object_id2 = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
@@ -354,7 +357,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_different_platforms(
     object_ids: list[str] = []
     for var, platform in platforms:
         added_expressions.clear()
-        await setup_entity(var, config, platform)
+        await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, platform)
         object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
         object_ids.append(object_id)
 
@@ -416,7 +419,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_with_devices(
     object_ids: list[str] = []
     for var, config in [(sensor1, config1), (sensor2, config2)]:
         added_expressions.clear()
-        await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+        await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
         object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
         object_ids.append(object_id)
 
@@ -438,7 +441,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_empty_name(setup_test_environment: list[str]) -> Non
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
     # Should use friendly name
@@ -460,7 +463,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_special_characters(
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
     object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
 
     # Special characters should be sanitized
@@ -471,7 +474,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_special_characters(
 async def test_setup_entity_with_icon(setup_test_environment: list[str]) -> None:
     """Test setup_entity sets icon correctly."""
 
-    added_expressions = setup_test_environment
+    setup_test_environment  # noqa: F841 - fixture initializes CORE state
 
     var = MockObj("sensor1")
 
@@ -481,12 +484,10 @@ async def test_setup_entity_with_icon(setup_test_environment: list[str]) -> None
         CONF_ICON: "mdi:thermometer",
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
-    # Check icon was set
-    assert any(
-        'sensor1.set_icon("mdi:thermometer")' in expr for expr in added_expressions
-    )
+    # Check icon index was stored in config for finalize_entity_strings
+    assert config.get("_entity_icon_idx", 0) > 0
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
@@ -504,7 +505,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_disabled_by_default(
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: True,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     # Check disabled_by_default was set
     assert any(
@@ -790,7 +791,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_empty_name_with_device(
         CONF_DEVICE_ID: device_id,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     entity_helpers.get_variable = original_get_variable
 
@@ -826,7 +827,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_empty_name_with_mac_suffix(
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     # For empty-name entities, Python passes 0 - C++ calculates hash at runtime
     assert any('set_name("", 0)' in expr for expr in added_expressions), (
@@ -858,7 +859,7 @@ async def test_setup_entity_empty_name_with_mac_suffix_no_friendly_name(
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     # For empty-name entities, Python passes 0 - C++ calculates hash at runtime
     assert any('set_name("", 0)' in expr for expr in added_expressions), (
@@ -891,9 +892,84 @@ async def test_setup_entity_empty_name_no_mac_suffix_no_friendly_name(
         CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
     }
 
-    await setup_entity(var, config, "sensor")
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
 
     # For empty-name entities, Python passes 0 - C++ calculates hash at runtime
     assert any('set_name("", 0)' in expr for expr in added_expressions), (
         f"Expected set_name with hash 0, got {added_expressions}"
     )
+
+
+def test_register_string_overflow() -> None:
+    """Test _register_string raises ValueError when max count is exceeded."""
+    category: dict[str, int] = {}
+    for i in range(3):
+        _register_string(f"val_{i}", category, 3, "test")
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Too many unique test values"):
+        _register_string("overflow", category, 3, "test")
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_setup_entity_with_entity_category(
+    setup_test_environment: list[str],
+) -> None:
+    """Test setup_entity sets entity_category correctly."""
+    added_expressions = setup_test_environment
+    var = MockObj("sensor1")
+    config = {
+        CONF_NAME: "Temperature",
+        CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
+        CONF_ENTITY_CATEGORY: "diagnostic",
+    }
+    await _setup_entity_impl(var, config, "sensor")
+    assert any(
+        'set_entity_category("diagnostic")' in expr for expr in added_expressions
+    )
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_setup_entity_direct_call(setup_test_environment: list[str]) -> None:
+    """Test setup_entity in direct call mode (legacy / backward compat)."""
+    added_expressions = setup_test_environment
+
+    var = MockObj("camera1")
+    config = {
+        CONF_NAME: "My Camera",
+        CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
+        CONF_ICON: "mdi:camera",
+    }
+
+    # Direct call mode: await setup_entity(var, config, "camera")
+    await setup_entity(var, config, "camera")
+
+    # Should have called set_name
+    object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
+    assert object_id == "my_camera"
+
+    # Icon index should have been stored and finalized
+    assert config.get("_entity_icon_idx", 0) > 0
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_setup_entity_decorator_mode(setup_test_environment: list[str]) -> None:
+    """Test setup_entity in decorator mode."""
+    added_expressions = setup_test_environment
+
+    body_called = False
+
+    @setup_entity("sensor")
+    async def my_setup(var, config):
+        nonlocal body_called
+        body_called = True
+
+    var = MockObj("sensor1")
+    config = {
+        CONF_NAME: "Temperature",
+        CONF_DISABLED_BY_DEFAULT: False,
+    }
+
+    await my_setup(var, config)
+
+    assert body_called
+    object_id = extract_object_id_from_expressions(added_expressions)
+    assert object_id == "temperature"